OTAGO A. AND P. SOCIETY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20320, 31 January 1928, Page 4

OTAGO A. AND P. SOCIETY.

ITS FUTURE CONSIDERED,

At the first meeting of the Genera! Committee of the Otago A. and P Society held after the Summer Show a sub-com-mittee was appointed, consisting of six members representing the country and six representing the city, to report on the results of the Summer Show, the financial position, and the future of the society. This committee has held one meeting, and the general position was carefully reviewed, various proposals being received for consideration. It was recognised from the suggestions received and the views expressed by members that there was considerable difference of oniuion ns to the best methods to adopt in regard to the future po'icy of the society After a full disensssion. it was decided, on the motion of the President, to adjourn the meeting for a fortnight to give the committee further opportunity of going into matters, and it was expected that a full report would then lie pi (“pared for submission to the General Committee.

The following is a brief outline of the different matters considered, and the committee would appreciate any further suggestions from breeders and exhibitor's that might assist it in arriving at a final dee is km.

In regard to lack of competition in mr.nv of the sections, the general opinion of breeders is that the want of railway facilities in handling stock at Tahuna Park seriously affects the number of entries received .and n recommendation will be made that further efforts he made to obtain railway connection with the showgrounds provided reasonable terms can hs arranged. The proposals received to discontinue holding the Rammer Show will not receive general support, but the suggestion to restrict the Rummer Show to one day and to arrange that each section and class shou’d be revived with a view to being uniform with kmdred associations will receive careful consideration. it was pointed out by several exhibitors that under the present arrangements it generis’ly took practically a whole week to ex hibit at any of the* principal shows. This is considered detrimental not only to the stock but is a serious cost to the exhibitor. The committee has not come to a decision on these points, hut was of the opinion that a one-day show and uniformity in the classes are matters (hat might with advantage he discussed at a conference of the principal agricultural associations in the South Island. In regard to the financial position, whilst the sociotv is financially sound, the serious losses occurring eijph year at the summer shews is not only seriously affecting its results but also the society’s operations. To meet these losses, mainly caused by unfavourable weather, the subcommittee will recommend that a snecia! appeal be made both to country and town members to increase the membership to 1500. Tiie revenue received from this source would enable the soeict.v to have sufficient funds to meet all liabilities, and it would not have to depend solely on the ga f e receipts. There are several suggestions vet to h? considered The most important are the (lunation of ho’dirx* the ram and ewe fair at Tahuna Park, the alteration of the date of tho show fo autumn, the extension of the Summer Show to an evening, and other matters of a similar nature.