THE Pukekohe and Waiuku Times PUBLISHED ON TUESDAY AND FRIDAY AFTERNOONS. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1917 FRANKLIN A. AND P. SOCIETY.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 250, 13 February 1917, Page 2

THE Pukekohe and Waiuku Times PUBLISHED ON TUESDAY AND FRIDAY AFTERNOONS.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1917 FRANKLIN A. AND P. SOCIETY.

'' We nothing extenuate, nor let down auaht in malice."

In view cf the annual show of the Franklin A. and P. Society, to take place next wesk, as also of the attempt to be made to-morrow (Wednesday) to dispose by auction of the yet uneold portions of the old showground as a means of assisting the Society in the time of ics financial stress, it is fitting to refer to the claims the Society has on the public of the Lower Waikato for cordial support to its working. Founded just 32 years ago the Pukekobe Show, starting in small way, has risen to become what is admittedly one of the leading gatherings cf the kind in the Auckland province. Money-making is not, and has never been, the aim of the Society, as practically its entire revenue, less working expenses, is paid out in prize money as a means of advertising the district, aiding farmers in the raising and improvement ot stick, encouraging attention being Riven to household comforts as the outcome of home industries' competitions, and providing a day's (or couple of days') recreation for the people of the district. The Society through its annual Show has been directly responsible tor the advent to the Lower Waikato of many hew and desirable settlers, who have been induced to make their homes in our midst after gaining knowledge of the district's capabilities as evinced by the exhibits at the Show. Every year has wituessed great progress and the respective executives in office have been quick to adopt new features and inaugurate new schemes when satisfied that such would either assist the show or add to tfie comfort of patrons. Much as the Executive may strive, however, the £. s. d. aspect is the most important if the Ssciety's objects are to be achieved. Unfortunately too many residents overlook the necessity of "coming to light" with their membership fees and thi i tends to handicap the Executive in its management ot att'airß. Thin again not a few representatives ot both the farming and busioers communities neglect altogether to recognise that to the Society tbey owe a debt of

gratitude for promoting their interests, and they refrain from shouldering any responsibilities ai members by not contributing subscription tees. Thus the Society is confronted by an uphill task, rendered all the more difficult by so many of its most active and loyal supporters being away at the war upholding the cause of the British Empire. Therefore we would urge tbat these lines should be taken as a "Call to Arms" by the people of the Lower Waikato, whose way or age in life precludes them from going to the front. The Franklin A. and P. Society should receive their wholehearted support not only by attendance at next week's show, but by a swollen membership list, ard in the case of the capitalist or individual in search of a town sration bv the purchase to-morrow of one ur more lots of the old showground.