HELENSVILLE A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 19 July 1917, Page 3

HELENSVILLE A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL MEETING

THE annual meeting of the Hel.ensville A. and P. Association was held in the Agricultural Hall on Monday evening last, when there were about 25 members present. Mr H. Aitkenhead occupied the chair. Before the business of the show was commenced a resolution of condolence was passed sympathising with the relatives of those who had fallen while fighting for the safety of their country in this great war. The resolution was carried in silence. The minutes of the last general meeting were read and confirmed. The Secretary read the balance sheet which disclosed a small profit on the last year's show. After some little discussion the position of the affairs of the association was considered satisfactory by the members and the balance sheet was adopted. SECRETARY'S REPORT. The year has again been a record one for the Association, notwithstanding the fact that this fearful war is still raging, and continually depleting our members as evidenced by the shortage of men on Show Day, and particularly do we notice it in the, Hall classes by the shortage of exhibits in every section, proving: the fact that our women are too busy with patriotic work and making comforts for our boys at the front (and God knows they need it) to give any time to fancywork and the like. We hope and trust that peace may .come to the nations, and we shall have the pleasure of welcoming our boys home again. Roll of Honour—lt is with deep regret that since the year ended, I have to report that (life-member) G. H. Nicholls died on June Bth, after nearly three, years of active service. The Association takes this opportnnity to extend to his relatives their sincere and deepest sympathy pn the loss of such a willing and useful member. Members now serving at the front are Captains Coates and White, Messrs 0. McLeod, J. 0. Ferrall, C. H. Ferrall, E.1 Garry, C. E. Wharton, G. E. Murphy, J. Reynard, A. McLeod, G. McDonald, J. McAdam, M. Adlington; also J. C, Rimmer, who is making munitions of war. Returned—W. H. Drinnan, A. Berger. The Association had the honour of entertaining the N.A. Development and Parliamentary Tourists at the Show, arrangements having been made some six months before for them to visit here on that day. The Board expressed delight at the class of horses, cattle, and sheep, and were quite convinced that the North was capable of holding its own with the Southern districts. A high compliment was also paid to the Association on the fine arrangement of the Show, also of the suitable and spacious hall with its excellent and extensiva grounds and surroundings, and ■to the Committee for the competent management with which the Show had been carried out. The General Committee have held five meetings; the Executive, eight; the Ground, one; and the .Ladies', one. These meetings have been well attended manifesting an encouraging sign for the future of the Association. The business has been carried on in perfect harmony, every member working with the one object we have in view—the advancement of the agricultural interests of the North. Membership—l am pleased to report that 30 new members have joined this year. The Committee would urge upon the members the necessity of getting more and more new members. By this means we can spread the interests of the Association, which would mean the swelling of the funds also. The Auckland Association has decided to ask every member to get another member during the year or pay an extra guinea. The Show was in every way a brilliant success, showing record entries in almost all classes, especially in the horses, cattle, and sheep. The President's Cup, for most points in stock classes, attracted keen competition, and was won by the Te Kokopu Estate with 57 points. The trophy presented by Mrs H. Aitkenhead for most points in Hall classes was won by Miss E. Bradly with 60 points. The total number of entries was 1500 excluding school work, showing an increase of nearly 200 on the previous Show. Draught Stock —51 entries; increase 29, and the stock reflect great credit on the breeders, Blood Stock, Harness Horses, and Hunters—This section was particularly good, but better arrangements must,be made in getting these classes off, or else they must be divided and another judge appointed, as some exhibitors had to get away before the events could be judged in order that they might truck their horses back the same night. Riding Competitions—Little interest ' was shown in this direction. The3e events must be got off earlier in the day, otherwise they will have to be cut out. Cattle Section—Shorthorns, 64 entries ; increase 24. Ayrshires, 9 entries ; increase 2. Fresians, 58 entries; increase 18 ; This class again showed some fine cattle, and I am pleased to report that the N.Z. Fresian Association's gold medal was won by Mr G. W". Sim, with 14 points; following in order: H. B. Buscombe (Kumeu) 8 points, and Jas. Newman 6 points. Channel Island Jerseys, 54 entries ; increase 25. Dairy cattle, 51 entries ; increase 17.

