MASTERTON A, & P.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 865, 11 July 1910, Page 10

MASTERTON A, & P.

MONTHLY COMMITTEE MEETING.

(From Our Special Correspondent.) The monthly meeting (being; tho last of tho financial year) of tho General Committee of-the Masterton A. and P. Association was held on Saturday afternoon, there being present Mr. G. C. Summerell (president), and about 20 members. A letter was road from Mr. W. IS. Bidwill, of Rototawai, stating that ho would be unable to act on the committee of the association in the coming year, but expressing the hope that the association would continue to lirospei, and would become second in importance only'to tho'Palmerston show. It was unanimously decided that it was tho v.'i-ih of the committee that Mr. Bidwill emtinuo to'act, and tho chairman undertook to write to him on the subject. '

The report of the meeting of tho Finance. Committee was read and adopted. The balance-sheet was submitted, showing a balance of assets over liabilities of £5433 11s. 2d., and an increased balance of £1248 ss. 9d. over that of the previous year. It was decided that the balance-aheot, which was adopted, be audited and circulated forthwith. The Ground ' Committee was authorised to expend a sum not exceeding £2000 in the erection of a grandstand, which is to be 228 ft. long by 37ft. wide, and will accommodate about 2000 people. It was. decided to reinsure tho buildings on tho imw show ground. The Ground Committee* was empowered to erect two sheep pavilions, the respective dimensions of ■which are to be 300 ft. by 43ft. respectively.

Authority was given the Building Committee to-open negotiations with Messrs. Judd Uros. for tho acquiring of a road entrance on the south end of the grounds. The same committee- was empowered to deal with an easement of tho road adjoining tho avenue, the auctioneers interested to erect a substantial fenco on the southern side, and the association on the northern. The road is to bo formed, metalled, and kept in good repair.by the auctioneers, who are to be required also to keep tho fence on both sides in repair. Mr. John Tait, supervisor, of the removal of the. buildings from tho old show grounds to tho new, reported that the buildings were now completely reerected. Complimentary reference was made to.the manner in which the work had been carried out, ami Mr. Tsut was granted a bonus of £15. The chairman reported that the fence between thp saleyards and grounds- was now boing proceeded with. It was reported that the Building and Sidinc Committee had visited Wellington, and finally arranged details for tho construction of the grandstand. They had also interviewed the Minister for Railways in reference to the proposed siding, but no definite reply "had yet como to hand. Mr. William I'erry explained the proposals iu detail in. regard to tho road to be acquired from Judd 8r05.,and, ou his motion, the report ivas adopted. The tender' of G. Lethwick, at 9s. por cord, was accepted for the' cutting and removal of firewood from the now grounds.

The balance-sheet was adoptect, on the motion of Mr. 0. C. Cooper, wjio stated that tho improved condition of the association was due largely to tho. liberal donations mado to the new showgrounds at Solwuy. Messrs. G. W. Sollar, J. B. Emmett, A. H. Vile, and B. Iveson were appointed scrutineers' for the election of tho commttt<ju.

Jlr. William Perry referred to tlio fact that the Government li.id accepted a section of twenty acres on thu West Coast from Mr. J. G. Wilson, for experimental purposes. The West Coast had one or two other experiment farms, and ho thought the Wairarapn should not la« behind in the matter. He would be pleased himself to.offer to tho Government an area of ten'acres of laud near the roadside at the Taratahi for tho purposes of experim&ut. Hn thought it- better that tho offer should be made through the association. On the motion of Mr. D. M'Gregor, jun., a,hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Perry for his generous offer. Mr. M'Gregor dwelt upon tho liberality of Mr. Perry, and the great interest he had always taken in agricultural and pastoral pursuits. Tho question of experiments was an important 0119 to tho district, and ho (Mr! M'Gregov) thought that a good dnal more could be dono than had been dono . in. tho past.

Mr. J. C. M'Killop said he was prepared to give twenty acres of land in the back country for the purposes of experiment, if it was required. He hearily supported the motion of thaiiks to Mr. Perry., It was decided that tho offer of Mr. Perry be conveyed to the Government through tho Exneriment Committee.

On tho motion of Mr. O. C. Cooper, b. resolution of condolence was passed to the relatives of tho lato Mr. Joseph Payton (who was an old member of the association) in their bereavement. The question of stock promised in tho Lower Valley for the Solwa.y fair was discussed, but no action was taken. The president mentioned that nominations of officers of the association for the ensuing year would close on Thursday next. As this was the last meeting at which ho would preside, ho expressed his sincere appreciation at- the hearty co-operation of officers and members during the past year. If anything, ho thought they had worked a little, too smoothly. Still, he had never found it necessary as president to put his foot down at 'any meeting. The meeting then adjourned.