The NI. Poultry Association.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8191, 17 May 1906, Page 7

The NI. Poultry Association.

(To the Editor)

Sir,—ln a recent copy of your paper I saw a letter written by some Wellington fanciers with reference to the management of the affairs of the North Island Association, and also your comments on the matter. These gentlemen 1 have been b.y you of writing things which are inimical to the best interests of the Association. J I do not think they have intended to do anything of the kind. They are simply drawing the attention of readers to the fact that the Association is not doing its best in the interests of the feathered world; and there is not the slightest doubt there is a good deal of truth in what they say. No Association should ever get into the position where telling the truth would hurt it. The very fact that it has allowed itself to become the target for adverse criticism shows that there is something wrong. The Association was not formed for the purpose of making " Palmerston" the hub of the poultry world ; no, it was formed so that the best interests of the fanciers might be considered. From what I can see of the Association, its rules are simply being twisted about to suit a few of the members of what is termed the Manawatu Poultry Society, which only exists in name, so that the rule referring to championships not being allotted to Agricultural Societies can bo evaded.

You remarked that you had spoken to some of your local fanciers on the matter and found that such a state of things did not exist. There is no doubt the old saying is very true " That you must go away from home to learn the news." I might mention the dissatisfaction is so strong at this end of the Island that it has been suggested to drop the " Palmerston " Association and form a body to be known as the North Island Association, at which only legitimate poultry societies will be represented, so that the interests of the feather will not be whipped out of existence with a bit of " raw hide." In conclusion I would like to ask the following questions : — 1. Does the "Manawatu Poultry Society " exist ? 2. Who pays the prize money at tbe Winter Show'?

3. If the Society does exist, what do they get out of the proceeds ? I remain, yours faithfully, " Fancier."

[Taking " Fancier's " statements seriatim we come first to that in which he speaks about " telling the truth." For his information we point out once again that the N.I. Poultry Association consists of delegates from the various affiliated clubs in the North Island. For this reason any blame that may be cast on the delegates is also to be borne in part by the clubs that send them to the meetings. If " Fancier " is a member of one of the affiliated clubs, then he himself is really a party to the alleged shortcomings of the executive of the association. As to the rules " being twisted about to suit a few of the members," etc., we have excellent authority for saying that the statement has no foundation in fact. If "Fancier" had any grounds for his assertions he would surely give some instance of irregularity, something upon which it would be worth oar while to devote serious attention. The charge he makes of evasion is groundless. The Manawatu Poultry Association is an entirely separate body, having its own officers, rules, rates of subscription, and annual meeting. The only arrangement it has made with the A, and P. Society is as to its annual show. Instead of. having a small separate fixture of its own, it was deemed advisable to run it simultaneously with the winter show. Then as to "Fancier's" allegations about the " dissatisfaction that is so strong," it will suffice to state that they only emphasize his lack of knowledge of the work, constitution and representation of the N.I.P.A. We will now answer " Fancier's" questions in the same order as they put._ I No 1. Of course it does. j No. '2. Any prizewinner at the show will inform " Fancier " that all receipts and prize statements are on forms legibly inscribed " Manawatu Poultry Association." No. 3. We presume that the proceeds of the show are held tor the same purpose as in the case of any other society, i.e., tor the furtherance of the objects for which it was formed. It may he . desirable to add for " Fancier's" information that this paper regularly publishes reports of the meetings of the N.I.P.A.'s committee. In this very issue will be found reference to a meeting held yesterday afternoon in connection with poultry matters. —Ed. M.E.S.]