ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

Evening Star, Issue 22683, 24 June 1937, Page 18

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

DIRECT IMPORTATION OF STfltfK ADVOCATED [Pee United Peess Association.] ' WELLINGTON. June 23 : , Delegates from all over, the Dominion assembled to-day for the annual general meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand. In the absence of the president, Mr L. J. Wild (Feilding), who is overseas, Mr Alexander S. Holmes (Waimahaka) presided. , - He welcomed the delegates, and, moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet, said that a critical stage had been reached, as the balance sheet deficit showed. This was to be regretted. “ I look forward to the day when our society will be the leading organisation of the agricultural and stock industries of New Zealand,” he said, “ and when we shall be looked to by the authorities for advice in these matters.” He hoped the Government would resurrect the grant made to tho society in previous years. For the past year the expenditure exceeded the income by £337. The financial position threw grave doubts on the society s ability te assist this year’s Royal Show at Palmerston North as it did last year. “ It is high time the stock embargo was lifted so that the farmers of New Zealand can import the better strains of stock which we cannot produce here,” said Mr A. E. Harding (Waipukurau). He moved to that effect, and the motion that'the direct importation of stock be allowed was carried on the voices. . A motion instructing the Exccutne Committee to explore the possibilities of holding a stock display at the Centenary Exhibition at Rongotai in 19-10 was carried unanimously. The meeting held the firm opinion that such a display would do much to attract overseas purchasers. The following officers were elected; — President. Mr'L. J. Wild (Feilding) ; vice-presidents, Messrs Alexander is. Holms (Waimahaka) and J. A, Russell (Palmerston North) ; treasurer,' Sir William Hunt (Wellington) ; auditor, Mr S. E. Lambert (Wellington).