A. and P. Association.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume III, Issue 158, 4 June 1901, Page 3

A. and P. Association.

annual melting

The annual meeting of the Waimate Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held in the County Council Chambers on Saturday, nearly fifty members hoing present. Mr W. H. Beckett /president) occupied the chair. The report for the past year was read, showing that the annual show was the best the Association had ever held. The number of subscribers’ receipts and number of entries all showed a substantial increase. For the dairy produce and stables new buildings had been provided. At the show the classes were increased from 151 to 175_and Cm prizes offered from 210 to 2n2, The entries increased from .120 in the previous year to 557, which is far in excess of anything in previous years. While there were increases in all classes, the most satisfactory was in sheep, which increased from 26 to 55, and the committee hope that at next show the increase will_ be more marked. The special prizes increased from Li, valued at £4O, to 61, valued at £bi. The committee wished to thank He donors for their generous support, which materially increased the success of the show. The total amount actually paid away in prizes (exclusive* of specials) was £157 3s bd, as Gainst £99 Us fid the previous yl r Despite the very unfavour-,a-iie weather, the gate money amounted to £57 5s 3d, a slignl increase, and this in itself is proof that tire show is yearly becoming more popular. About thirty-three new members were elected during the year, and through death and other causes six had been lost, leaving a membership of 136. Besides paying some £6O more than last year in prizes, £llß was spent in erecting the dairy shed and horse stalls audio purchasing the lease of the land adjoining the Show Grounds from Mr S. J. Adams. For this the Railway Department had granted a twentyone years lease at an annual rental of £2. The dairy shed has proved a great success and amply repays the money spent upon it. The horse stalls are a great improvement but require some, slight alteration.

The balance-sheet showed that they started the year with a credit of £52 Us 2d. The total revenue was £395 7s fid, and the total expenditure £416 7s Id, leaving a credit-balance of £32 14s 7d, with £G outstanding in subscriptions. A great deal of the expendituie will not be recurring, but there was still much to do that would tax the resources of tho Association. An increased membership was desirable in order that the progressive policy policy of the past might be continued.

The committee was much pleased with the attendance of members at the show, and hoped they would continue to take the game interest in the institution. They gave every praise to the secretary (Mr 0. Akhurst), who worked indefatigably during the year, having attended every one of the twenty-four meetings general, committee and subcommittee. The thanks of the committee were also due to Mr 0. V. Cochrane, who audited the books and balance-sheet. Votes of thanks were accorded to Mr Akhurst (secretary) and Mr G. V. Cochrane (auditor). The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The election of officers resulted as follows President, Mr Hertslet ; vice-president, Mr N. Francis; treasurer, Mr McLean *, committee, Messrs Douglas, Beckett, Orholl, McGowan, Rnddenklau, Pratt, McGoverin, Cowan, Freeman. G. Miller, Hayman. Dalgleish, J. Mitchell, H. Saunders, Bunbar, Henderson, W. Guilford, McLennan, S. Binney and D. B. Whitney. The Hon. W. 0. Walker wrote, allowing the use of the old siding from the branch line to the Show Grounds, and also an extension of ground for a railway platform to Show Grounds, under tease terminable in three months. It was resolved to write thanking the Government, and that the offer be taken advantage of as Boon as the Association were incorporated. Mr ftcraglas was asked to interview the District Engineer, to get n estimate of the cost of a platform.

A letter from the Agricultural

Department was received, informing the Association that it would consider the appointment of a veterinary officer for Waimate County.

It was decided to ask the Government to locate an entire draught horse and a thoroughbred horse in the Waimate district. It was also decided to forward a letter ot condolence to the relatives of the late Mr J. Cochrane, who had been of great service to the Association for a number of years. Mr C. Akhurst was unanimously granted a bonus in addition to his salary, for his services as secretary to the Association. Mr Beckett was elected a life member of the Association, in

recognition of his valuable services as president. The secretary was instructed to give a week’s notice of meetings.