A. AND P. BANQUET

Southland Times, Issue 21095, 29 May 1930, Page 8

A. AND P. BANQUET

WINTON SOCIETY ■ THE SPECIAL TROPHIES PRESENTED SUCCESSFUL GATHERING Weather conditions could have hardly been more unfavourable than they were last evening on the occasion of the annual banquet of the Winton Agricultural and Pastoral Society, but such trifles as heavy rainstorms, thunder and lightning and a decided drop in the temperature made little impression upon the society’s enthusiastic members. ' Clark’s tearooms, Winton, were well-filled with members and supporters, and under the chairmanship of the president of the society (Mr Duncan McDonald) an enjoyable time was spent by those present. A fine spirit of goodfellowship prevailed and interspersed in the lengthy toast-list honoured were many items,, the majority being of a Scottish nature. They were niuch appreciated by the gathering and added considerably to the evening’s success.' In extending a hearty welcome to the visitors the president expressed his pleasure at seeing such a good attendance considering the unfavourable nature of the weather. Agricultural Interests. The toast of ‘‘Agricultural Interests” was proposed by Mr J. W. Smith, of Invercargill, who expressed his pleasure at being present at the gathering and of the cordial nature of the welcome extender! to him. Continuing, he said that he had attended the Southland A. and P. Association shows for many years past and he now intended to make a point of attending as many of the country shows as possible. It was a pleasure, he said, to be associated with the farmers of the district in their efforts to obtain greater production from the soil. There was no doubt that the farmer was faced with a great problem and the man who was going to be successful was the man who made a study of conditions. Southland in the last seven years had doubled its products but, said Mr Smith, the farmers had not started yet and in the future would achieve even better results. Much credit was reflected upon the mercantile houses for the development attained. In conclusion the speaker made reference to the outstanding successes achieved overseas by Southland’s produce and expressed best wishes for the future success of the Winton Society. > Mr W. P. Hishon and Mr G. W. Wild, Instructor in Agriculture, replied to the toast. Mr Wild stated that his association with the Experimental Farm at Winton had been most pleasant, and he considered that valuable research work was being, earned out on the area in question. Winton Society’s Progress. The toast of the ‘‘Winton A. and P. Society” was proposed by Mr D. Rutledge, Invercargill, who said that the Winton Society had more than justified its existence. Since its inception some 17 years ago the organization had been developed along sound lines. Southland more than any other district lent itself towards closer land settlement and the quality of its produce was not to be ashamed of. He was very pleased to learn that the credit balance of the society at the present time was very satisfactory and that it possessed a sound investment in the Winton Experimental Farm. The president, in replying, returned thanks to the various donors of special trophies and said that their high-mihded-ness was fully appreciated by the society. Continuing, he stressed the importance of the agricultural industry and said that it behoved the farmers to further its interests as much as possible. The farmer to-day was faced with a difficult problem. Prices were down and to remedy the position it was necessary to do more than to increase production and that was to increase the quality. In view of the opposition from the Argentine and other countries it was essential that the grading standard be raised, particularly in the lamb trade if it was desired to retain it.

Mr J. Keith, in proposing the toast of “Commercial Interests,” stated that it gave him pleasure to attend, but he noticed, with regret, that there were very few present of the original members who, with himself, had formed the Winton A. and P. Society. He was pleased, however, to see so many young members present. He stated that through experience he had always found the commercial men willing to help the farmer. Mr D. T. Larnaeh, in replying to the toast, expressed the opinion that the farmer was having a bad time this season. The speaker considered that conditions, however, were not so bad as they at first appeared. He reminded the gathering that commercial men were also having a bad time. Mr 11. Carswell also replied. Presentation of Trophies. The presentation of the special trophies won at the recent show, was undertaken by the president, the list of prize-winners being as follows: — Wood Brokers’ Association’s Trophy for most points in draught horses.—R. Kennedy. The MacKinnon Trustees trophy for best three-year-old filly.—R. Kennedy. The MacKinnon Trustees Trophy for best three-year-old colt. —W. Dyet. The MacKinnon Trustees Trophy for most points in light horses.—Mrs N. Dawson. The Southland Times Company’s trophy for best group of three Ayrshire females.—Won outright by J. J. Blakie. The Farmers’ Dairy Federation 'trophy for most points in Aryshires.— Won outright by J. J. Blakie. The Southland Times trophy for best group of three Friesian females. —Hugh Fraser. The Southland News Cup for most points in purebred cattle — J. J. Blakie. Messrs H. and J. Smith's Cup for best type of dairy cow. —W. A. Archer. Wool Brokers’ Association’s Trophy for most points in Border Leicesters. —W. Kennedy. D. H. McLean’s trophy for most points in Romneys.—Won outright by W. Kennedy. Wool Brokers’ Association’s trophy for most points in fat • sheep.—Southland Frozen Meat Company. Mrs Olive’s trophy for most points in produce and baking.— Mrs J. McFadzien. The MacKinnon Shield for most points in purebred' stock.—Won outright by W. Kennedy. Hobson’s Choice Cup for most members.—T. Mac Lean and. J. Plunkett. Other toasts honoured were “Mr James Lilico,” proposed by Mr D. H. McLean and responded to by Mr Lilico; “Pioneers of the Association,” proposed by Mr H. Carewell and responded to by Messrs J. Keith, W. Blakie, J. Plunkett, D. H. McLean, James Lilico and W. Calder; “Donors of Trophies” proposed by Mr W. Blakie and responded to by Messrs C. Lindsay and J. W. Smith; “The Press,” proposed by Mr J. Lilico; “The Secretary of the Winton A. and P.,” proposed by the president and responded to by Mr Broom; “Musical Friends,” proposed by Mr J. A. Brooin; “The Chairman,” proposed by Mr J. S. Nelson and responded to by Mr McDonald.

During the evening enjoyable items were contributed by the following: Messrs R. Jamieson, T. A. Clark, McGregor Wilson, J. A. Broom and Woods.