A. And P. Society Short Of Funds

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31628, 14 March 1968, Page 12

A. And P. Society Short Of Funds

In eight of the 11 years since 1957 the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association had shown a loss, the retiring president (Mr H. G. Hartnell) told the annual meeting of the association yesterday.

The continuing series of losses indicated that the costs of running the association were pressing a little too hard on income, Mr Hartnell said.

Only members' subscriptions left any scope for increasing revenue. An increase was well justified both in the light of the association’s needs and of the comfort and convenience offered members. It was unfortunate that the point at which a decision could no longer be deferred should coincide with a time in which money was scarce. On paper the association was wealthy. Land and build-

ings were valued at $368,886, not including the new grandstand and its equipment—on paper, the assets of a wealthy man, but with barely enough cash to pay the grocer. Costs had risen ruthlessly. Rates in 1957 were $lOB5, this year they were $2llO. The show cost $16,500 in 1957, last year it cost $25,250. There was only restricted scope for increasing prices. Gate takings were as high as they could go at the moment and last year covered only 11 per cent of the outgoings of $84,000. Show fees were already the highest in New Zealand and could go no higher at present. Fifty years ago gatetakings covered 45 per cent of outgoings. Entry fees covered 24 per cent, not 8 per cent as now. Subscriptions should contribute about 20 per cent of the money needed. They now covered only about 12 per cent of outgoings. However, the association could look to the future with every confidence, Mr Hartnell said. The association might be chronically hardup, but it had never been in better heart.

The annual report said there was a loss of $6699 on the year’s workings. The wet People’s Day at the show probably represented a loss of $3OOO in gate-takings, and revenue from wool storage had dropped from $2684 to $403.

At the end of 1967 the association had 2588 annual members, 792 life members, and 88 junior members compared with 2729 annual members, 789 life members and 101 junior members in 1966.

At the end of the Centennial Appeal Year in June, gifts amounted to $118,727 from 2491 persons. Another $14,658 was received by the end of the year. No show ground In New Zealand was now betterequipped with facilities for members and spectators.