TARANAKI METROPOLITAN AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 112, 5 October 1914, Page 3

TARANAKI METROPOLITAN AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

'; a AXXUAL MEETIXG. I lb' 'hirty-ninth annual meeting of the v.!:,} ve wag hold at the Town Hall on Satur.l.iy afternoon, Mr J. S. Connctt (prtßiil-nt) being in the chair. Scvi-r.vl apologies were made for nonatt"nihnce. In f.;iraally moving the adoption of the report (already published) the president said he was pleased to see such a good attendance. He thought that it would he advisable to have the committee meetings in the afternoon instead of at night. Most of the success of the Society depended on the special efforts of members, and a continuance of this would be necessary in the future. He went through the report, commenting on the various matters mentioned therein. Referring to the field roots competition, ho claimed that the value of any such competition must be judged not by the results of a single contest, but when spread over a number of years. Referring to the Agricultural Board, he highly eulogised the qualifications of Mr. I?. Dingle for the position of representative, of the Taranaki Agricultural Societies on that Board. He thought it was a pity the farmers did not attend the lectures given by the agricultural instructor. The work of the ladies in helping the Society was worthy of much praise. Dealing with the balance-sheet, he pointed out the reductions in expenditure, particularly 7 claiming credit for spending less on advertising and printing, as well as on the secretary's travelling expenses. Last j year the committee started out with a considerable amount of hope, especially j under the new secretary, the consequence of which was that the office and secretarial work had been well looked after, but the committee recognised that additional outside assistance was necessary, and he was.satisfied that one man couid not do the whole of the work, so it was proposed to appoint an outside representative to canvass for members and entries, and thereby greatly improve the financial position of the. Society, as no farmer worthy of the name would re- ! fuse to be identified with the. success of the Society. He felt that if that course were adopted the Society would ne\t j year be in a far more satisfactory position. In conclusion, he warmly thanked the committeo for the hearty support given him during the year ,and lie assured them that he greatly appreciated their assistance. ; Mr. Foreman said he was fully in accord with the suggestions mentioned by • the chairman. The report and balance-sheet were then adopted. The following offiicers were elected:— Patron, Hon. 0. Samuel, M.L.C.; president, Mr. John S. Connett (re-elected); vice-presidents, Messrs JJ. J. Okey, M.P., and G. W. Browne; committee, Messrs A. Lister, P. Watson, T. Smcllie, L. Jackson, L. A. Nolan W. Grant, T. R. Rowlands, R. Johnstone, G. Colson, R. H. Pigott, H. H. Street, H. Sampson, D. J. Hughes, J. H. Street. A. T. Moore, with power to add a further 15; auditor, Mr. T. Buxton; hon. veterinary surgeon, 7vTr. Ifnson. Votc3 of thanks were accorded to the judges, ladies-, Jockey Club, stewards and thß Press.