STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 September 1916, Page 3

STRATFORD.

A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

Stratford, Sept. 17. A meeting of the General Committee of the A. and P. Association was held tiiis afternoon, Mr. E. Jackson presiding over a good, attendance.

The Executive Committee reported that since the last meeting a large number of new members had been added to the register, making a grand total of 903 now on the Association's books. While thanking those who had forwarded their subscriptions, they appealed to all others, who can conveniently do so, to assist in this direction. The working bee on the grounds was well attended, and some much needed improvements were made to the hull pens, which now required to be roofed with iron, and with this object in view those present subscribed £lB odd conditionally upon members subscribing a further sum of £'23 to complete the work. The committee regretted that the finances would not permit of it being gone on with. It was decided to close the hay paddocks up on the 20th of the present month. They have also, with the assistance of Mr. B. Orr and the generosity of Mr. F. Tekofsky secured a large quantity of wheat straw for bedding purposes, and the thanks of the committee are due to those gentlemen. The sub-eommitte* appointed to canvas for special prizes and donations reported that over £2OO has been promised, a generous donation

having been given by the Cardiff and Lowgarth dairy suppliers of £ls 15s each. Mr. Deem, Field Supervisor to the Agricultural Department, discussed with some members of the executive matters in connection with the proposal

to establish a model dairy farm in the district, and it was decided to call a meeting of delegates from representative bodies in the Stratford County, on Saturday, October 7, to further discuss matters in this connection. The schedule would be ready for publication in a few days. The committee again urged members to use their best enIdeavours to secure a3 many new exhibi-

tors as possible and also make a special effort to exhibit their stock. The executive had been fortunate in securing the services of some of the best judges in the Dominion for this coining Show, and wanted all members to make the competitions in the different classes worthy of the district. The President, referring to the donations for speciaLpr ii '' es > ll0 P e(l tllc fu " a would reach £3OO before the list was finally closed. Everything, he said, was well "forward, and several new classes had been added and they hoped to make the competitions more attractive at the. coming Show. '-- The report was adopted. ' Regarding the proposal not to send on the members' tickets until their subscriptions had been paid, the Manawatu, Wsnganui and Taranaki Associations had adopted the system, and it had worked well. Mr. R. Masters moved: "That this Association inform the Manawatu, Wanganui and Taranaki Associations that it is their intention to adhere to the system of not sending out members' tickets till the subscription is paid. Mr. C. Jackson seconded the motion which, after some discussion, was carried. The president said the matter of handing over the side-shows to the local Patriotic Committee to run, had been suggested by the executive. It w»uld mean a loss of £3O or £4O, but he thought it a wise policy to ask the Patriotic Committee to come in with them. Mr. Peterson thought the Association should not entertain the proposal. Mr. Shotter thought it would be r mistake. Mr. C. Jackson favored the proposal A side-show man came along and pai( 10s for space, and with some new ganv took away £4O, and the public wen getting tired of it. Every penny would be required for the Soldiers' Fund, am! if the Patriotic Committee made £250 they would be simply making the money that in past years had gone into the pockets of outside showmen. Mr. D. .T. Malone- d;d not favor giving the Patriotic Committee the whole of 1 the proceeds, but thought the two might work together and share the profits, then the Association instead of losing money would be making it. Mr. R. Masters favored the president's proposal. Mr. Fletcher said the Patriotic Committee would need to give an undertaking that they would put on attractive side-shows, otherwise the Association might suffer for it in future shows. Mr. R. McK. Morison thought the Patriotic Committee should have the use of the grounds in payment of £SO. The president was in favor of giving Patriotic Committee the free use of the grounds.

Mr. E. Marfell moved: "That it be a recommendation to the Executive Committee that the whole of the ground used for aide-shows be ohered to the Patriotic Committee, the profits to go to the Wounded Soldiers' Fund." Mr. Rutledge seconded .the motion, which was carried. On Mr. Dingle's suggestion, each member is to be provided with a member's badge to wear on Show days. MODEL DAIRY FARM. Mr. Dingle, in reporting on the matter fa id there were difficulties in the way. The Board of Agriculture and the Minister of Agriculture were strongl> in favor of the establishment of a model dairy farm in this district, but they had no money. Mr. Deem had suggested that the local bodies should take the matter up, and the Government would subsidise any sum raised. They had therefore circularised all the local bodies anii dairy companies to meeting them shortly to discuss the matter.. The Oovermnent and the Association were not in a position to purchase a property, but they might make a,start by leasing a small farm and have it under the control of the different bodies. He felt sure if the farm were properly worked there would be no loss. STRATFORD RACING CLUB, A meeting of the Committee of the above Club was held last evening, tin President (Mr. Young), being in th<: chair. . It was decided to write to the Taranaki Jockey Club, for information regarding the catering arrangements. It was also decided that the Club should erect a modern number Hoard in time for the forthcoming meeting on New Year's Day. The programme of races was adopted. A donation of £7 7s was made to (lie A. and P. Association's funds GENERAL. The Patriotic Tea Rooms were in charge of Mrs. H. E. Laurence and lady assistants. The Mart is under the manMejßfiM* Af North and Dixon,

[and both departments report a busy day. The hold-alls and Housewives presented by the lo.'.'' of the Patriotic Committee 10 each man who entrains for the training camps are now replete with all the necessaries that may be required by a, soldier at the front. The material is paid for out of the proceeds of the tea-rooms each Saturday, and made up by the ladies at their sewing meetings. The Lady Liverpool Fund is established to purchase and make articles for the boys in the trenches.