PLAINS A. & P. ASSN.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4892, 19 October 1925, Page 3

PLAINS A. & P. ASSN.

ART UNION PROPOSAL. SCHEME ADOPTED. A general, meeting of members of the Hauraki Planis A. and P. Association was held in the Kerepeehi Hall on Wednesday evening, there being present : Messrs C. Loving, A. J. Innes, W. Herkt, H. Hoff, A. McMillan, W. Shilton, A. Hogg, J. Murdoch. C. Pearce, J. Hands, C. Calander, A. Middleton, and W. Booth, secretary. In connection with the proposal to organise an art union to raise funds to put the association on a. sound financial, basis the secretary reported that five (settlers of Kerepeehi had agreed to act as joint and several guarantors for the sum of £5OO, as required by the’ Minister for Internal Affairs. He had written to motor-car importers concerning the securing of a car, as the first prize with varying results, the most satisfactory offer being a reduction on a £3oo'-odd car. Appeals to big mercantile firms to advertise on .the back of the art union tickets had met with a refusal from every firm approached.

The chairman said it was necessary to decide whether the association should go on with the proposal to hold an art union.

. Mr Hoff moved, and Mr A. McMillan seconded, that an art union be organised. The chairman pointed out that a great deal of work would be entailed. An organiser would have to be appointed for three or four months, and there Would be a great deal of expense. It would be disastrous if the proposal was not a success and the guarantors were called upon.

No discussion followed, and the motion was put and carried. The secretary reported that he had written to the (secretaries of two art unions recently held seeking information on the running of an art union. One secretary had not replied and the other had sent a lengthy but vague letter. He had pointed out that printing and advertising had cost £lO,OOO, but he did not state what the gross proceeds or the profit had been. M r P. R. Henry pointed out thatthe proposal was a very i)ig one and should receive very carefuly consideration. No discussion followed, and Mr J. Murdoch moved? that -Mr W. Booth be appointed, organiser. Mr Booth suggested advertising for ah outside organiser who had had experience. Mr Murdoch thought a local organiser would be preferable. .. ■ Mr P. R. Henry moved that a committee be set up to run the art union. Seconded by Mr Pearce and cai'ried. Mr Henry;-then called for nomination, and it was suggested that the five guarantors be on the committee. It was agreed that the guarantors >be ex-officio members of the management committee. The committee appointed comprised Messrs H. Hoff,. W. Shilton, W. Booth, C. Peace, A. J. Innes, and J. Murdoch. - In reply to Mr Murdoch Mr Henry said that the committee would have full power to conduct ,the art union. Discussion ensued as to what the prizes should be, and on Mr Booth’s motion, seconded by Mr Murdoch, it was decided that the first prize would be the mctor-c.ar, valued at £333 ; the second prize £lOO, the third £5O, and seventeen £1 prizes. < The secretary was deputed to formally apply to the Minister for Internal Affairs for permission to- hold the art union on .the lines_already indicated. For the of the application the date bf the drawing of the art union was fixed at nine months' from the date of the granting of permission. Tickets would be 2s each or 11 for £l. .

Discussing the financing of the scheme the secretary pointed out tnat. the association had no funds whatever. He was receiving accounts with strong footnotes. Recently he had secured an overdraft of £3O from the bank .to pay the half-year’s interest on the showground, >as the mortgagee had threatened' to foreclose.

Members commented that when the creditors saw’ that the association was endeavouring to raise money by the .art union they would be patient. The secretary said he would very much like to be relieved of the position of secretary, and would like to see the officers of the association appointed for the year.

Mr Henry said that the election of officers should be proceeded with. Mr W. Booth moved, and Mr Peace seconded, that Mr P. R. Henry be president.—Carried. Mr Henry said he would rather retire, but would not like to leave the sinking ship. Mr Booth was appointed secretary on the motion of Mr J, Murdoch, seconded by Mr Henry. Mr Booth observed that he was of the same opinion as the president. AU members present were appointed .the management committee, with power to add to their number. Returning to the question of finance, the suggestion was made that the association should consider the advisability of holding, say, a boxing tournament.