STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 March 1917, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)] [All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr J. Hopkins, bookseller, will reteiv« prompt attention.] A. & P. ASSOCIATION. Stratford, MaTcli 24'. A meeting of the general committee ■was held this afternoon. Present: Messrs E. Jackson (president), E. Dingle, J. B. Clemon, E. S. Fergusson, T. Walker, B Orr, W. H. Rutledge, H. M. Silk, E. H. Linnell, J. Schumacher, P. J. Petersen, A. H. Huggett, W. Young, R. McK. MorI -son, Trestham, E. Marfell, T. Perrv, and W. Were. The executive committee reported that the grounds had been leased at an increased rental, and were in good conI dition. The forming and grading of the lower stock entrance had been carried out by a working bee, and this meant a saving of "£lO. Thanks were due to these members, .particularly Mr. A. Hug- | gett, for use of horses and implements. General Improvement to Buildings.— As recommended by the general committee, your executive have instructed Mr. Boon to proceed with the work. A special committee have reported on the advisability of extending the width of the proposed luncheon room at an additional cost of £■ 30, and Mr. Boon very generously undertook to complete the work at a cost of £lO, if a working bee was organised to assist him to remove the present flooring. This was carried out last Thursday. Your executive regret that only 13 members .put in an appearance. However, much good work was done. The bee will bo continued on Monday next, when it is hoped a greater number wil! be in attendance. Special thanks are due to the ladies for providing lunch and afternoon tea. Finance.—A proposal for the better financing of the association will be submitted to you for your consideration and approval at this meeting. Model Dairy Farm.—lt is with pleasure that your executive have now to report that everything in connection with the establishment of the farm has been successfully arranged, and it is hoped in the very near future the farm will be in full swing. In conclusion, your executive would again appeal to all members to use their best endeavors at all times to promote the welfare of the association.

•Mr, E. Jackson, in moving the adoption of the report, referred to the good work being done by the working bees on the grounds. He regretted that it was the same friends that were assisting on each occasion. Out of a membership of 900 they eould only secure the assistance of 13 workers on the grounds. In connection with the Model Dairy Farm, good work had been accomplished. They had practically secured a subsidy of £3OO from the Government, and satisfactory financial arrangements had been made to purchase a farm. The association had accomplished a good deal of work, and it was gratifying to note that progress was being sustained. They had dene well in leasing the grounds for a further period. Referring to the matter of membership fees, he said it was disappointing that so many failed to pay their subscriptions or notify their intentions as to continuing as members. It meant a lot of tims to the secretary and cost in stationery that might be largely avoided by members showing a little more interest in the association.

Mr. Dingle seconded the adoption of the report. Regarding membership, he said they would have to run the show on sound business lines. He thought it would be better" to have GOO members (financial) than 900, if several hundred failed to pay up. The association had made every effort to make itself popular with the public, and were granting members every privilege. Whilst accepting these privileges, it was penalising the association if fees were not received. He also touched on other matters where hospitality had been extended rather too lavishly. They needed to curtail this nature of expense considerably.

Mr. R. McK. Morison also referred to the abuse of privileges, and suggested a tighter control in future. The president stated that the secretary was a, busy man and manifestly unable to keep an eye on everything. It was no fault of the secretary' that some of the items appeared very substantial ou the expenditure list. MODEL DAIRY FARM. Discussion on the report then swung to the Model Dairy Farm. The presi-. dent stated that the association vyru ever ready to work in the interests of the farmer, and the establishment of the Model Dairy Farm, would prove of great value to the province. The executive* had had the matter in hand for many months, and now finality was in sight. They had considered throe offers of farms, that of Mr. Douglas being approved. The price was £SBO, £l4O less than the Government valuation. Mr. Dingle had shown them every consideration. He could very well have made over £-200 from other buyers, and then given good value. The farm was close to Stratford, and was in good condition. He believed the land was, honesth worth £34 per acre. The report was then, adopted by the meeting. SHOW OR NO SHOW? The secretary then read letters and correspondence forwarded by the Hawke's Bay A. & P. Association regarding holding shows this year. The association had discussed the matter and believed the'abandonment of shows would lessen the work of railway staff and stock and would not hamper military work. The correspondence included resolutions passed at conferences held by the Manawatu, Woodville, Dannevirke, and other associations. Some of the bodies were not agreeable to the idea of abandonment this year. The Hawke's Bay Association desired the "Stratford Association to pass a resolution on the matter, so that they (H. B. A. & P.) would get replies back before they (Hawke's Bay) decided on whether or not to .continue the Spring Show. In opening the discussion, the president stated that Hawfetfs Bay had decided not to hold a, show this summer, and apparently "were anxious to see what other associations proposed doing. He could quite understand a wealthy concern like Hawke's Bay might stand the strain, but at Stratford the situation was different. Here they were a young association that had certain obligations to fulfil, and it was by holding their annual shows that they secured the revenue to meet their expenditure. If they could secure that revenue without holding the show, he was agreeable to tlmt course being followed this year. But they owed money to the bank, and there were other items of expenditure to be met, and under those tiircunisUiKW lie, as president, believed it would not U virion to follow tbt

