MASTERTON A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 1 August 1913, Page 3

MASTERTON A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

THE ANNUAL REPORT. The report to be presented to the annual meeting of the Masterton A", and 11.l 1 . Association on Saturday, August 9 th, congratulates members on the successful result of the year's work. It states that the last annual show was the most successful in the history of the Association. The entries showed a slight decrease, numerically on the previous year's figures, the result of a cold, wet spring and dry summer, combined with the slaughtermen's strike. Not. withstanding the unfavourable conditions, however, the quality of the stock shown was, in the opinion of exparts, unequalled at any other show in the Dominion. After dealing with the comparative entries since the year 1900, the reports proceeds:

Ram Fair.—The annual ram fair, under the auspices of the Society, was hold on the 20th and 21st February, when 98 studs and 2432 flocks (a total of 2530) were submitted. This total is small in comparison with that of the previous year, the defection occurring m the number of stud rams offered, and is due to the raising of stud entry fees, the action of the committee in this respect having the effect of bringing into the ring first-class animals.

The thanks of the committee are again due to Messrs R. Cooper and W. D. Watson, whose supervision of the fair was responsible in a very great measure for the harmony and good fellowship which prevailed amongst vendors, purchasers and officials.

Member ship .—The mem ber ship campaign instituted in 1911-12 has been vigorously continued throughout thp past year, and after making the usual deductions due to deaths, resignations and removals from the district, the members' roll now totals 1131, made up as follows: Honorary life members, 10; life members, 66; annual members, 1055—an increase of 10.

Life Membership.—As was generally anticipated, Mr C. F. Vallance's proposition that provision be made for the election of life members has been a- source of considerable revenue, the sum of £635 having been received in connection therewith. A strong canvass in this direction during the ensuing year should be successful. Challenge Cups.—The following wins were recorded :—Buick Memorial Cup, Hunters' Leaping Competition, Mr Jfi. Short's IHmzulu; Bidwill Cup, Best Hack, Mr E. Short's Scout; Moore Bowl, Fat Cattle, Mr Ernest Short; Brancepeth Cup, Romney Marsh, Mr W. Perry; Glenside Cup/ Champion Southdown Ram, Mr A. J. Stone-Wigg; Walker and Hall Cup, Freezing Sheep Classes,.Mr J. Strang; McLaren Cup, 5 Down Cross Lambs (London award), Mr J. C. McKillop; Lawes' Cup, Lincoln, Mr W. Perry; Perry Salver, Romney Marsh, Messrs A. and J. Gray ; Sutton Cup/ Best Crop of Swedes, Messrs Wilton Bros.; Highland Sheep Dip Cup, Farmers' Sheep Classes, Messrs Shaw and Son; McKenzie Cup, 5 Tegs (London awards.), Mr W. Howard Booth; Josnston Bowl, /Romney Ram, Mr G. E. Allen. Of the foregoing the Moore Bowl, McKenzie Cup, and Johnston Bowl have been won outright. Improvements; Expenditure on improvements has been kept down during the year, the sum of only £55 being laid out. The chief features of improvement were the covering of cattle pens, erection of. green feed racks in sheep pens, washing platform in. cattle yards,, extension of members' horse yards, the subdivision of holding paddocks, and increased kennel accommodation for dogs. Field Competition.—ln consequence of the unfavourable season, the swede competition [brought out only v two competitors. Results and Judges' remarks are set out in another portion of this report. . Balance-sheet.—After , writing off: the sum of £439 19s 6d for depreciation of improvements, plant and of-' fice furniture, the statement Of accounts appended shows that the position of the Association has been improved during the year by £584 lis Bd. • The dr. balance on current account with which the year commenced (£1092 lis lid) has been reduced by £986 5s lid. Railway Department. Special thanks are due to the Railway Department for the excellent arrangements made for passenger traffic and conveyance of show stock. The facilities afforded enabled Wellington and South Wairarapa passengers 'to -visit Sol way Show and return to' .their homes without unnecessary loss of time, the co-operation of the Department being much appreciated. "Thanks.—The hearty thanks of the Association are extended to judges, stewards and. honorary officials, to donors of cash and trophies, and to all who assisted in the advancement of Ihe Association during the year, Obituary .—lt is with dfcep regret that your Committee has to record the death of several prominent meihbers during the past year—members who have unstdntingly contributed their quota to the present firm and unassailable position of the Association. Perhaps, foremost among these gentlemen may be mentioned the late Mr Duncan McGregor, for many years an active member of the general committee,' and to whose elocutionary powers the Association is much indebted. Retirements from Committee.—The following members of committee are not seeking re-election: Messrs W. E. Bidwill, R. J. Dagg, J. B. Moodie, and J. P. Perry. Messrs O. C. Cooper, Q. Donald and J. O. McKillop retire from the committee in order to. fill the offices of president and vice-presidents respectively. Election of Officers and. Committee. —With this report each member willbe supplied with a , voting paper containing full directions in connection with the election of officers and Committee.