HUNT CLUB FARM

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 252, 15 June 1932, Page 6

HUNT CLUB FARM

VENTURE OF WAIKATO CLUB FINALLY PROVES FAILURE BRUNTWOOD PROPERTY SOLD As a result of a decision arrived at by the annual meeting of the Waikato Hunt Club on April 29, the well-known Bruntwood farm has been sold. The sale has brought to an end the farming venture of the club, says the "Waikato Independent." The property was purchased some six years ago. At that time the Hunt had very substantial liquid assets, having cash in the bank and on deposit of about £4000. It was felt by some of the members that a more practieal use should be made of the money, and giving way to criticism at that time that the Hunt was more interested in amassing wealth than in furthering the primary aspects of hunting and racing, it decided to go farming. There was a diversity of opinion as to the type of farm and finally those who advocated a "show" place had their wishes given effect to. It was also the idea that the farm should eventually be the home of the hounds. The subsequent purchase of the stallion, "Little England," at a cost of £604 and the decision to erect a substantial clubhouse is now history of the past, as are the farm operations over a period of six years. An Increasing Burden. In 1925 general conditions were vastly different to those pertaining to the subsequent years and consequently the Hunt found the farm an increasing burden. The stallion and stud stock did not bring in the revenue anticipated, and the Hunt began to realise that the farm as a "show place," and farmed under the conditions decided upon, was a costly business. This was borne out at the recent annual meeting when the farm secretary stated that the actual working loss since the club took over the management of the farm was £980. The capital account had disclosed that £5358 had been expended in the period of six years. From this had to be deducted the equity of the farm. This was put down at £45 per acre, which represented £2125 17/1. The deduction brought the total down to £3232. Allowing for the sale of stock valued at £583, left a deficit of £2648, after providing for the Hunt's equity, and if interest was added, it increased the deficit to £3703. It was to be remembered that a+ the annual meeting there was a strong opinion that by placing a good dairy herd on the farm it could be made pay its way and it is a pity this was not realised earlier. The sale of stock proved most disappointing. The value of the 38 Shorthorns was given in the balance sheet at £228, and 35, inCluding young stock, realised £28. The sheep, valued at 10/- a head, brought 8/6 a head.