MIDDLEMARCH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23648, 4 November 1938, Page 13

MIDDLEMARCH

Agricultural and Pastoral Society The thirty-seventh annual meeting of the Strath-Taieri A. and P. Society was held on Saturday, and was presided over by the president (Mr James Howell). Before proceeding with the business of the meeting, the president made reference to the recent bereavement in the families of members, and moved a vote of sympathy with the relatives of the late Mrs W. Guy and Mr W. Henderson. The motion was carried in the umal manner. Moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet, the president reviewed the work of the society during the year. The show was up to the usual standard, he said, although, owing to the unfavourable season, the entries showed a slight decrease. Members’ subscriptions had been raised from 10s 6d to £1 during the year, and, owing to the increase and other causes, the membership was reduced from 125 to 105. Entry money in various sections at the show was increased, and notwithstanding the decrease in members, the increase was a decided benefit to the finances of the society. He expressed his satisfaction in reporting that, owing very largely to the liberality of certain members, the new buildings, sheep yards, and rail around-the ring which had been completed some time ago at a cost of £4OO, were now free of liability. He expressed his sincere thanks to those members for their cooperation and enthusiasm. Referring to the balance sheet, he called attention to the sound financial position jf the society with a credit balance of £64 for the year, and pointed out that the revenue from the hall of £154 was a record. In this connection, he recommended to the incoming committee that immediate consideration be given to necessary alterations to the nr 11 so as to meet modern requirements. Mr Elliot Matheson seconded the motion. which was carried. Before vacating the chair, the president thanked members for their assistance during his term of office and all those who contributed to the success of the show. On the motion of Mr J. Aubry, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the retiring president. The following officers were appointed:—

President, Mr Elliot Matheson; vicepresident, Mr A. D. Matheson; treasurer, Mr G. Robertson: auditors, Messrs Jones and Polaschek; committee— Messrs T. Carruthers, J. Dawson, W. G. Jones, jun., F. J. Keast, J. White, J. McGill, W. Weir, M. A. Matheson. E. Peat, and B. Watson. The Finance Committee was requested to report on the recommendations made by the president regarding alterations to the hall. Rainfall The rainfall recorded for the month of October was 211 points, 152 of which fell during the last week. This was equal to the total rainfall recorded since July 31. The district has completely recovered from the effects of the dry spell, crops and pastures coming away in a remarkable manner. The rainfall for the month of October last year was 20 points, so that prospects for a favourable season are considerably brighter than at the same period last year. An additional 66 points were recorded on November 1. The total for the 10 months wrs 17.20 inches, against 17.74 inches in 1937 and 18.12 inches in 1936. The daily rainfall for October was: October 3, 9 points; October 7. 30 points: October 8 8 points; October 16. 9 points; October 20, 3 points; October 23. 88 points; October' 24. 27 points; October 28, 32 points: October 30, 5 points; total, 211 points. Personal

Cable advice just received from Mr Andrew Carruthers, of Ngapuna, states that Mrs Carruthers, Mr F, Mcßae, and himself left Southampton by the Akaroa on October 23 on their return to New Zealand. Mr Carruthers also advises that he has arranged a shipment o * Clvdesdale horses to leave for New New Zealand on November 2.