STRATFORD NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 5, 25 May 1914, Page 3

STRATFORD NEWS.

FHOK ODE RESIDENT REPORTER

Office md .lob Printing Works: York Chambers (upstairs)

Telephone No. 113.

A. & P. ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of members ot the Stratford A. and P. Association was held on Saturday afternoon, there being a large attendance. Mr. J. D. Healy (president) occupied the chair. REPORT AND BALANCE-SHEET. The annual report contratul.ited tOie members on another successful Tear, the show having 'been a great success, added interest being provided by competitors in the cattle classes from southern districts. The executive were of opinion that the cattle classes did not increase in ratio to the number of good herds in and around Stratford, and that it only needed a little enthusiasm on the part of the farmers to bring about this desirable result.' With the pushing on of the Whangamomona railway, the sheep classes would doubtless increase. The grounds were now in a high state of cultivation, and several improTements iad been carried out. As the Borough Council were about to widen the metalling on the Flint road to the entrance gate of the showgrounds, by next stow day the traffic could be effectively, coped with. The membership wae now 840, and unpaid subscriptions amounted to £IOO. The special prize donated by Mr. W. P. Kirkwood for the member who secured the greediest number of new members was won by Mr. B. Orr, who nominated twenty-two members. The executive urged that every effort should be made to,increase the roll of members. The two gymkhanas held during the year resulted in a profit of £203, and a gift stock competition brought in £l3O. Mr. W. B. Fearon having resigned the secretaryship, Mr. A. J. Hill bad been elected.

The balance-sheet allowed the income as £2940 108 9d, including the balance of £942 10a 2d brought forward from last year. Subscriptions amounted to £752 18s 9d, entry fees £2OB, gates £lflß 14s 3d. v The expenditure totalled £IBBB 0s lld,leaving£los+lss lOil tobe carried forward. The surplus of assets OTcr liabilities is shown as £ll2 os Bd.

The president moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, Mr: K. McK. Mprißon seconding. Mr. R, Masters congratulated the members on the enthusiasjn displayed by them during the year. Referring to the balance-sheet, (he contended that the depreciation written off the buildings was not sufficient, and that at least ten per eent. should !havo been allowed, owing to the struotures being of wood. By writing off only 5 per cent, the life ■of the buildings was estimated at 40 years, far too long, a period for the purpose. He also pointed out that no amount had been written off in respect of the horse, Which was depreciating every year. He deprecated the increase in the expenditure in comparison with the .receipts, and contended that the show should exhibit a profit on its own aocount, without the aid of the gymkhanas and gift auction, each of which should form a separate account. He pointed out tihat there had been a decrease in the revenue from the sale of catalogues, donations, entrance fees and gate takings, although the prize-money had been increased, and utrongly urged that the show account should stand by itself.

Mr. E. Jackson also congratulated the Association on its continued success. Ho atatcd that when the building were nevT the depreciation had Sbeen fixed at 5 per cent., but that was four years ago. and he agreed with Mr. Masters uhat the amount should be increased. •Mr. J. B. Richards considered ithat in spite of Mr. Masters' criticism (he Association stood in an excellent position

Mr. R. Dingle, referring to ttierp be- ! ing no deprciation allowed for the horse, said that it had earned CM by being hired, so that amount should bo credited to the horse. Mr. W. P. Kirkwood said he was very pleased to hear the criticisms on the balance-sheet, but there was no question that the. Association's financial position was very satisfactory, the overdraft having been reduced, and £IOO paid off the purchase money of the land. The adoption of the report and "bal-ance-sheet was then carried. ELKCTIOX OF OFFTCKRS. Mr. Morison moved (hat Mr. E. Jackson moved that Mr. K. Jackson ho appointed president, and in so doing referred to the very valuable services Mr. Jackson had rendered the Association, both as secretary and as a very active member of the executive. In the ini-

