THE H.B. AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL SOCIETY.

Hastings Standard, Issue 369, 10 July 1897, Page 3

THE H.B. AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL SOCIETY.

[To The Editor.] Sir, —Iti answer to the letter that appearel in your Wednesday's issue signed by " Hastings Tradesman," and referring to the above society, I can only say that had the Hastings business - people been unanimous in fathering the interests of this town and had acted in unity for their common good there is no question of doubt but the above society would have long since had its headquarters in this town. In every other central agricultural place, both in Australia and this colony, the offices of the society are in the town closest to where their show is held. The Napier people cannot claim to be exhibitors of stock or produce. Their membership only consists in being agents for exhibits sent to them for the purpose—exhibits that would be shown no matter where the society held their office. I contend that the great bulk of members and exhibitors are located in or about Hastings, and the cost of the secretary's attendance at Napier and that of the country members is a waste of money that is totally unnecessary. The cost of office rent in Napier, some £4O or £SO per annum, for instance, could he reduced onehalf by having a local office. lam quite certain that a great many business people here would join the society if the business was transacted here. It seems the height of folly that a society which holds its shows in Hastings aiy.l whose members and exhibitors are nearly all country residents should have to journey to Napier to arrange the business of the society held 13 miles from their meeting place and where all the members and the secretary have to go to considerable inconvenience to attend such meetings.—l am, itc., Short Horn.