A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

Matamata Record, Volume III, Issue 154, 16 October 1919, Page 4

A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

N«w Ground Decided Upon. A special general meeting of the Mataraata Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held on Saturday last for the purpose of considering the suggested agreement in connection with taking a lease of part of the Matamata racecourse for a showground. The president Mr C. G. Payze, occupied the chair. The text of the agreement was that the Racing Club charge the Association £6O per year rental, but in the event of the Racing Club becoming that financial that it could do so, the club will reduce the rental to a peppercorn. The Club reserved the right to control the location of the Association’s buildings. It was also provided that either body would give the other the first refusal in the event of.it wishing to dispose of its interests.

In explaining points of the agreement Mr M. Hampson (solicitor) stated that the president of the Racing Club had instructed him to properly protect the Association in the agreement, recognising, on behalf of the Racing Club committee, that the Club, if it gained the influence it desired, had the duty of helping the Association to its utmost power. Mr J. F. Vosper said it appeared to him that the Racing Club wanted the Association to help it in its finances. The movement had grown very rapidly, and it seemed that the members of the Association committee had been working with the Racing Club. Had the Association endeavoured to get other grounds ? He would not be a party to joining in with the Club.

Mr J. W. Simpson said he was no more a racing man than Mr Vosper. He was not working •with the Racing Club and resented the imputation. He was keen on the Association obtaining a suitable ground, which would do for all time. The competitors had complained of the smallness of the ring, and he. believed that Mr Vosper was at the meeting when it was decided to look around for a new ground. Nothing more suitable than the suggested land could be found, and the Association had approached the Racing Club on the matter. The following motion was moved: “That the proposed agreement of lease of the Racing Club’s ground be accepted, subject to being ratified by the Club.” Vosper, “that the Association retains the present ground for this year’s show, and endeavours to secure another site before next year," did not get seconded. The motion was carried, Mr Vosper alone dissenting. It was proposed, and carried, that the general committee take steps to dispose of the grounds to the best advantage* and make arrangements for the removal of yards and sbedp. At a subsequent committee meeting it was resolved to call tenders for the purchase of the. Association’s grounds for cash or on terms.