SHOW IS ABANDONED

Chronicle (Levin), 7 January 1948, Page 4

SHOW IS ABANDONED

— ? — . Mr. Kiisby then moved/'that in the interests of the public of the district, the 1948 show, be abandoned." • Much discussion by members followed, each speaker being in favour of the show heing abandoned or postponed. In seconding the motion, Mr. -S. W. Barber said that if the show was held, any future cases of paralysis would be blamed on the association. This was reason enough for abandoiiihg it. "Last year had been one of the biggest shows in the association's history, yet the revenue netted from it had not been great. This year, if it was proceeded with, there would be little or no profit.

He agreed with the chairman and Mr. Barber, said Mr. C. E. C. Webb, . but from the reports in the papers it seemed that the epidemic was . 'waning. He asked if it was possible to postpone the show for a month or two. Exhibitors would need at least one month's notice to prepare s their stoek for a show*. Jja The restrictions would not lifted until the whole of New Zealand was clear, said Mr. H. J. Lancaster. This was not likely in view of the present spell of hot weather. It might continue for another two or three months., In the interests of public health the show should be abandoned, he said. It was a most unfortunate happening, but he ha'd doubts as to , whether the show could be made a success at this stage, said Mr. F. O. Malcolm, The association would experienee a great loss if it decided to hold the 'fixture./He would like to' see the show postponed for six Weeks or two months, but this would not be of any use to the exhibitors of sheep. He thought that all arrangements should be abandoned immediately. If it would not be reasonably easy for exhibitors to • carry on with their stock for another, two months, then the show should be stopped, said Mr. J. Todd. If it would cause any inconvenience to the exhibitors, then there was no use in carrying on. The sheep section, the obly portion affeeted, was not very large In the Horowhenua show, . commented Mr. Kiisby. However, if the meeting decided to postpone tho show, they would require the co- ' operation of all other associations in order to link up the circuit again. There were two points to c'onsider, said Mr. J. Blenkhorn. Firstly, there was the association's moral duty to the public, and secondly, the financial position. If carried on with, the show would prove a financial loss.

The motion was then carried unanimously. The chairman said that he was very pleased that the committee had taken this action. A provisional balance-sheet had been drawn up by the .secretary, Mr.' J, E. Fullarton, and it revealed that if the subscriptions were cut by half for the year and every member paid promptly, it would be possible to "square" the accounts, commented Mr. Kiisby. Members would "Tiave to realise that considerable expenditure had been made already, such as advertising, the printing of schedules and preparing the grounds. It was decided to cut the subscriptions by half for the current year.