TARANAKI A. & P. SOCIETY

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2787, 3 June 1916, Page 11

TARANAKI A. & P. SOCIETY

A SOUND POSITION

FINE FINANCIAL RECOVERY

A good deal of interest is being taken by Northern Taranaki in tlio Winter Show which opens in New Plymouth 'this week. .Tlic Taranaki Agricultural Society was founded over 10 years ago, and the first secretary ' was Mr, J.' 11. Coimett, the father of the present president. The earliest shows were held at llell Block, and subsequent shows took place ill St. Germaiu's Square. New Plymouth. For the last fifteen or twenty years tho New Plyniouth racecourse has been used as the show ground. ' The society started in a small way, and gradually grew to be one of the recognised agricultural institutions of the DominionIts career, nevertheless, has been chequered, but owing to the patriotism of the farmers it has been held together, and is now in a strong position. The first president of the society was Mr. 'James Rattenbury, and among tho later presidents were: Messrs. N.qwtou King, Walter Ambury, and J. 8. Coimett. Mr. J. S. Connc-tt has held tho office for the last three years.

With its annual stock show, the society did a great deal of good, the encouragement it olt'oral farmers to breed highclass animals being a means of effecting great improvements in the quality of the etoclc of the. district.

. About five years ago tho Coronation Hall wiis built on a portion of the freehold property in St. Germain's Square, for Winter Show purposes. Last year the building and the land on which it stands were sold to the Defence Department, and 104 acres of the Department's property at AYaiwakaiho was acquired. Oil" account of the improved position of the society in the last twelve .months it lias been.decided to erect buildings and pens at AYaiwakaiho, and hold the next show there.

The .new. show grounds will be very convenient to the -town-—about two mile's awtiy and.only half a milo from'the pre.v.'.rrt terminus of the electric trams.

■The reason of ' the . society being alile ui ito this is that. its membership .has recently been increased very largely 'through : the energy the president has devoted'to the good cause of keeping the association afloat.-Twelve mouths-ago the membership was about !150, whereas today there are 1030 members, 920 of whom lire'"financial.'' That-,is evidence. of- a wonderful year's work. - The society, instead of dying for. want of' funds and Biipport; ,:is in.' a . better. position ' than ever • before, and its prospects are very bright. The, farming -community, is'taking mi increased 'ntereil: ■iv',iln show..