NELSON P. P. & G. ASSOCIATION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume L, Issue 175, 2 November 1917, Page 3

NELSON P. P. & G. ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL (MEETING

The annual meeting of the Nelson Poultry, 'Pigeon, and Canary Association was held at Opie's room last evening. Mr H. Baigent presided over a good attendance of members. The annual report presented by the hon. secretary (Mr G. H. King) stated that the year had been a very successful one, and interest and enthusiasm had been well maintained. A large number of demonstrations on the various breeds had been given, and had proved very interesting and instructive. The 1917 show was more than up to expectations, and resulted in a larger total of exhibits than at the preceding show. The judges (with one exception) were all local fanciers, and Nelson was

singularly fortunate in having such a fund of judging material at its disposal. Mr Cussen, Government expert, assisted with the judging, and the suggestion was made that the association might _ consider the matter of again procuring his services. Thanks were tendered the Department of Agriculture for allowing Mr Cussen to act as judge. The quality of the "exhibits was well up to the standard of previous years. The pigeons were fewer in number, as the call to arms had effected the local Homing Club. The bantam section was very large, and showed a big increase. As to the cat section, the suggestion was made that the Association should consider the advisability of its discon■'The finances of the Association were still sound in spite of the ex- , traordinary conditions obtaining. The I are union was affected seriously by the I heavy drain on everyone for war relief purposes, and showed a falling-off of £6O. The balance-sheet, however, showed a credit balance of £6, after paying two items which would not be recurring. The best thanks of the Association were due to the donors of special prizes, to the judges, to th"e Defence Department for the use of the Drill Hall, to the demonstrators, and to those members who gave such valuable asistance at show time.

On the motion of the president, seconded by Mr J. A. Stringer, the report an 3 balance-sheet w.as adopted. ■Complimentary references were made to the manner in which the secretarial duties had been carried out by llr King. After discussion it was resolved that the matter of demonstrating during the ensuing season be left to a special demonstration committee. It was resolved, in view of the lack of support of the cat section, that this section be eliminated at the next show. Officers were elected as follows :—Patron, Mr G. A. Harkness ; sub-patrons. Messrs H. iR. Duncan and J. Boon and Dr. Lucas; president, 'Mr J. Hockey; vice-presidents, Messrs H. Baigent, F. Plum, W. W. Snodgrass, A. W. Shallcrass, lE. T. Savage, E. B. Martin, W. Coleman, J. A. Stringer, W. H. Simpson, F. Coleman, W. Besley, A. G. Betts, C. Eggers, H. F. West, H. C. Jacka, F. Fairey, T. Barrett, J. Balck, S. Y. Wearing, J. Vit-etta, A. Huggins, E. O. Barry, F. Bibbons, and' Nl Tibbie; committee, Messrs W. Laird, H. Simpson, J'. Boyd, A. Simpson, G. Holbrook, J. Morcom, T. Tibbie, W. Lock, J. W. Heath, F. Lock, F. Hockey, W. A. Mitchener, F. C. Rawson, H. Jennings, and E. Scholefield ; auditor, Mr F. A. Bamford (re-elected); secretary ,Mr G. H. King (re-elected); treasurer, Mr J". A. Stringer (re-eject-ed).

It was resolved that local judges be appointed for the next show. It was resolved that the Department be written to and asked to allow Mr G'ussen to again visit Nelson at show time to judge the utility classes. A letter was received from the South Island Association, stating that at the last half-yearly meeting of that association it was decided to make an effort to heal the breach between the North Island and the iSouth Island Associations and the clubs in both islands which had seceded from the governing bodies, and asking for a statement of the difficulties standing in the way of the Nelson Association applying for re-affiliation, for any objections to the constitution and rules and administration, and for suggestions for alterations which if made would enable the Nelson Association to work with the South Island Association.

Letters on the subject were also received from the New Zealand Championship Association and the Woodville Society. After a lengthy discussion, it was resolved that the South Island Association be written to and asked to forward the question to the New Zealand Championship Association; further, that the Nelson Association is in hearty sympathy with anj movement lo secure unity and co-operation amongst the various associations. It was resolved, amidst applause, that a minute be recorded expressing appreciation of the long and faithful service of Mr H. Baigent as president. Votes of thanks were accorded the retiring officers and the meeting closed.