Milk Test Competition—This competition took place on November 21st and 22nd. The test was taken from two milkings, and brought forth some keen competition. The number of entries received was 28, an increase of 8. The results were : A. Taylor 1, Jas. Hand 2, A. Taylor 3. | Fat Cattle and Stores—47 entries, increase 29. Included in this section was a special class for" best fat Fresian bullock with Ist prize of £3 3s given by the Fresian Association ; this was won by Mr Jas. McLeod (13801bs). Polled Angus—This wag a new class introduced this year. There were eight entries by the Ti Kokopu Estate. Sheep Section —142 entries ; an in- ' crease of 30 entries. Pigs—This section was again very poor, there being only 8 entries; an increase of 2. The entries for the cattle and sheep sections were highly gratifying to the Committee, and with a proportionate increase 1918 Show should be second to none outside Auckland. Dairy Produce—lß entries ; decrease 2 Fiald and Garden Produce—73 entries; decrease 4. Fruit—3l entries ; decrease 1. Mr J. Campbell of Helensville presented a fine display of fruit for " exhibition only " ; the fruit was given to the Red Cross and realised £20. Horticultural—67 entries ; increase 4. This was the best display we have ever I had in this section, some fine exhibits being brought from Auckland by Mr Raisher, also attractive exhibit from the Bennet and Green Co., which added greatly to the decorative appearance of the Hall. Preserves, Jams, etc. —65 entries ; decrease 13. Bread and Cakes—23s entries; decrease 15. 26 entries were received for the pound cake alone. Wood Carving and Painttng—2l entries ; same as last year. Needlework—l4l entries; decrease 20. It will be noted that in these industrial sections a decrease is shown in nearly all classes, evidencing the fact that the call for soldiers' comforts is sadly depleting this section. The Baby Show—This being a new class introduced this year brought forth keen competition,- there being 17 good specimens of the rising generation shown. If this class is to be continued I would suggest that a charge be made for admission to cover at' least the cost of tent hire. The school work was of a very high standard, the judge complimenting the schools of the North on the good class of work exhibited, especially in the drawings from nature studies and map drawing. Improvements — Additional improvements have been made to the grounds this year by tile draining the main portion of the ground, and as we still have some 2000 tiles on hand these should be put in to further improve the ground. Some tree planting has also been done betweeen the cattle and horse pens. Tile drains have been put in under the Hall, and this has had the effect of keeping the floor in better condition than heretofore. Other matters that require attention are the lighting and seating of the Hall. If this were done we would have a better chance of getting some more revenue for it. The spouting requires immediate attention, being blocked up with pine needles and other refuse, causing th-e water to overflow and damage the building. The concreting of the ground floor is a matter that should be proceeded with without delay, and we might then have a chance of re-letting the place, as on account of the damp the previous tenant had to give it up. A fence should also be erected round the Hall to keep cattle and horses away from the building. The thanks of the Association are due to the President for the two years of progressive work, and weeks of solid graft he has put in, which- brings the Association into its present progressive state, and marks an epoch in its history, and has laid down a foundation for a better and more successful future.

In conclusion, I gratefully thank those members who have from time to time helped and advised me in my many and varied duties-, and trust they will give the incoming secretary all the assistance necessary to carry on the work of the Association with success.

PRESENTATION

Before vacating the chair Mr Aitkenhead said he had a pleasing duty to perform and had pleasure in presenting the N.Z. Fresian Association's gold medal to Mr Q. W. Sim for the most points in the Fresian classes. Mr Sims suitably replied.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS President—W. J. Ellett, Esq. Vice-Presidents — Messrs Jas. Hand and N. W. Rimraer. Ground Committee—Messrs H. Aitkenhead, J. McLeod, J. A. Wilson, Jas. Hand, C. H. Spinley W. J. Ellett and M. Rimmer. Auditors— Messrs White and Stringer. Mr L. L. Bailey asked to be relieved of the duties of secretary and treasurer; but no notice was taken of his appeal to get out of office. Additional names were added to the Executive, General and Ladies' Committees, and a number of new members were elected members of the Association.

NOTICES OF MOIION 1- —That member's annual subscription be raised tq £1 Is per

annum, instead of 10s as previous, 2. —That the principal of becoming a life member for £5 be rescinded and that the fee be raised to £10. The treasurer's report will appear in next issue.