Serious Neglect Of A. And P. Property At Kensington Park

Northern Advocate, 27 April 1944, Page 6

Serious Neglect Of A. And P. Property At Kensington Park

Although sheds and stalls, the property of the society, had been lent to army authorities as a patriotic gesture soon after the outbreak of war, no regard had been paid to the value of amenities, asserted the chairman of the Whangarei Agricultural and Pastoral Society (Mr H. W. James) at the annual meeting held in Whangarei last night. Internal structures had been removed. and many of the fixtures had been thrown out. Much of the society’s valuable timber was also lying exposed to the weather. Mr James said he feared the society had to proceed carefully in negotiating to have amenities at Kensington Park reinstated. At present negotiations were taking place with the Public Works Department. Mr James contended, stating he hoped arrangements would come to some finality within the next month or so in order that a stock show could be held in the near future. Activities during the year had been curtailed and business had been confined practically to safeguarding the society's business interests, staled Mr James. Throughout the year the executive’s main concern had been connected with property, and its greatest problem, as was that of the meeting, was neglect to the sheds and stalls at Kensington Park. Winter Shew Buildings Regarding the Winter Show buildings in Walton Street, Whangarei, Mr James stated that they were still controlled by the department and the society had been advised that they might be returned within a short preicd.

Referring to the movement to establish a central bus terminal in Whangarei, the president stated that he had taken it upon himself to offer the show buildings site to the Whangarei Borough Council for use as the terminal. The site, to his mind, was excellent. The matter was under consideration and it would he to the society’s benefit if plans were to proceed. as a shew could be arranged much quicker than at present:. Speaking of the attendance at the meeting, Mr James stated that some might be disappointed at the number erf members who were present, but he felt there was a good excuse in that most of thorn who took an active inteiest in agricultural work had realised a great call. The society should give the drive for production the utmost support. Production Serious The position was not only serious but, in fact, was critical. He could assure the meeting that they did not realise just what Britain was facing. Farmers had recently been treated to an increase in prices and while the Government could have taken greater steps, they had to carry on. The balance slmet submitted by the treasurer (Mr J. A. Archibald) rei fated that the sum of £4070 was dept sited in the accumulated fund. Of contingent assets a life interest :n Kensington Park was valued, at £2OOO. cattle, sheep and pig pavilions £1370. trophies £IOO, and share .turnstiles ±lB5. Mr Archibald stated that B rie--1 entures had, been paid off, and the society was now in a strong positiion financially.

Small Attendance The meeting, which had’been adjourned from an earlier date owing to an insufficient number of members attending to form a quorum, was attended, in addition to the chairman and secretary (Mr C. P. Butler' by five members, together with a representative of the Press. As in the opinion of the meeting there were insufficient officers ' o form a large enough executive, it was decided to give notice of motion that at the next meeting of the society the '•ules be amended to include three members on the executive owing to the fact that the debenture holders' representative bad ceased to hold office now that debentures had been paid off. Permission, subject to the approval of the Whangarei Borough _ Council was given to the Whangarei Jersey Cattle Club to bold its annual Jerscv rale at Kensington Park on June 27. Election of officers resulted: Patron Dr. George Walker: president. Mr H. W. James; vice-presidents, Messrs S. J. Snow and A. K. Franks; treasurer, Mr ,J. A. Archibald; executive. Messrs H. Ellis and W. Rowsell; auditor. Mr F. L. Gunn.

Onehunga State Houses (Special) AUCKLAND, This Day The building of about 25 State houses will soon start on land associated with the early history of Onehunga. and known as Grove Orchard. The original owner planted it with an orchard and ornamental trees, and in recent times the property has been used as a nursery orchard. Aporeciating the aesthetic and economic value of the trees, the Housing Department intends to preserve as many of them as possible, on the principle carried cut by the Works Department when preparing property for builders.