A & P- ASSOCIATION

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXII, Issue 12532, 18 April 1935, Page 4

A & P- ASSOCIATION

55th ANNUAL REPORT. IMPROVED FINANCIAL POSITION. WONDERFUL HELP BY MR* TUCKER. In the course of its annual rcpoit, the committee of the A. and P. Association makes a comparison of the income and expenditure of the past two years. The income for 1933/34 came to £2443 and the expenditure £2IBO. For 1934/35 the figures were: Income £3312; expenditure £2571. Included in the special funds income ip £247 subsidy from the patron, Mr. fl. G. Tucker, who, in addition to subsidising donations and amount raised specifically for buildings, has, for this year, subsidised the ram fair receipts. The 1934 Show was held under ideal weather conditions, and was a record both in entries and attendance of the public. The re-arrangement of the locations for trade exhibits, sideshows and chopping competitions, made for a more even distribution of patrons, and even with the record attendance there was no undue congestion in any part of the grounds. The space allotted to the trade exhibits was near the sheep and cattle pavilions, where the comprehensive and attractive displays, were prominently before the farming public. The facilities provided for the convenience and comfort of the public, together with the increasing shade and shelter of the growing trees, is. very evident!v appreciated, and materially help to aid the general popularity of the Show. As an adjunct to an excellent wool display- members of the Massey Agricultural College staff presented an interesting educational exhibit and demonstration. The national dancing and axemen’s competitions were popular diversions. Record entries were received in the home industry section; the exhibits were of a high standard and the hall was thronged throughout People’s Day. Tfye pig section also had record entries, and the judge commented very favourably on the exhibition. As to the improvements effected I the most important was an addition to the sheep pavilions and the display and selling pavilion, provided to enable the annual ram fair to be conducted on the grounds. The committee again expresses, on behalf of members and the district, grateful appreciation to Air,. H. G. Tucker lor his continued liberal assistance and thoughtful consideration for the welfare of the Association. During the year ho has levelled the large area of ground between the home industry hall and the main road, using the surplus soil from here to fill in an old creek bed at the rear of the then existing sheep pavilion, thus providing a level site for the new buildings ; graded and formed the stock entrance road; built a (convenient and characteristically substantial cattle loading ramp at which four lorries can load simultaneously; provided two excellent flag poles complete with flags; designed and equipped the national dancing ring with concrete pillars for the platfoim and three rows of seats for the public and competitors; furnished further seating accommodation round the dog ring and in various other parts of the grounds; extended the flower gardens and planted additional trees. At present Mr. Tucker is engaged in putting down a well on the grounds. An excellent underground stream has been located, which will furnish an urgently needed supplementary water supplv. The experience and skill displayed by Messrs. Gibbs and Mills in carrying out the levelling, work for Mr Tucker is gratefully acknowledged. In addition to the many substantial works carried out by the natron, the association and the public are indebted to him for the amenities of the grounds. The committee acknowledges and much appreciates the valued assistance of the Carriers Association and Air. Brocklebank in metalling the stock entrance road and the cattle ramp. It also desires to record the valued and skilful work- of the caretker in carrying out his ordinary duties and assisting in improvement works. As to the buildings funds the receipts and subsidy to Alarcli 31, 1934 totalled £4148, to which had to bo added receipts per income account improvement fund £718; rest room fund £22; grandstand fund £sS—total £4947. To March 31, 1934 the expenditure. had totalled £4665 and the cost of further works had been: Additions to cattle pavilion £sl; sanitary conveniences £143; ram fair building £749; sheep pavilion £361, making the total to date £59 il. A rodeo was conducted on the King’s Birthday, last June, and the pronounced success can he attributed largely to the inter-district competition arranged by Air. A. C. Langford. For the district export lamb competition, thitry-two pens were entered and were a creditable display. The carcases were judged at the Ivaiti Works by Air. J. Barr, who also selected the 15 pens to represent the district at the London competition. With a view to increasing tlie educational value of the competition, a recommendation is being sent the Meat Board to request the English judges to submit suitable: comments in cases where their judgment differs from that of the New Zealand judge. s The sliocp pavilions and ne\v .ram'fairbuilding were used for the first fair on the grounds in January last. The smooth running qf the sale , anil the general convenience and efficiency of buildings and. arrangements provided evidence of careful forethought and planning by those, rgspqnsibjg, cliiqf of which was your vice-president, Air iJ.. G. Graham, . Tip SKq\v;haU, organ-. - Ised and conducted by a. committee ’ of capable and enthusiastic ladies, was again a noteworthy success. A recommendation, from,., the, committee that," out of the ball funds two addi- ; tional glass cases .should be provided for the home industry section of the show;, and,, the,. balaneq. predated to a fund to provide a women’s dressing and rest room, has been referred to the incoming general committee.

The following nominations have r been received: President, H. G. Smith ; vice-president, J. G- Graham ; hon. treasurer, F. Tolerton; commit, tee, AV. Allen, E. R« Black, D. J, Gumming, L. Field, C Gaukrodger, J AI. Alonckton, R. C. Parker, p. j‘ Roberts, AV. AV. Smith and L. G. AVoodward. As there are ten nominations for the nine vacancies on the committee, an election for committee: men will be necessary. Air. V. T. C. Savage, whose work and association with the committee has been much appreciated has asked to he relieved of the work for a time. j Sincere thanks are extended to He ladies for their successful work in connection with the rodeo, show and ba ll and to all who so cordially assisted during the. year. Resolutions of condolence have been recorded and letters of sympathy forwarded to relatives of the following members J A. Mackintosh, J. L. Alillr-r, B, Alossman and A. Puflett.