MASTERTON A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9546, 19 July 1909, Page 7

MASTERTON A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL REPORT.

The following is the annual l-epurt to be presented at the annual general meeting of members to he held on Saturday, 31st inst. : In submitting the twenty-second annual report and statement of accounts, the committee has pleasure in recording another successful year of the Association. Show—The Annual Show, which was held on February 16th and 17th last was most satisfactory, from an exhibitors' point of view, but the uncertain weather on People's Day militated against the attendance of the public. The gate receipts showed a slight falling olf. Entries—E.itries showed an increase on the previous year, those in fat stock being considerably ahead of any previous year both in number and quality, competent judges Irom other districts expressing the opinion that they constituted the best fat stock yet held in New Zealand. Implement manufacturers were again conspicuous by their absence—a fact to be regretted, as a good exhibit of machinery is a great attraction, and should be of mutual profit to the exhibitor and the public.

Ram Fair—The Annual Ram Fair, under the auspices of the Society was held on February 18th and 19th, when 269 stud rams and 2,608 flock rams were submitted and good prices were obtained throughout."

Membership Our membership shows a total of about 700, an increase of 30 on the previous year. Thanks—The thanks of the Committee are due to Judges, Stewards and Honorary Officials, and also to those who donated cash and trophies, especially the donors of Challenge Cups.

Challenge Cups—The following wins were recorded:—Buick Memorial Cup, Hunters' Leaping Competition, Mr E. Hastie's Feilding; Bidwill Cup, Best Hack, Mr W. McKenzie's Mahommet; Burton Cup, Maiden Hack, Messrs McKenzie Bros. Victor; Manawa Bowl, Fat Cattle, Messrs W.andH. Beetharr.; Fison Bowl, Freezing Sheep, Messrs W. and H. Beetham (won outright) ; Wolseley Cup, English Leicesters, Mr S R. Lancaster; Thomas acd Co»k Cup, Farmers Sheep Class, Mr J. McGregor (won outright); Cooper Bowl, Komney Marsh, Mr vVm. Ferry; Quibell Cup, Purebred Sheep, Messrs Nelson Bros.; New Zealand Sheep Breeders Association Silver Shield, Southdown Ram, Messrs Nelson Bros.

New Showgrounds—The Committee, after giving the ma'ter very careful consideration, decided to hold the next Show on the old grounds and to -hold the ]9ll Show on the Solway grounds. Already a considerable amount of work has been done towards getting the grounds in order, and the Committee wish to express their thanks for the very hearty assistance given by members at the working bees held for this purpose. The Committee are much indebted to Mr J.M. Johnston,Palmerston North, who has given them the benefit of his great experience in preparing a working plan for laying out the new grounds. Donations totalling roughly £I,OOO have been received on account of the purchase and improvemets of the Solway gro-jnds. and the Committee desire to record their thanks ani appreciation /for the very liberal response made to their canvass in this behalf. Field Competitions—Field competitions in gro;vt!i of turnips and maneels and stack building have been carried out during the year and the results are attached. Balance sheet—Appended is a duly audited statement of account and balance sheet which shows that the position of t;e Society is improved by about £I,OOO compared with the previous year. Retirements—The following members of the outgoing Committee are not Reeking re-election —Mr E. E. Chamberlain, who has been identified with the Association since its inception, during the greater portion of which he has held the posiion of Hon. Treasurer, and Mr J. Morris, who has been a very active worker on the iv Committee for some years. The Committee desire to place on record their appreciation of these gentlemen's services. Notice of Motion—Mr Wm. Perry gives notice of motion "that Mr J. M. Johnston, Palmerston North, be made an nonorary life men.ber of tl.e Association."