TEE A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 August 1915, Page 4

TEE A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

If, as is sincerely hoped, the affairs of the Taranaki Agricultural Association are placed on a satisfactory footing, it will mainly lie due to the untiring energy and determination of its zealous and hard-working president, Mr. J. S. Connett. With a devotion to the interests of the fanners that is beyond all praise, Mr. Connett has for some time past been actively engaged in addressing meetings in different parts of the district, with the object of arousing interest In the Association, obtaining new members, and securing donations to the Society's funds. It does not seem right that one ifanner should hear the burden of this work which is for the benefit of the whole fanning community, but it was imperative if the Summer Show was to be continued on the Society's new grounds at the Waiwakaiho that the necessary funds should be in sight to justify the committee in undertaking the large expenditure of nearly £3OOO In volvcd in fitting up the new grounds for show purposes. We understand that to date Mr. Connett has addressed thirteen meetings, and has still nine more to attend. So far he has secured about 100 new members and a few donations, but though this result is small in comparison with what is required, lie has tile satisfaction of knowing that the Society i« now regarded in a much more favorable light, and that the appointment of district representatives will assuredly be an incentive to increased membership, especially as the time for the monthly meetings if the committee has been fixed to suit country members, so that it will tend to smoothness in working and the elimination of ail causes of friction. It seems as if it required 1 an upheaval to place the affairs of the Society on the right line*. The one great need that, manifestly exists is the appointment of an active and energetic organiser and canvasser. A man of the right stamp, who had his heart in the work, should have no difficulty in getting the required number of members, besides a goodly proportion of life members at ten guineas, it would pay the ■Society well to obtain the very best man available, for once placed on a good financial basis its affairs might confidently be expected to prosper under careful management. At the same time tile farmers themselves may well be expected to exhibit more interest in the Society, and not leave all the work to the willing president. For their own credit's sake and for the honor of the district they should see to it that the Society's sphere o? usefulness is enlarged and not restricted, and that its future soundness shall be assured. ''