load of Hawke's Bay. He then moved: "That unless satisfactory financial arrangements can be made to carry on the association without holding the «how, that the show be held as usual." Mr. Morison asked whether it would not be .possible to circularise members regarding the advisability of holding the show or not. iHe threw out the suggestion that it might be possible to hold a conference with other associations in the province.

llr. Dingle was anxious to know how Me association would stand if they decided to let the show lapse this year. The president had previously touched on the delay of some members in paying subscriptions. Regarding the doubt that Mine members may neglect to pay their fees if there was no show, he believed fiere would not be many. Personally lie. vsould not mind doubling his fees. The president: If the whole GOO members could be gathered at a meeting the executive would know how to act, but probably we should not get 150 to attend. To circularise members would take up a lot of the secretary's time and cost about £O.

Mr. Linnell was against any suggestion of closing down. After all there were not many associations holding shows, and spread over the year did not entail much inconvenience. Theirs was a. struggling association and needed every assistance. Letj, the established associations 30 to the wealthy racing clubs first and see what the clubs were doing..

Mr. Marfell was generally against the idea of abandoning the holding of a show. They had no desire to be unpatriotic, nor to hamper the railway or military authorities. He did not imagine the holding of shows affected the Government to any great extent, and was decidedly a source of revenue.

The president said they must remember they had financial obligations to meet. The bank must Toe considered, and tbey must meet these obligations, otherwise there was no alternative hut to shut down-altogether. They were as patriotic as any other body, but those to whom the association owed money looked to the financial details being met. They would probably'find the Taranaki Association, with their new grounds at the Waiwakaiho, in a similar position to that of Stratford, and would also probably be against- abandonment, He ha'l no objection to a conference with other associations.

Mr. Linnell queried what benefit would accrue to the country if they decided on abandonment. Precious little, whilst it was only for a smalt outlay on the part of the railway they were asking. They must also consider the members of the show and the farmers preparing exhibits.

Mr. Marfell was hardly in favor of the wording of the resolution, which was withdrawn, and be then moved: "That a general meeting of members be called for Saturday, April 7, to discuss the question of deleting the show during the coming year." This hardly met with the approval of Mr. Were, who believed they Should take a straight-out vote on the question then and there. The question of having a conference with neighboring associations was then revived, and the motion wa3 added to: "That the meeting also consider the suggestion of arranging a conference with the Hawera and Taranaki Associations." With this addition the motion was carried. 'FINANCES. ■ Tho matter of finances was introduced by the president, and after a little discussion it was resolved to raise a fiat mortgage of £2OOO carrying 0 per cent, for five years, and guaranteed liy seven Members of the association. The meeting then adjourned, GENERAL. The Ladies' Patriotic Commits were m evidence to-day. Besides mart and ea rooms they had a, floww stall on the footpaths, and judging. v, y . the cMgMted trafto then- premise* "Was apouular rendezvous during th.6 day. _ Inglewood bowlers 'were to have a tnendly game here to-day. Both sides were prepared to battle with three rrofcs but tht-y reckoned without the weather, which, although far from dronchmg, was damp, but m depressing.

The great Allies' march continues, first we have % capture 0 f Bagdad, then 'Eapaume-,'and now Peronne is "rested the enemy's grip. Writing »' gvij>», reminds,, one. that there has oce» quite a run on ladies' handbags in Stratford. This is scarcely to he wondered at, se=ing that C. E. James, of the Jewellery and Fancy Goods Warehouse, has been offering some, which for price end quality are unequalled in the Dominion.