FRANKLIN A. & P. SOCIETY

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 485, 27 June 1919, Page 1

FRANKLIN A. & P. SOCIETY

President's Annual Report In the course of his annual report, the President of the above Society (Mr Dynes Fulton) makes some comments that should be taken to heart by everyone having an interest in the welfare of the district. It is to be hoped that the meeting to be held on Wednesday will be well attended. The report reads: "The thirty-fourth year of this Society has been an eventful one in many ways. It has witnessed the ceasing of hostilities in the most terrific and gigantic war history has ever seen. It is now the wish of us all that a permanent and lasting peace may soon be signed. Many of onr soldiers are already back, and we are looking forward in the near future to a closer settlement policy, which will bring a tide of prosperity to this Dominion. "As a Society we escaped the worst effects of the epidemic, as, unlike some kindred Societies, we were not forced to foTego our Show. At the same time, it prevented a proper canvass being made in the city for pri."e donations, and our balance sheet shows a 'falling off in that respect. We regret that through the influenza epidemic we lost two energetic members of our committee —viz., Messrs H. Craig and M. Ballard. Our Society will miss the work of both these gentlemen on onr behalf. "In presenting our thirty-fourth annual report and balance sheet we would like to point out that the overdraft on our general account is reduced to £450, thanks to those who so generously donated £5 each; and I with to thank those gentlemen who so kindly assisted us. There is still £l4O to collect from this source, but we have every confidence that this will be paid at an early date. ''The most unsatisfactory part about this year's report and balance sheet is the members' list. Last year, including junior members, we collected £IBB 2s Cd from about 490 members; while £242 is unpaid in outstanding subscriptions. It is a poor showing for a district like this, with an estimated population of 10,000. If the back subscriptions and donations were paid our overdraft would be practically wiped out. " While our Society is holding its own with kindred Societies in the Auckland province, at the same time Agricultural Associations in the Auckland province are not making that rapid progress that they are in other parts of the Dominion. The Southland A. and P. Association have put up yards, pens, etc., in ferro-concrete at a cost of £IO,OOO, and this sum has been donated to the Society after a canVHas for it in the district. When we consider that Auckland is the most prosperous and wealthy province in the Dominion it is a disgrace that the A. and P. Societies in it should be so unfinancial. "To return to our Society, a strong effort should be made to increase the membership to 1,200. Every intelligent man should be a member. In Scotch Invercargill they know and appreciate the value of Shows; it is near time the people of this province also learned to appreciate them. During the next four months the Secretary will be canvassing for new members ; so if existing members will only assist him we might very materially increase the membership I now take this opportunity of thanking all those who so materially assisted during last yr-ar."