FRANKLIN A. AND P. SOCIETY.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 598, 11 January 1921, Page 2

FRANKLIN A. AND P. SOCIETY.

INTERESTING HISTORY. PERIOD OF STEADY GROWTH. The thirty-sixth Autumn Show under the auspices of the Franklin A. and P. Society will be held on the Showgrounds on Friday and Saturday, February 25th and 26tb, 1921 In our last issue we dealt with events leading up to, and the lidding of the Winter Show. The following schedule will give readers an idea as to how the Society lias progressed since .1015. It must be remembered that up to 1511) was the war period.

Subscriptions. 1915 £285 10-. 1916 £245 7s. Cd. 1917 £460 Is Gd. 1918— £459 Os Gd. 1919 £-542 2s Cd. 1920 £721 ss. The subscription for 1915 and 1916 was 10s, while in 1917 it was increased to 111—a figure it now stands at. Entry Fees. 1915 £231 3s Gd. 1916 £217 15s. 1917—£21.7 Gs 3d, 1918— £193 9s 9d. 1919 £206 IDs 9d. 9920—£262 15s 3d. (Winter Show- -197 16s 9d.) Gate Takings. 1915 — 11243 15s Gd. 1916 £226 14s 9d. 1917—£182 4s. 1918— £238 3s sd. 1919 £226 5s 6d. 1920 £325 0s 9d. Although it will be seen from these figures that the financial position has been increased, it must be remembered that labour and material has increased in price considerably, in some cases double, as compared with the ruling rates in 1915. In fact, if it had not been for the self-sacrifice and the amount of voluntary labour given by members of the committee at show time, the balance-sheet would not reveal such a healthy position. The Society today is financially sound, as its assets are about £4OOO over, and above the liabilities.

The Franklin A and. P. Society cr

braces that tract of fertile land from Papakura to Rangiriri, and from East to West coasts. The Official Year Book for 1919 gives interesting reading. It shows that in Franklin there were 6392 horses, 8 asses and mules, 27,034 dairy cows, 33,059 cattle (including dairy cows), 53,964 sheep shorn in 1918-19, 25,495 lambs tailed, 8716 pigs, and 301 goats. Taking the whole of the Auckland province for comparison purpose a fact is at once revealed that the agricultural and pastoral industries of the province (of which Franklin forms part and parcel), are advancing at a greater rate than my other province in New Zealand. It already carries more cattle than the whole of the South Is’ancl. Auckland province is already famous for its dairying industry, which is already greater than that if any province, and it is making atcb rapid strides that it will soon be placed among the great dairying listricts of the world. Wc have in •nir midst the Pukekohe butler factory, which is claimed to be classed among the largest south of the line. The land itself is the most

areas are lying waste,, especially at Miranda and Wacranga. With its occupied lands only worked in the most primitive’, manner, it is obvious there is scope for immense expansion in farming, especially dairying and agriculture. We have now only to urn to the once barren Karaka land. Anyone that has seen the improvement that has been made in the Karaka district during the last few years, by scientific manuring and intense farming, must know that the whole of this district has a splendid future before it. There is nothing better that assists to further the interests of and to develop a district than a strong Agricultural and Pastoral Society, such as Franklin, that is in a position to conduct successful shows. Farmers attending their festival obtain object lessons in stock and produce. At a Winter Show, exhibits of roots and forage crops can be witnessed and much valuable information gained. Present indications, point to the forthcoming Autumn Show being highly successful. Just prior to the war a keen interest was being taken by young farmers in Agricultural. Societies and Shows, but during the years of the war', when the flower of the manhood of the Dominion was upholding the traditions of the British Empire, there was a rapid falling off in show prosperity. However, in some in-

(stances the war may turn out a blessing .in disguise, although there never can bo healed up the broken hearts of the grieved ones. During

theiJ absence our soldiers had an opportunity of viewing agriculture as it is practised on the Continent and

in England. They have returned with views, inspired to breed better stock and all. are keenly in sought of highly baed pedigree cattle, so that for the last year practically every show has revealed an upward tendency, while this year the indications arc that last year’s records will be smashed, and i 921 events will surpass all previous records. The schedule for the Society’s Autumn Show will shortly bo posted to members, and intending exhibitors. Increased prize money will- be given this year, amounting to £9OO. This has been brought about by the generosity of several donors. The various organisations of the Jersey breeders, as well as the farmers /n----tcrested in Jersey breeding, have

augmented the prize fund to the extent of about £I.OO, while the Shorthorn breeders are contributing

through different sources close on £2O, while others, imbued with a generous instinct, have come forward with substantial prizes in various classes.

The Society , is fortunate in having such able officers at the head of affairs. The President (Mr J. N. Massey) has taken a keen interest in the Society for a number of years. He is energetic in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the Society. He has entered upon his second year as President, and it was during his term of office that the Society launched out and held its first Winter Show.

The Secretary (Mr Dave Hamilton), lias been connected with the Society for the past sixteen or seventeen years, and during tin's time ho was senior Vice-President, and in

[l9ll and 1916 occupied the Presidential chair, and it was he who officiated at the opening ceremony at til(v present show grounds. For the last three years Mr Hamilton has officiated as Secretary, and . has proved himself to be the right man in the right place. Energetic anti conscientious, lie lias everything at Iris linger tips.

As Noon us tlie schedule.is pi-ln led, we will deal briefly iviill. Un?. events to bo held in connection 'with the Autumn Show. i