WINNING PRESTIGE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 261, 4 November 1933, Page 11

WINNING PRESTIGE.

AUCKLAND A. AND P. SHOW. MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN. The opinion that members were not "getting enough for their money." was expressed yesterday at a council meeting of the Auckland branch of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association as one reason for the non-increase in membership. The council adopted a scheme put forward by Mr. J. T. F. Mitchell to better the membership position.

Mr. Mitchell suggested that 4000 carefully-worded letters should be sent out, showing why membership was desirable. "We should get at least 5 per cent," he added. "That would mean 200 more, and we would have done some good." He estimated that the added cost in stationery and postage would be £35. If it were not for the near approach of the Royal Show, what he suggested might fall flat, but under the circumstances he was sure that the association would get its money back. Except for Manawatu, Auckland did as much for its members as any show, said the secretary, Mr. W. F. O'Donnell. "Members are, not merely buying privi- , leges," he said, "but are showing their appreciation of what the show stands for." It would be a mistake to take the view that the association was selling something for a material return, said Mr. H. S. W. King. The appeal should be to those who were intrinsically interested. "Unless we give more we will not get our money back," said Mr. A. J. Stratford, "except those who have a definite interest in agriculture." He compared what the A. and. P. Association did for its members with what the Auckland Racing Club did for its members. A Voice: But they have the "tote." ■ Mr. Stratford reiterated that the association would have to do more if it wanted its money back. He suggested that members should be given a distinctive ribbon, something similar to that given by the A.R.C. His motion was subsequently adopted. The secretary said that during the war period the Auckland Show had "slipped a little," and people had come to look on it as something of a "back number." That position was now being remedied. "Palmerston North, Carterton and Hi stings were a blaze of lights for their show times," he added, "and all we can get is a poor, miserable strip across the street."

The president, Mr. S. Austin Carr, eaid that there was a decided feeling in the city to help the Koyal Show.