A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 64, 18 March 1901, Page 4

A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

The Committee met on Saturday after- < noon, there being present : —Messrs J. ] Maefarlane (in the chair), Dewing, ■ Holden, Grav, Dobbie, Barker, H. M. . Watson, W. Smith, Bright, Mason,'and , A. F. Kennedy. _ ) It was decided on the suggestion of the ; Auditor to get a fresh set of books, to be , opened under the Treasurer’s directions. Mr Smith stated that the Patutahi Domain Board had not been consulted in regard to the steps taken about the domain. It was thought that it would have been better to consult the Board, and on the motion of Mr Dewing, seconded by Mr Gray, it was decided to approach the Board with reference to a renewal of the least on the old terms, as the lease would fall in shortly. The auditors' recommendation concerning making payment of subscriptions close at December 31st, instead of June, was discussed. Mr Smith suggested that, should the subscriptions not be paid before the Show, tickets be withheld. Mr Bright: Then why not make it October Ist ? The Chairman suggested appointing a sub-committee to revise the rules. Mr Dobbie moved that the Chairman, Messrs Holden, Gray, and Bright be the ’Committee to deal with the matter. Mr Smith seconded, the Committee to report to nest meeting.—Carried. Messrs Harding, Hepburn, and Nasmith waited on the Committee with reference to the Association’s drainage proposals, and the Committee’s request for the Park Company to find the pipes, the Association paying for the labor. The Company was prepared to pay half the whole cost, provided the drain took a direction approved by the directors, and that the pipes used were the same size as now used. With reference to the removal of the building, the Company did not care to incur expense till they were in a position to erect a better building. Mr Bright pointed out that the Association had only a five years’ lease, and as the Park Company would reap the greatest benefit by the work done, the Committee should adhere to its original offer. Mr Maefarlane pointed out that the old drain required filling. Mr Dewing said there was no necessity for an immediate answer. Mr Harding said there was a small meeting of the Company’s directors, but the feeling was. emphatically in favor of the course the deputation had urged. The opinion was not likely to be altered. The deputation was thanked and informed that the Committee would acquaint the Company by letter of its decision. Mr Holden suggested that the Association do as little as possible in the matter. Mr Smith considered the advantages for the Association’s ten days’ meetings during the term of .the lease did not warrant the expenditure. The offer of the Association was to do the labor of draining and levelling if the Company found the pipes and removed Knight’s cottage. The Ground Committee were instructed to prepare sufficient ground for the sheep pens. In reference to the unpaid subscriptions, Mr Kennedy suggested that the list be. gone through, and those not recoverable should be struck off. Mr Bright suggested that a members’ roll be kept, so that in the event of the Society having to sue they would have something to go on. The Secretary was instructed to look up the minute as to preparing a members’ roll. It was decided to have the balancesheet printed. Messrs Maefarlane and Kennedy were appointed to prepare the annual report. The Chairman explained why the annual meeting was being held on March 30th. Nominations of officers had to be in 14 days before the annual meeting, and had been invited for that day. The Chairman said that, as the Government Veterinary (Mr Gilruth) had gone Home to procure a number of thoroughbred stallions and stock, this important district had a right to claim one of these stallions. —Mr Bright: Are they draughts ? —Mr Maefarlane : No, either hackneys or thoroughbreds. A letter, he said, should be sent to the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture putting in a claim to the use of one of these' stallions.—The suggestion was agreed to.. Mr Gray brought up the matter of a reduction of the auctioneers’ fees. —Mr Kennedy' pointed out that elsewhere yard fees were charged.—Mr Gray thought it a matter for the Association to take action in.—Other members thought a move should be made by the Chamber of Commerce.—Mr Bright jocularly said that, while the Association were moving in this matter, they might fix the rates to be charged by freezing companies. He did not think the Association should in any way hamper private enterprise. —Mr Gray speaking of the 5 per cent, charge, also mentioned the muddy state of the yards. —Mr Maefarlane said he would like to sco the yards’ made a co-operative concern, —Mr Kennedy said that the Chamber of Commerce could move in the matter, and if the fees charged locally were higher than those charged elsewhere, it would bo time to bring pressure to bear on the auctioneers. —Mr Smith ; And if they were lower, we would have them putting on a bit. (Laughter).—Mr Bright: There is just that danger.