The Ensign. THURSDAY, JULY 2, 1914. CORE A. & P. ASSOCIATION.

Mataura Ensign, 2 July 1914, Page 4

The Ensign. THURSDAY, JULY 2, 1914. CORE A. & P. ASSOCIATION.

The annual meeting of the Gore Agricultural and Pastoral Association which is reported elsewhere in this issue is of distinct interest to every resident of the district. The society is accomplishing an excellent work and is flourishing, thanks to the efforts of its supporters'. The progress it has made, however,-has a relative value by reason of the number of its members. In a word, what has been accomplished is solely due to the work of a faithful few whose numbers' should certainly be increased.. The continued and ever-increasing prosperity of the association as reflected in the balance-sheet submitted yesterday gives reason for congratulation. The association performs a duty of especial interest and importance in the holding of an annual show at which stock and produce are exhibited and where notes may be compared for mutual benefit. The growth of the society has.been steady and there is no reason to doubt but that it will go straight on improving and strengthening its. position each year. Upon this materially depends, however, the question of membership. The "usefulness of the association should especially appeal to every farmer. ' The membership at present is a great deal too Jaw. A total of some 300 members is quite inadequate for an association such as : this which is able -to attract thousands to its- annual exhibition. Present members might well co-operate with the committee in increasing the membership. There is no reason why every member should not constitute himself an emissary for the association,. considering the good it effects, in order to obtain at least another member each. Probably there is not one single member w'lio could not, if he set himself seriously to the task, secure at least one new member during the.coming year. It is not necessary to adopt the method of a "whirlwind campaign," for the effect of such is not lasting, but the committee has a. right to expect fromi the •members the exertion, of "some personal influence in this regard. The town and country people do their snare in: the way of supporting the association but there are many nho refrain from giving that assistance and support which the association deserves. There are many who may be dessribed as fa rweather friends; that is to say, they will visit the< show if the sun is shining, so that they get full value for the small amount- they expend, but they will not associate themselves with the association to promote the interests oi' agriculture. That, however, 'must be a matter of 'education, and we look to the present members of the association to do their befit in this regard. Certainly the splendid l work done by the association in regard to the making known of what this district is capable is certain in the end to attain the ends desired. The animal meeting' of -members gives opportunities for the ventilation of ideias which will make for the progress of the association, the suggestion of improvements and innovations and for a. .general discussion of matters affecting the affairs of the association. At yesterday's meeting there were no grievances, which must be decidedly gratifying to the committee. There were, however, some suggestions which deserve consideration. That of improvements in regard to accommodation- on- tho grounds for exhibitors and stock will appeal to all, for they have as their object the making of the show, attractive to visitors. The suggestion that military events should be held on the first day of the show is well worthy of consideration and is one that we hope will be carried into effect. Gore is the centre of a district in which there is much activitv in military matters and' in view of the display which ds to be given at Invereargi'll on Labor Day in October and tho military tournament at Dune-din at Christmas time the prospect of spectacular attractions of the kind for Gore is particularly welcome. The management of tho association is in good hands and it must progress, but that progression would naturally be materially increased if •the membership was enlarged. The association assists one of tho most interesting and valuable pursuits that 'have been followed since the world began and it should bo assisted by every resident of the district.