LETTER ‘RECEIVED’

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 269, 27 August 1935, Page 6

LETTER ‘RECEIVED’

APPLICATION FOR A BOOTH.

ASHBURTON AGRICULTURAL SHOW.

DECISION OF COMMITTEE. At the meeting of the general committee of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association this afternoon a letter was received from a firm of caterers in Christchurch, suggesting that the Association should meet the licensing committee with a view to having a licensed booth on the Ashburton Showgrounds at the coming Show.

The president (Mr G. H. B. Li 11) said that members knew his attitude on this question. He was opposed to having a booth at the Show, and thought that if an application was made it would be a backward step. Ashburton had not had a booth for many years, and results spoke for themselves, Mr F. Frampton moved, and Mi* A. N. Grigg seconded, that the letter lie received. Mr H. Brown moved an amendment that the Association apply for a booth. Seconding the amendment, Mr J. v. ‘Guinness said he could not . agree with the chairman. If a booth, were properly conducted no one could have any objection, and it would be a means of increasing revenue from the show. Mr R. J. Martin supported the amendment, and estimated that the association would receive £4O for the catering rights. If this revenue vas available the association should make use of it as a business organisation.' Those who did not patronise the booth at race meetings never knew that there were booths operating. Messrs S. Andrew and Frampton contended that notice of motion should be given on this question, but Mi Andrew Brown said the vote should be taken at the meeting. “I don’t believe in ‘ packed’ meetings,” he said. Mr Martin suggested that members should be circularised on the question and asked for their opinion. The chairman ruled that the vote be taken, and Mr Martin gave notice of a further amendment.

The amendment, that the association apply foi a booth, was lost by 11 votes to 9. Mr Martin moved a further amendment that menlbers be circularised. “That is not a very dignified procedure,” said Mr Frampton. Mr S. Crossoii maintained that the general committee represented the members, and the amendment was out of order. “It is at least democratic,” said Mr H. Brown.

The amendment was seconded by Mr Guinness, but was lost on the voices. The motion that the letter lie received was carried.