A. AND P. SHOWS

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 142, 13 December 1933, Page 16

A. AND P. SHOWS

MANAWATU ASSOCIATION

OUTSPOKEN COMMENT

(Special to the "Evening Post.") PALMERSTON N., This Day. Startling comment on the administration of shows conducted by the Maniiwatu A. and P. Association was voiced by Mr. W. ■G. Black, chief gate steward, at a general committee meeting yesterday. "Some of you aru living in the past, and with the cloak and bogey of economic circums.tances are trying to bluff yourselves into believing that better times will restore the failing fortunes and prestige of this association," said Mr. Black. "I say emphatically, and I believe there arc many of you who will support my view, that the present lack of public support and declining revenue is not duo to economic circumstances alone, but to far more serious and deep-rooted causes, which necessitate a revolution in our methods of administration and in our outlook if this association is to survive as a major A. and P. Association." Ha said that other associations had shown substantial improvements in attendance and gate revenue this year, while their association had recorded a decline more serious than in any of the previous six years. They had lost, to a serious extent public support and goodwill, through their failure to adjust themselves to the changed conditions of the present times by comparison with the last decade. "We must of necessity and perhaps with some distaste adjust our methods and our outlook to the altered financial conditions and present public taste," said Mr. Black. "This is a task which will require keen thought and. real effort, but it cannot longer, be delayed if we are to. restore our popularity,' regain our goodwill, and build up our attendance." "Looking the facts ' squarely" in the face," commented the president (Mr. D. Buchanan), "it appears that something will have to be done to reorganise matters thoroughly." The report presented by Mr. Black was referred to the finance committee for consideration. ' >•