P. & A. AFFAIRS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 May 1939, Page 8

P. & A. AFFAIRS

WAIRARAPA SOCIETY ANNUAL MEETING SUCCESSFUL YEAR REVIEWED. APPEAL FOR MORE MEMBERS. ("Times-Age” Special.) Activities of a successful year were reviewed at the annual meeting of the Wairarapa P. and A. Society held at Carterton today. There was a large attendance of members and the president, Mr J. Fisher, occupied the Chair. A motion of condolence was passed with Mr J. A. B. Lawrence in the death of his wife. Speaking to the annual report, previously published, Mr Fisher referred to the deaths of several old members of the society. The late Hon A. D. McLeod and Mr H. Morison were two of the oldest members and had done the initial spade work. The late Messrs Q. Donald, A. Tocker and J. G. McDonald had all left then’ mark on the affairs of the society. Although they had lost the tops of exhibits in some of the livestock classes to the Royal Show, Mr Fisher went on to observe, the last Show was a wonderful success and was probably one of the best the society had ever, held. The Royal Society was bound to catch some Show every year and they hoped that it would be some time before Wairarapa was affected again. The unfavourable weather no doubt affected the gate takings. It was a matter for regret that the membership showed a reduction of about 40 on the: previous year. He appealed to members to make every effort during the coming year substantially to increase the membership. It was essential for the success of the society that the membership should be kept as high as possible. Thanks were due to the committeemen for their work during the year and to the Showgrounds care-, taker for his services. FINANCIAL POSITION.

Reviewing me nnanciai position the treasurer, Mr G. Brown, said that the income of the society dropped from £2714 to £2519, while subscriptions and donations were down £3l and £2O respectively. They could anticipate a continuing reduction in donations as, time went on as most business firms J were finding times more difficult. Ex-‘ penditure had increased by only about £3O, which was the result of careful management. Taken as a whole the society, and the secretary (Mr L. H. Smart) were to be congratulated on the result of the year’s work. Mr Smart said that the falling-off in membership last year was due principally to the deaths of members. One new' member was elected. It was stated that since the last annual meeting 43 new members had been elected, the smallest number for a number of years. It was decided to hold the monthly meetings on the third Saturday in the month. On the suggestion of the president, it was decided that the four Young Farmers’ Clubs in the South Wairarapa be asked to appoint one member each to the committee of the society, without voting power. MR REID MADE LIFE MEMBER. In appreciation of his long years of association with the society, Mr C. Reid was appointed a life member. Reference was made by several speakers to the splendid work carried out by Mr Reid in the interests of the society. It was resolved to again hold the annual ball, the date and place to be decided at a later meeting. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—President, Mr R. R. Tilson; vice-presidents, Messrs J. A. McLeod and P. Bain; treasurer, Mr G. Brown; auditor, Mr H. M. B. Trapp; committee. Messrs G. E. Allen, H. J. Bassett, W. H. Bird, H. J. Brown, Arch Clark, J. Fisher, A. E. Hill, R. R. P. Hardy, G. W. Hart, W. M. Jury, W. A. Kempton, J. McGillicuddy, R. W. McLaren, W. R. Montgomery, C. Moore, C. J. Nix, J. G. Oates, M. J. Parker, S. Rayner, C. L. Reynolds, F. M. Reynolds, A. R. Robbins, V. L. Robinson.

A welcome was extended to the new members of the committee and thanks were expressed to the retiring members for their services.