MASTERTON A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10288, 17 July 1911, Page 3

MASTERTON A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL REPORT

The following is the annual report of the Masterton Agricultural and Pastoral Association, to b« presented to the weeting of members in Murray's Hall, on Saturday, July 29th. In submitting the twenty-fourth annual report and statement of accounts th-o committee has pleasure in recording another successful year for the Association. SHOW. The Annual Show was held on 14th and 15th February for the first time on the Solway Grounds, and the attendance, as evidenced by the increased gate receipts, is proof that the Association was wise in changing the grounds. The arrangements for the Show were completed in good time. and the opinion was expressed by visitors that the Show appointments and grounds were all that could be desired. The grounds were formally opened by His Excellency the Governor (Lord Islington), who planted a tree to commemorate the occasion. ENTRIES.

Entries showed a substantial increase on those of the previous year, and constituted a record for the Association. Fat cattle and fat sheep classes were again an outstanding feature, being a marked advance on even last year's splendid exhibit, no less than 135 head of fat cattle and 912 fat sheep being penned. • RAM FAIK. The annual Ram Fair, under the auspices of the Society, was held on the 16th<and 17th February, when 193 stud rams, 10 stud ewes, 2657 flock rains and 75 flock ewes, ,a total of -2935, were submitted, and sold at satisfactory prices. The facilities for selling were favourably commented on by auctioneers and buyers, and it was generally considered that the Fair was one of the most successful held in the Dominion. ■ The covered space provided for penning the rams was ample for the entries, and was much appreciated by the breeders. The Committee desire to heartily thank Messrs W. D. Watson and R. Cooper, who undertook the conduct of the Fair, and to whose energy its success was largely due. Donations of rams, to be sold on behalf of the Association, wer* made by Messrs W. B. Allen and Ernest Short, and the sum of £165 1?3 was thereby realised. MEMBERSHIP. Our membership shows a total of 835, an increase of 113 on the previous year. Members are.urged to endeavour to increase the membership listto at least one thousand, and it is hoped that this number may be attained during the ensuing year. - J ' THANKS.

The thanks of the Association are due to judges, stewards, and honorary officials, to those who donated cash, and trophies, to Messrs W. B. Allen and E. Short, and to the railway officials who did their utmost to assist the Association in the receipt and despatch of exhibits. CHALLENGE CUPS.

The following wins were recorded: Buick Memorial Cup, Hunters' Leaping Competition, Mr R. D. Morrison's Rata; Bidwill Cup, best hack, Mr F. Armstrong's Artemus; Maoiawa ■Bowl, fat cattle, Mr G. F. Moore, 'Lister Cup, English Leieesters, Mr S. ] ,R. Lancaster; Branoepeth Cup, Romriey Marsh, Messrs McGregor Bros.; Qjiibell Cup, piirebred sheep, Mcssts ■' ' S.' R. Lancaster and W. Rayner (tie) •, Lawes' Cup, Lincoln, Mr W. Rayner; Branoepefch Cup, sheep for freezing J purposes, Mr J. Strang; , Hendersoi Bowl, best; turn-out, Mr R. D. Morrison; Perry Salver, Romney Marsh, Mr G. E, Allen; Sutton Cup, best crop of swedes, Mr Walter Cameron; Pilmer Bowl, ladies' and gents' hack, Mr D. McKenzie's Artful. j IMPROVEMENTS. During the year the work of removing, buildings from the Dixon-street Showgrounds was completed, and the erection of necessary new buildings taken in hand. The whole *>f J .ho J work was carried out by Mr J. Tail - ., under the' supervision of the Building Committee (Messrs W. Perry, D. Mc- i Gregor, junr., and W. J. Welch), ard ] i the complete and satisfactory arrange- ! ments made in. all departments reflect great credit' on the gentlemen named,.' who devote,! much time and thought to the work. The grandstand is capable of seating over two thousand j people, and the catering department underneath' the stand is thoroughly up-to-date in every respect. The sheep pavilions, sheep yards and paddocking and trucking facilities met the requirements of exhibitors, who expressed themselves highly pleased. The 1 native bush makes an ideal picnic ground for visitors. To add to the attractiveness of the grounds a great number of native trees and shrubs, kindly given by members, were planted this season by a working bee under the superintendence of Dr A. Hosk,and Mr E. Jlale. The thanks of Hhe Association are accorded to those who assisted in this direction. FIELD COMPETITIONS. ■• Field competitions in the growth of turnips : have, been carried out this year; and,,the' results are attached. The mangel competition was, in consequence of the unfavourable weather conditions, a failure. STACK BUILDING.

:• ;\ Prizes were; offered by Mr James , McGregor; for stack building, among , learners, but, owing to the lack of en- • tries, the competitions were abandoned.

BALANCE-SHEET

The balance-sheet shows that the position of the Association is improved by about £I3OO, as compared with the previous year. The sum of £4li 19s 5d has been written off improvements and £lB 10s 4d plant and office furniture. The year's working of the Association, apart from donations to improvement account and from the Solway syndicate, shows a net profit of £209 i7s 3d, which may be considered very satisfactory in view of the non-recurring expenditure necessary in starting the new grounds.

EETTREMENTS

The following members of the outgoing Committee are not seeking reelection:—MessrprJ. D. Cruickshank who has been a committeeman for the last fifteen years, owing to,his removal to Wellington ; and Mr A. G. Pilmcr, t who has, for a considerable time been one of our most energetic members. SOLWAY PICNIC. Early in January, in .order to give

members and their iriends an opportunity of seeing the new grounds, a picnic was organised.and most successfully carried out, between two thousand and three thousand persons being present. To the Committee which undertook the details the' thanks of the Association :are extended. WM. PERRY, President. Masterton, July 12, 1911.