A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2643, 11 May 1923, Page 7

A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

RETIRING PRESIDENT'S REVIEW, The retiring president of the Manawatn A. and P. Association, prior to moving' the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet yesterday, remarked that, at the last annual meeting-, and having: in mind the prevailing; depression then at about its lowest, he stated that he did not feel any too happy about the prospects ahead. Needless to say, however, he felt much more optimistic now insofar as he personally was concerned. He did not wish it to be inferred from that that his successor was in for a bad time, for he had had a very happy term of office notwithstanding the slump. It was anticipated that the canvass for the Spring Show would be an uphill task and he fancied some of the members of the committee thought so too, as the task of getting them to make the "Wellington trip was harder than the actual canvass. As usual, Wellington supporters treated them well, the net result of cash, trophies, new members, and catalogue advertising being £467 10/. The land acquired by the Government from Mrs Peters had been taken into the grounds and fenced in, giving the Manawatu Rugby Union two additional playing areas as well ag providing ample room for judging; rings for cattle. It had been deemed advisable to fence in the recently acquired land with new material —a heavy item —but he was pleased to say that the cost was reduced to the extent of £l3O by a successful sale of old posts, iron and other sundries. The speaker made reference to the fact that at the 1921 Dairy Show adverse criticism was levelled at the association by some of the National Dairy Association members who were then in conference at Palmerston North, with reference to privileges. A fresh agreement was drawn up as a result of the criticism, but this did not suit, and more "hard talk" was indulg-ed in at the 3 922 conference of the Dairy Association. A further diseussion with the executive nf that body had resulted in an agreement under which they were to have free access to the A. and P. Association's hall for their conferences. The books of privilege tickets were therefore abolished.

A prood deal of trouble .had been experienced with would-be show visitors coming into the grounds over the fences, and to stop this as much as possible barbed wire had been put up on three sides of the grounds. It had not been possible to do this on the 'Waldegrave Street fence, but this would be watched.

"There seems to be a demand for a trotting: track," added the speaker, "and a sub -committee has been set up to pro thoroughly into details in order to bring: down a comprehensive report to the General Committee." In conclusion, Mr Lethbridgrc briefly reviewed the state of the buildings, which, he said, were in first-class repair. He paid a tribute to the caretaker and the manner in which he kept the premises, and also thanked his members for their assistance, urging: upon them the need of securing- as many new members as possi-