STRATFORD A. & P. ASSOCIATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 November 1919, Page 3

STRATFORD A. & P. ASSOCIATION.

-A LIVE COMMITTEE. AND A PROGRESSIVE POLICY. The progress of the Stratford A. and P. Association, which was established in 1010, has been synonymous with that of the district, until to-day its claim to be regarded as one of the greatest dairy shows in New Zealand must be conceded. Right from its inception the Society has been fortunate iti having a band of live men, who have devoted considerable time and ability in making the show what it is to-day. The first steps towards its formation were taken by Mr. J. D. Healy, and it was at his suggestion that the Mayor (Mr. Geo. Saugster) called a meeting on February 25, 1910, when the proposal was enthusiastically taken up, and a strong committee formed, with Mr. Sangster as chairman. This committee did splendid work, and so good was the suppQrt accorded that a month later the first officials were appointed, with Mr. R. Dingle as president. The committee at once outlined an ambitious programme, the first steps being taken to secure a ground of its own, and, after considering the claims of various properties offered, it was decided to purchase the present site of 40 acres from Mr. Huggett, on the Flint road, and a comprehensive scheme of laying out the grounds and providing the necessary appointments for a well-equipped show ground was taken in hand. Ont oi the most important features was the provision of adequate shelter for the future, and with that end in view a fine belt ot trees that are such' an adornment now was planted. Such push and energy were displayed that the grandstand {erected by Mr. N. J. King), produce shed, pens, ring, etc., were all in readiness for the first show, which was held on December 7 and 8, and proved conclusively that the enterprise of those responsible for the show was amply justified. The committee had canvassed the district ihoitiughly for both members and donations, and the prize list was grven liberal support, donations totalling £270. The Association has always been well supported by the people ot the town and district, both in entries and financially, the show being attended on People's Day by great, gatherings from all parts of Taranaki. Entries in the first year totalled 1240. and each successive year has seen increases until (he outbreak of the war, during which period, of course, there was considerable' disorganisation in the dairying industry, owing to shortage of labor, and it speaks well for the enthusiasm and determination of the officials (some of whom have been connected with the show since its inception) that the Assoc l niion was able eacii year to hold successful shows, and more than hold its own financially. Last year .the Society was hit by the epidemic, which compelled the postponement of the show until the autumn. Thix year, however, there is every ind'eation that the entries will establish a record, and now that war conditions have ceased and the farmers of the. conn'try are able to settk> down to increased production, if. is certain thai the Association is in for a prosperous time, particularly as the officials realise the necessity for keeping, if anything, a little, in advance of the time= Already various improvements are mooted in furtherance of the Association's aim of making their show the premier dairv show of New Zealand in every respect. Past Presidents of the Association are as follows:—1010 and 1011, Mr. R. Dingle; 1012. Mr. W. P. Kirkwood: 1013. Mr. J. D. Healy. 1014, Mr. E. Jackson; 1015, Mr. R. Masters.; 1016, Mr. E. Jackson; 1017 and 1018, Mr. J. W. Boon; 1010. Mr. R. D : nglc. There have been considerable changes in the secrefar> bin. which has been hcM by Messrs. W. P. Fearon. Hill, E. Ward and A. D. Stnr>v, who was succeeded this year by Mr. A. J. Barr, the present official. Mr. W. P. Kirkwood was appointed treasurer in 1014. being succeeded two years later by Mr. R. Masters, the present treasurer. Tlie Association has been fortunate in having associated with it men who have been enthusiastic supporters and hard 'workers in the Society's interests since its inception, among whom may be mentioned Mr. C. Jackson, who this year donated a rose bowl valued at 50 gns. as a special prize. Reference to the progress of the Association would not be complete without mention of the splendid work performed by the ladies, particularly during the last few years, in connection with the catering, which is such a prominent feature of the show. _ 5.'g."?* 5 "3 ST 1 ! s; =3 $& ; ■<•_,• ~ > S.wg l : . : s,g: : : o; 5r 3 §3: : : sg: : : "': < gg :::§•*:: : : : m %,.'■'.:'. :::'■:: ■* »■ : : : • • > * © O j, IllcJt M*.»»icooM«t-; Sj a - I 11 s-.saiss3s|g s <f 3 w S»m a ° | « PI U> SSSS 1122 I »tntSg-i S *> • H D