SUBSTANTIAL PROFIT

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 217, 11 June 1935, Page 6

SUBSTANTIAL PROFIT

Wellington Easter Show ASSOCIATION’S REPORT When, at last night’s meeting of the general committee of the Wellington Show Association, the finance committee presented its report, it was stateel to he anticipated that the year’s profit, including the results of this year's Easter Show, would exceed that ot last year by at least £2OO, and that the accumulated cash balance would amount to £3500 at the close of the financial year. The chairman, Mr. C. J. B. Norwood, said that it was proposed to devote £1660 to making the halfyearly payment ot 3 per cent, interest due to debentute.holdere on October 1.

When dissatisfaction at the spaceletting arrangements at the recent Easter Show was expressed by Mr. J, G. Marshall, Mr. W. McLay stated that the Wellington Manufacturers’ Association was not satisfied with the present arrangement and was considering withdraw, ing its support. It was going to consider the question at a meeting on Wednesday night.

The increased general interest in the horse events was stated to have been one of the most,gratifying features of the Easter Show. Entry fee® had amounted to £l3B, and gate money to £389, a total increase of £95 on the preceding year. The committee was satisfied that this was destined to prove one of the finest features of the show, and would grow yearly in popularity. A recommendation to the entertainment committee that it consider staging bigger and better stadium entertainments met «ome opposition, ps it was stated that events in the stadium had drawn complaints from exhibitors; it was alleged that such entertainments drew the crowd away from the show proper. Another comment," made b.v Colonel G. Mitchell, the show manager, was that the carnival spirit was undoubtedly lacking from the recent show. The fault was largely imputed to stall-holders. who failed to realise the importance of the personal element of showmanship. This waf> vividly illustrated b.v the case of a man who had sold tin-opener®, collar-studs and gyroscopic tops nt the Easter Show; he had occupied only a few feet of floor space, but by elever patter and by demonstrating the virtue of his goods he sold many pounds worth, A pyramid of studs, tons and can-nneners. lacking the human element, would have attracted little or no interest. Tn support of this view, the manager read n letter from an overseas visitor expressing n similar opln. ion.