A. AND P. ASSOCIATION

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17976, 22 March 1930, Page 8

A. AND P. ASSOCIATION

THE YEAR’S ACTIVITIES. * LOSS ON SUMMER SHOW. FINANCES SATISFACTORY. A fairly satisfactory year is reviewed in the report of the Waikato Agricultural and Pastoral Association to be presented at the 38th annual meeting next week. ' “The working year just ending had promise of being -the best the association has experienced for some years,” states the report. The entries .were good in both numbers and quality of exhibits, and brought many complimentary remarks from the judges, some of whom went so far as to say that they would like to shake hands with owners, and 'breeders of such highclass stock and convey their appreciation of the privilege of judging such a fine lot. It is with the greatest regret that your committee have to report an approximately 50 per cent, decrease from normal in the gate takings at last show. This was owing principally, if not entirely, to the inclement weather that prevailed at show time, thus making the grounds, and everything to do with the fixture, unpleasant for the public. Still, the committee wish to convey their appreciation of the generous support the townspeople gave by attending the show on Peopled Day, bad though the weather was. Additions and Alterations. “During the year final payment was made on the new sale arena, and during the term £76 have been donated towards the fund. Further donations to this purpose would he of special benefit to the association. A number of additions to hurdles and gates and several other requirements have been augmented, including a permanent hot water service and connections for it. Finances. “Your committee regret that owing to the big decrease in gate takings and consequent reduction in other sources of revenue, the finances had suffered a rather severe setback. To help to counteract this it was decided to reduce the prize money by 10 per cent, and your committee wish to thank prize-winners for the uncomplaining manner in which they received the.reduced amounts, not a single complaint having come to the association’s office. On perusing the balance-sheet it will be noticed that the bank overdraft shows a very considerable rise. This is explainable by comparing the 1929 balance-sheet, which showed £535 due sundry creditors. Since that balance was issued £353 had been paid. This comprised £lO3 balance due on building and £250, return of short loan. Another item of £241 appearing as unpaid to the association has been received. Thus when these items are considered it is pleasing.to state that there has been no increase caused in the actual overdraft, it is a pleasing feature to be able to state that the members’ subscriptions and arrears of some have come in better than foi many years, but there is still muck room for improvement in this item. It will he noticed that the membership is rather on the downgrade, caused mainly by having to write off many names owing to no response for fees. Your committee desire to remind everj member of the great necessity tc strengthen the membership by fresh members. “Your committee regret to have to report that an increased number ol the association’s members have died. To the relatives of those deceased members Hie heartfelt- sympathy of the committee and members is extended. “Your committee wish to extend their most grateful thanks to all those who helped with the work and detail connected with the last show; to the judges for the benefit of their experience and time; to the stewards for their care, time and labour; to Mr SV. Newell for again supplying the necessary green feed; to the donors to the prize fund, which was a great source of assistance and counteracted to a great extent the effects of the bad weather met with; to the Farmers’ Auctioneering Company for the efficient handling of stock to and from the railway and paddocks, and to the railway officials for the courtesy extended and help given to facilitate the receiving and moving of stock. Special thanks arc due to the local press for the general publicity given to the association’s interests, and to many others too numerous to individualise who helped during the closing period.” The chief items on the expenditure side of the revenue account are; Prizes, including trophies, £llß7 19s 2d and wages and salaries £353 IGs. Following are the receipts: Subscriptions, 11557 ; entry fees, £477; donations l'or prizes, etc., £592 9s; privileges, £6O; gates and stands, £330 10s 2d; rents and grazing, £612 17s 7d; space, £72 17s; catalogue, £23 15s lid. The loss for the year is £252 3s lid.