tial stages of the Association's career, I Mr. Jackson, he said, spared neither i time nor money, and in appointing him ' president t'hey would confer an honor where it was justly due. Mr. R. Masters, in fteeonding the motion, echoed the sentiments of the previous speaker, and stated that Mr. Jackson was well known among show exhibitors throughout the North 'lsland, and the interests of the Association were always first with him. lie put Jus best efforts forth in season and out of season in Che interests of the Association, and if auy member merited the honor of being appointed president it was Mr. Jack.-ton. In nominating Mr. W. H. Young for the same position. Mr. W. P. Kirkwood ' said that while fully appreciating the good services rendered to the Association by Mr. Jackson, he thought Mr. Young was entitled-to the honor of being elected president for the ensuing yenr. Mr. Young lind been a most enthusiastic worker for ths Association from its inception, and iu canvassing for members and donations he rendered yeoman service. He had an intimate knowledge of the farming community, while he was also in close touch with townsmen. Mr. Jackson need not. fear being left out in the cold, as the policy of the Association was to elect a new president yearly, and his claims could not ling 1 be overlooked.

Mr Dingle seconded the amendment. Air ' Jackson, he said, was a yoinif man, and I uo doubt should next year be elected i to t-lio position, and he thought it would I be a graceful act if Mr. Jaoksnn retired j in -Mr. Young's favor. Mr. Young had | by Ii in work for the Asseciation fully I earned the right to the highest position 1 the Association could offer. I My. .lackson was elected by 17 to 10, \ the announcement being received with | great applause. ' Mi'. Healy then vacated tlio cliair. Mr Jockson returned thanks for the honor j conferred on him, assuring the mem- I bora tiiat to the best of his übiiifv ho | •would further the interests of the Asso- ' elation, which he would endeavor to

make one of the most successful in the ' North Island.

Other officers elected were:—Vice-pre-sidents, the chairmen of the Stratford and Whangamomona County Councils, the Mayor of Stratford and the member for the district (re-eleoted); general committee, Messrs R. T. B. Mellow, W. P. Kirkwood, W. H. H. Young, J. B. Richards, J. Brake, A. David, R., Masters, J. R Healy, A. C. Walsh, J. Shotter, E. Kclleher, b. J. Malone, T. Walker, J. Linn, R. McK. Morison, B. Orr, J. T. Belcher, G. Cleary, F. E. Dobson and W. Vickers; auditor. Mr. T. H. Perm; lion, veterinary surgeon, Mr. E. Mason.

Mr. T. Lyford notified his inteption to donate a £3 3s cup for the best pedigree Holstem heifer (two years). Mo - . B. Orr donated £1 1 for a special prize. Vo(jps of thanks were accorded to the donors. THANKS. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the outgoing executive. A special vote of thanks was accorded to the retiring secretary, Mr. W. B. Fearon, together with an expression ef the best wishes of the members for his future success. MEETING OF GENERAL COMMITTEE.

At the close of the general meeting the general committee met and clocted ihe following additional members to serve on the committee:—Messrs W. •Skedgwell, W. G. Huston, W. T. Bailey, S. M. Porritt, W. A. Hewitt, H. Good, A. A. Piper, W. B. Fearon, E. Walter, W. H. Were, T. Godkin, J. Stewart, G. Sangetcr, T. Kirkwood, G. Pugh, W. J. HamMyn, C. Jackson, H. T. Twiss and E. Brocklebank.

It was resolved that the general committee meet next Saturday in the secretary's office to elect Ute executive committee,

GENERAL NEWS. A first offender was on Saturday fined £1 for being drunk, a second offender being fined £2 for a similar offence. The new winter clothing for men is attractive in many ways. Wise mea will buy now while the variety is big, and they will find "The Kash" prices made to Buit them. For high quality and low price Mullen and Marshall easily lead in Stratford. ,

You hardly feci the razor pass over your face when Stan. Sharp handles the Bhaving operation. Added to this delightful sense of comfort is the knowledge that every utensil is sterilised, and everything is absolutely clean. Next Bellringer's, Stratford. Your photograph will please them all —some of your friends have been expecting one for a long time—don't be satisfied with one taken years ago. Send them,a fresh portrait, just aa you are to-day, in your everyday attire. Having your portrait taken is as pleasant as an informal call on good friend*. Make an appointment to-day with Mr McAllister, Stratfori