WESTLAND A. & P. ASSOCIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 20 October 1928, Page 6

WESTLAND A. & P. ASSOCIATION

The fact that the Annual Meeting of the Association called for Saturday, the 13th instant, lapsed lor want of a quorum, only some half dozen being in attendance, is a. sad commentary on the interest taken in this matter. It is to he hoped that the cause may he charged to the weather, rather than to apathy as one might conclude. One fact which the report to have been submitted, discloses is that members are sadly behind in keeping themselves financial, the alleged reason being that no shows are being held. There is also the possibility that some may be disposed to take exception to the management of the affairs of the Association and to imply that there has been extravagance in finance, since the executive are wrestling with a debit balance. A better acquaintance with details of the working of the Association. and a little thought should, however, make it clear that neither of such reasons is a sound one. A short review of the position and of the facts leading up to the present position may help to enlighten many who are disposed at present to stand aloof from this very useful organisation. When the annual show was revived in 1922, the most suitable place for holding same was on the local racecourse. which the club very■ generously granted the use of. Four shows were held in succession, the last being that held in H 926. following a two-day evelit. towards the end of the Westland Exhibition in 1924. The weather proved very wet, and in consequence the Racing Club found that such wear and tear occurred on the course, particularly to the enclosure and that portion of the track comprising the straight, that they stipulated a charge of a very substantial percentage mi the gross takings of the Show. The Show Committee took the whole position into consideration, and after much discussion and careful inspection, entered into' an arrangement with the Racing Club to lease to them at a nominal rental an area inside the tracks which would serve as a show ground. Ibis area was in much cf its natural condition, both wet and rough, and required putting into order. The cost of this was to he met for the time being from an accommodation from the Ban c. Such -was arranged on the guarantee of some eight- members of the Association. The principal and first work was drainage. To levels laid off by a qualified surveyor, who gave his services free, a system of drains was put down in the area. The drainage being completed, time was required in which to allow for the effect of same. Meanwhile' considetable 'further labour was spent in clearing away rushes, etc. and levelling off the ground. Altogether a sum of' £147 14s was then spent cm the work mentioned. The Committee had in view further work of ploughing the area when fit, and laying it down in grass. This would no doubt have provided an excellent show ground, as the work clone already was having .effect. Matters stood at this stage when the Association’s affairs came to be reviewed at the ensuing Annual Meeting ,in October 1926. The last Show, as”had been fhe case in previous years, just ■'bmit paid its way, but in this hist nee there was a feeling that the public and exhibitors had not responded to tlm appeals by and efforts of the execut 1 e. to the extent anticipated. It had been bored that such would have resulted in a surplus towards the mitlay of the preceding year. The result was that a majority decided that if no show were held for a year or two. possibly there might later he renewed interest and support. There remained however the liability incurred to the Bank, in respect of .-which onlv the returns from members’ annual subscriptions were available. This, after two seasons, is the present position, which has led the Committee to make special appeal to members. It is certainly not mismanagement of the Shows, nor extravagant overhead expenses, wl ich has placed the Association in its present state, but honest- and considered efforts to provide a suitable and attractive site on which Shows may be held. The Committee hope and trust that their work mav not he misjudged, hut that members'will rally ■ round and see the Association through a lean time', to the extent at least of paving their an mud subscriptions of 10s 6(1. thereby taking at least some of the liability off the slioulclei s of the guarantors.