CANTERBURY A. AND P. ASSOCIATION CRITICISED.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11510, 17 February 1903, Page 3

CANTERBURY A. AND P. ASSOCIATION CRITICISED.

«■■ DISCUSSION BY THE TIMARU ASSOCIATION. At a meeting of the Timaru A. and P. Association held on Saturday, a letter was read from the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, which raised quite a little storm of protest. The letter was orve stating that the Canterbury Association had decided to make an effort to acquire the freehold of their grounds, and asking the assistance of the Timaru Association in the project. Members of the Timaru Association expressed surprise at such a request coming from Christchurch, in view of the fact, as they said, that Christchurch always stood in the way of the Timaru Association whenever they attempted to improve their show by getting them held in rotation. The President said thds was like rubbing it in; it was adding insult to injury, and instead of working amicably with Timaru, the Christohurcb. Association had no hesitation in denying assistance when it was asked for; and yet when they wanted any thing they had no compunction in asking for it. Mr Hay said he must decline to countenance the Christchurch letter in any way. The Christchurch Association had ignored Timaru, both as regards the support they had given in the matter of exhibits, and the amount of time which had been given by judges from this district at the Christahurch shows- He felt that the ChristchuTch Association gave very scant courtesy to the Timaru Association. (Hear, hear.) Mr McLaren suggested that the letter should be simply "received." The President said no, they should go farther and iet the Christchuroh, Association know the reasons for their refusal. Mr McLaren said it wa_ certainly true that when the Timaru Association wanted to bring aR the shows into line for the general good, the Ohristchurch Association gave them no consideration, and for that reason he thought Timaru should not now assist Christchurch. The President said rt was pretty evident that the Christchurch As.sot-iar.ion were titd to the Canterbury Jockey Club in fixing their dates. It was finally decided that the President, Vice-president, and Secretary should draft a letter refusing the request of the Christchurch Association, and giving reasons for the refusal.