STRATFORD A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 65, 9 November 1912, Page 6

STRATFORD A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

MEETING OF COMMITTEE,

The General Committee of the Stratford A. and P. Association met this afternoon. The President (Mr.' W. P. Kirkwood) presided over a good attendance of members. Executive’s Report.

The Executive Committee reported as follows: —“Your executive have to report that the work on tile ground., and in connection witn the throw i, well in hand. Since the last Uenera; Committee meeting the executive have met seven times, the Advertising Committee once,whilst the various silo committees have also met. The Grounds Committee have made the following improvements: The soft ground round the members’ stand has oeeu metalled and metal has also been laid down at tiio main gate entrance. A washing pen for cattle has been laid down in concrete, and a holding pen for competitors outside the ovai is already under construction. The Sheep Committee have drawn up plans for sneep yards which have been approved of subject to slight alteration, and the thanks of the Association are due to the Sheep Committee for the time and trouble they have had. It has 'been decided to put another table in the luncheon room to provide more accommodation, to erect another gate at each grandstand, and also to have accommodation rooms under the now grandstand. Mr, J. Boon’s tender or for the people’s stand has been accepted, and the building is well under way. Mr. J. Martin's tender oi £8 10s for altering the seats in the members’ stand has also been accepted. The executive have written the Stratford Borough Council, the Stratford County Council, and the Hallway Department, pointing out the danger to traffic arising from the high banks on each side of the Flint Hoad crossing, and have the Borough Council’s permission to remove their portion oi the banks. The Hail way Department has also been written asking for special trains on both Show days from Now Plymouth, Waitara, tlawera, Whangamomona, and intermediate stations. The butter-fat competition committee lias secured Mr. VV. G. Malone’s paddocks on the Opunake Road for the competition this year, and your executive are pleased to report that the competition closed with a record entry list of 40. It has been decided to hold the gift auction sale at 10 o’clock on the second day of the 'Show, and we are still open to receive animalsAor the sale. The executive have received notice_ from the Bgmont A. and P. Association that they will be charging Is at the gates this year, and your executive propose to do* tho same, as hitherto. Since last General Committee meeting Mr. P. Budd has resigned from tlio executive, and Mr. A. Stewart has been elected to his place. Practically the whole of the 1250 schedules have been distributed.

In moving tho adoption of the report, the Chairman said everything on the grounds was well in hand for the Show, and entries were coming in well. Indications were for a better Show even than last year. He detailed improvements which had been made on the grounds, and which he thought would please the committee, and the patrons of the Show. The new

grandstand was well in hand, and would be finished in goed time for the Show. Mr. Kirkwood referred, amidst great applause, to Mr. >\ . G. Malone’s generosity in,' for the third time, allowing the Association the use of Ids well-watered and excellent paddocks for the purpose of the butterfat competition. Mr. E. Jackson seconded tlio motion which was carried. Luncheon for Officials.

Mr. J. B. Richards asked if special provision was" being made for the stewards in the matter of luncheon. If such was not done, lie would advise all stewards and other officials :o bring their.lunch with them. Mr. Malone favoured a separate tent for the officials, in order that they could get dinner conveniently. Air. Richards then moved that it bo a recommendation to the officials to provide separate luncheon accommodation for officials on Show days.

Mr E. Jackson seconded pro forma. The matter lias been discussed by the executive, and the many difficulties had been foreseen.

The chairman said that their idea, had been to next year erect a permanent luncheon room at the rear of the riiembers’ stand. This might, then, be used for the officials. Tire resolution, however, was a recommendation only, and, if passed, he assured those present that the matter would be given careful consideration. Mr Richards said he did not wish to put any difficulties in tiie way of the executive. He would lie quite-: content as long as it was fully discussed. Mr Richards finally withdrew his motion oa the understanding that the executive would give the matter their attention.

New Members.

Air R. Dingle proposed, amidst applause, ten new members, mostly from vVaitara. The secretary read out the names of some twenty odd. Air E. Jackson brought forward a life member and two ordinary members. Others were also proposed, the mynber totalling thirty-nine. The chairman stated that life members were still required. General.

It was decided to charge 5s entrance to members’ stand for nonmembers, and to the people’s stand 2s, Is, and 6d, for men, women and children respectively. Mr D. Malone spoke against the latter proposal, advocating Is for adults, and 6d for children. Finally the original suggestion was decided upon, that is 2s, is, and 6d for the people’s stand, the chairman stating that the stand was a splendid one, olfering excellent accommodation. Next year the price might bo lowered to one shilling for adults. A hearty yote of thanks was moved to Mr Stewart for the gift of a pig for the guessing competition.