STRATFORD A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 December 1916, Page 3

STRATFORD A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

MEETING OF COMMITTEE, I here Was ail oxc-t-llcnt attendance of members at the meeting held on Saturday al'tcrnuoii, Mr. Jackson (pre. Sldl'll t) presiding. I he executive reported on the result ol tiie recent show, and congratulated members on tJie success achieved. The icport stated: Considering that the . tarmiiijr community is suffering probably more than any othclir class'through tlie depletion of its men owing to the war, the number and quality of stock 011 exhibition must be considered most satisfactory. The special effort made by farmers in exhibiting then ?tock. and the- whole-hearted support accorded tiie show by the public generally, 13 much appreciated by your executive. 4 lie rooting in of the bull pens and erection of stalls for the draught horse section was very favorably commented 011, as was also (he splendid-supply of gieen feed provided. The executive regi'et that, as in previous years, the public stand was very poorlv natronised, showing less than 1 per' cent. on the cost of erection. We, therefore, recommend that it be converted into a produce shed, luncheon and tea room, the cost 01 same would be approximately £1,30. The present produce shed would then be available for the dog section, while it would mean a saving of over £2ll, hire for tents, labor, etc. From a financial aspect, the results show a considerable advance_on last veer's returns. The takings of gates, sideshows, etc., show an increase of approximately This must be considered very satisfactory, at over 2)0 new members have been elected since the annual meeting. Subscriptions from members to date show an increase of i'KX) more than was received during the whole of last year. As it is impossible to individualise where so many rendered such valuable assistance, the executive, 011 behalf of the Association, take this opportunity to express to all those who in any way helped to make this gear's show the success it undoubtedly was their best thanks, and appreciation of same, In conclusion, the executive deplore the loss of main* valued members by death, at the iront or otherwise, and would extend to bereaved ones the deep sympathy of the Association."

The president, in r:.' vilig the adoption of the report, congratulated memb«s 011 the success of the '.how. financially and in other respects. Tt had excelled previous effort*. This was undoubtedly due to the whole-hearted ■support by members and exhibitors. Special mention must be made of the great amount of time and labor given before and after the show by Mr. Campbell Jackson (chainoan of the cattle sect.oll) and Mr. R. Dingle (chairman of (he firounds (ommitlje) in preparing, and also cleaning up. the grounds. He regretted that the public stand Kid not received better patronage, and strongly advised tiie committee to sanction eonverting it into a produce shed and luncheon rooms. He paid a tribute to the capable manner in which the seeretarv (Mr. A. D.' Stanley) had fulfilled his duties. The alterations suggested in the report would prove of the greatest benefit to officials and the Association. Mr. Richards said lie noticed that the report spoke of the faruiing'comnmnity suffering probably more than others from the war. He doubted the wisdom of having any section of the community made out to be suffering undue hardships, Me did not say this was incorrect, but lie thought the farmers would be wise not to say anything in the matter of hardship. Regarding alterations to the public stand and sheds, he said there was 110 desperate hurry to carry out the work . They should ascertain their financial position before anticipating further expenditure. Fe was pleased the Association had recorded a successful show.

Mr. Tom Perry (Mangatoki) appreciated the efforts of the executive and others in the welfare of the Association. His sympathies were with those who desired to shift the public stand to 0. more central position. He believed the Stratford 'how was one of the best in the Xortli 1 -land. They had secured excellent entries, and the attendance of the public w:js splendid—two proofs favoring his contention. (Applause ) Mr. Dingle congratulated the officials on the result of the show. Retarding the public stand, there appeared a. feeling of class distinction in that direction, lie thought it a good idea, to set up a committee to report to a future meeting of ways and means to accomplish the executive's recommendation. Perhaps they might empower Mr. Lopdeli to bring down an estimate. If it cost £2O, it would be money well spent. He thought they might get over the difficulty of financing if they issued debentures. Forty members subscribing £5 each would gather £2OO, which would probably prove ample. Even if they lost the money, tliey would know ir. went to a good purpose. They would have found it good policy to have done this years ago." lie was quite willing to take up one debenture.

Mr C. Jackson thought they should | look to the future. They should not put ii]> with the great expenditure incidental to each show (hire of tents. I labour, etc.). It was Stratford's show, and should receive every encouragement. Mr. Morison also expressed appreciation at the results obtained at the show. He suggested a few alterations on the grounds that would simplify matters, and prove beneficial to those attending. Mr. Sholter was favorable (0 the idea. He thought a .permanent fixture wa» the best. Tliey seemed to require timber. as well as libor, every yea;. They should get concrete. A committee shouYl be set up to consider the matter. The President, in reply to Mr. Richards, said that his reference to hardships by farmers was this: 111 other years farmers bad had a surplus of labor, but this season they could hardly deny that farmers had had a hard time ill the=e matters. A suggestion re raising the stand would mean that the part underneath would be very dark. The executive had considered this, but had favored the alterations suggested in the report. He would like them to get to work earlier in the year for future shows. It was a ease of too much bustle, leaving everything to the last month. The report was adopted. Mr. Richards moved—''That the present executive comprise the committee to consider and report on the alterations made in the present reportsCarried. Appreciation was expressed at the assistance rendered the Association by Mr. Kelleher. Several speakers referred to his help, and a motion was carried, electing him to the executive.