NEWS AND NOTES.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14974, 22 May 1914, Page 3

NEWS AND NOTES.

XOKCTIEEX A. AST) P-

ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL REPORT

The report prepared for tho jinuual meeting of the Northern A. and P- Association, to be held at Rangiora on Wednesday next, is as follows: —

It is with regret, that the Committee reports tho depletion of the Association's membership list by the death of some of its oldebt and most valued supporters, anel places on re>cord its very sincere appreciation of tho ■' invaluable past services of the late Mr Thomas Pashby. of Woolston —ono of tho builders of tho Association, • and of tho late Mr Joseph Stalker. of W T oodend, a member of the general committee tor many years. In the- death of tho late-. Mr D. D. Macfarlaue, of-Lyndon,- not- only has this Association sulfered the l«.s of an old and valued member, hut tho province ;is i wliolo mourns one whose interest** and services were always available for tho lienefit- of tho farming community.

A retrospect of lust- year's agricultural and pastoral operations affords proof of steady advancement. An important move wa.s made in tho estabii:>liment of an Advisory Board, which brings tho paramount business of the farmers and stock' owners of the Dominion into closer relation with the administration of tho Government, and affords means whereby tho large productions from station and farm may bo- placed to tho best advantage on the j.remior market* of tho world.

The'recent harvest was not ono of great yield::. There has been a .steady sale lor sheep at sound price*-. A regrettable strike occurred to add to the difficulties of those who aJ. best depend mainly on the treasons tor their crops, the yield of butter, ar.d the suecow; of stock sales, and hence, have air.'ays an anxious timo in their efforts to prosecute the truest commercial interests for the benefit of all classes of the community.

The Association, it is pleasing to report, still flourishes and grows. Members continue to loyally support, it with wibtcriptions and private prizes, and by the exhibition of their stock. It is cheering, too, that the care in tho breeding and the presenting of the exhibits, and the increasing reveuue from the attendance at the two shows of the year givo proof of a'hearty co-operation for the Society's welfare.

Tho Committee offers its host congratulations upon the nrosperiiy of the Association, which since 1805 has been coincident with the years of office held by Mr Clarksou, who now concludes his second year as presidont. The attainment of the position occupied by our Society is second 'only' to the Metropolitan Association. The predecessors of present officers built on-'.a siifo foundation laid by previous presidents, and tho outgoing commit too by its most regular and large attendances has fully upheld its traditions.

.As shown by tho/balancc-shcet, the receipts for lfU3-M cannot-be termed altogether satisfactory, the outstanding etc.-totalling no less than £160. In view of tho liabilities'.-to bo met shortly, tho Finance Committee trusts that members will realise their responsibilities at an early date. "The Winter Show Comniittco is to be congratulated on the results of its 1014 venture, the net returns .showiug.a betterment of -£2o ISs Td oii" ijnvlWKV Show." .''"Features of this year s Show were the Department of Agriculture's display, the'Rangibra.High School's exhibit,"and Mr R. Mcintosh's excellent collection of 'farm produce. The Committee appeals to members for more support in the Grain and Root section. The Spring Show waa, as usual, a decided success.' ' - ' • The entries for the horse parade wero up to the'average, hut tho attendance thereat of. the public-was again somewhat sparse. '~.,'. i A very wet and stormy day militated against the financial success of tho Ploughing Match held last year on.Mr P. AshworthV farm at Balcairn. The credit balance "of £53 from previous matches suffered considerably, and now stands at £17.65. Under tho able and valued supervision of the chairman, Mr Charles King, the accommodation aud appearance o. tho grounds have been materially improved, the cost of tho various alterations and of the levelling of another acre of ground, £132 7s Id, being monoy well spent. ■''~' .In conclusion, the Association s very hearty thanks are tendered to all of its numerous and willing officials and, to the Press- for its detailed reportsof tho Society's doings. . - The total expenditure was £10-'/ los Bd, and the debit balance was £69 - 6s. 6dl -Tho balance of assete ovor liabilities was £i 160.35.