Great Service So Show

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31320, 16 March 1967, Page 24

Great Service So Show

During the last year a great worker in the interests of the Methven Agricultural and Pastoral Association has died. He is Mr J. F. Stone, who was secretary for 42 years. In many other ways, too, Mr Stone took a leading part in the district—his name is also, for instance, connected with the trotting club and the Methven pictures—but here we are concerned primarily with his contribution to the agricultural and pastoral association.

Among many who have had a long association with Mr Stone and who have appreciated the great value

of his work is Mr E. T. Grigg, formerly of Alford Forest and now of Ashburton. Mr Grigg was present

at the first show in 1913, competed in the horse events in the second show in 1914, was a steward for a number of years and marshal at the show, a member of the association’s committee and president from 1941 to 1943. “The late Mr Stone played a very important part in the success of the association,” says Mr Grigg in a tribute to Mr Stone. “He held the office of secretary of the association from 1913 to 1955. Many of those years were difficult years and it has to be realised that the success of the association was in large measure due to his guidance. “The show was first held in the Domain and then at the racecourse. The present grounds were bought later and these were mortgaged and new buildings erected. Past members who served on the association committee with Mr Fred Stone realised what a valuable man he was. His heart was in the work of the association.

“When it bought the present grounds the association took oh a big obligation. Mr Stone was the right man in the right place. We came out of the difficult thirties free of debt.

“In honour of the great service that he had given throughout the years Mr