p.—sa,

2

We regret very much, however, that the financial position of the society shows an alarming decrease, no less than the sum of £77 10s. 7d. having been expended in excess of the revenue. The bank balance shows a little better than that, but members must be made aware that the sum of £26 for rent was paid in advance in addition to the rent usually paid for the show-ground. We began the financial year with £93 6s. lOd.; and this year, including the £26 referred to, we begin with a credit balance of £41 16s. 9d. We would recommend, for the consideration of members, that where there is no competition, or only one exhibitor in any class, only one prize be paid. We would also recommend that when revising the prize list every economy be exercised, and that some of the classes may be done away with. Of course, every care should be used that the usefulness of the society be not impaired, and that the society make special endeavours to get energetic collectors, and also that greater diligence be used, and also to see that the farmers and residents in the Taieri respond more liberally. The annual parade of entire horses, held on the 6th October, was not so well represented as formerly, there being only ten entries of draughts and four thoroughbreds. The annual show, held in Mosgiel on the 26th December, was most successful, the total number of entries being 425 as against 436 the previous year, the small falling off being in thoroughbreds and hacks. Before concluding we would recommend that the show be held in West Taieri this year, if the West Taieri members exert themselves sufficiently for the funds. Peter Geant, President. Samuel Young,) ,» , t n Peteb Dey, | Members of Committee. Eobeet Findlay, Secretary.

Balance-sheet for Year ending 31st August, 1885. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. & s. d To Balance brought forward .. .. 93 610 By paid prizo money .. .. .. 17G 12 0 Subscription and members' tickets .. 119 10 6 Medals .. .. .. 29 6 3 Entries .. .. .. 56 8 G Half rent show-ground, £26 155.; half subGates.. .. .. .. 00 18 0 rent, £16 .. .. .. 40 15 0 Booths .. .. .. 25 16 0 Printing and advertising .. .. 31 15 3 Eents .. .. .. 53 10 0 Expenses at show .. .. .. 18 2 6 Eef and overcharge on medals .. .. 13 0 Labour .. .. .. .. 13 12 3 Deposit on protest .. .. .. 10 0 Timber, &c. .. .. .. .. 14 10 1 Estimated value of special prizes .. 49 14 6 Miscellaneous.. .. .. .. 912 9 Donation, Derby ploughing match .. 10 0 0 Stamps, stationery, and telegrams .. 5 10 0 Protest deposit, returned .. .. 10 0 Secretary's salary .. .. .. 25 0 0 Balanco in bank .. .. .. 41 16 9 Special prizes.. .. .. .. 49 14 6 £466 7 4 £466 7 4 Audited and found correct. —P. Dey, Wm. C. Todd, Auditors. Mosgiel, 14th August, 1885.

WAIEAEAPA AND EAST COAST PASTOEAL AND AGEICULTUEAL SOCIETY. At the meeting of the above society at the Council Chambers, on Saturday, the following report was submitted :— " The Committee of the Wairarapa and East Coast Pastoral and Agricultural Society herewith beg to lay before the members in general meeting the annual statement of accounts, duly audited and found correct. The balance sheet shows an overdraft on the 30th April last of £262 195., whereas the overdraft in April, 1885, was £8 14s. 6d. This would show a deficiency of £254- 4s. 6d. for the year; but it has to be stated that one of the mortgages for £277 10s. was paid off during the year, and that the bank allowed the necessary accommodation upon certain conditions of guarantee, which were accepted. The debenture debt has been practically removed during the year, and the Committee have not stated any liability under this head. It is therefore a matter upon which the society may be congratulated —the permanent debt has now been extinguished. At the previous annual meeting the statement of liabilities showed a permanent debt of two mortgages at £577 10s. and debentures £430, with an overdraft of £8 14s. 6d. —total £1,166 4s. 6d., whereas the present statement of liabilities shows a permanent debt of £300 in mortgage and a bank overdraft of £262 19s.—total £562 19s. The members' subscriptions have been well kept up, thanks to the efforts of those members of the Committee who undertook to canvass. The roll for the past year stands at 125 against 73 tor the present year. It is a matter for regret that the weather at the last annual show was unfavourable, interfering materially with the success of the whole undertaking. There is no room for doubt that had fine weather taken place the attendance of the public w rould have been the largest yet assembled on the show-ground in any year. The show in the preceding year also took place in the most unfavourable weather, and the gate-money then was £37 195., whereas it was £47 4s. 6d. at the last show. An experiment has been tried by the introduction of a separate show for poultry, dogs, and horticultural and industrial exhibits early in December last, and the Committee have the pleasure in reporting that this has been in every sense of the word an unqualified success. The ram fair held in .February this year has been well attended. During the past year a pastoral and agricultural society has been established at Masterton, and several efforts have been made to prevent what the Committee fear is likely to prove a split-up of the district. Special meetings of the members have been held and well attended, and certain proposals for amalgamation were made; but as the sine qua non was the removal of the shows to Masterton, no