OTAGO A. AND P. SOCIETY

Otago Witness, Issue 3195, 9 June 1915, Page 18

OTAGO A. AND P. SOCIETY

A SUCCESSFUL YEAR. The thirty-eighth annual meeting of the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society was held in the Dunedin Jockey Club’s board room on the 2nd. Mr T. T. Ritchie (president) occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance, there being between 60 and 70 members present. VHE PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. The adoption, of the annual report and balance sheet was moved by the Chairman, who introduced his address by congratulating members on another successful year’s work. Continuing, he stated that although the balance to credit on profit and loss account amounted only to £246 5s lid, it should be remembered that wet weather seriously interfered with the attendance on the second day of the summer show, this being People’s Day and that being so, the results must bo considered satisfactory. Had the society been favoured with fine weather, the summer show w-oulcT undoubtedly have been one of tho most successful ever held <at Tahuna Park, as the entries were exceptionally good, both in numbers and quality. It most unfortunate that the weather conditions had greatly interfered with this fixture during the last few seasons, as the public had not been able fully to realise tho great improvements that had undoubtedly taken place during the last few years. Since tho previous year tho judging ring had been enlarged very considerably, and this enabled stock to bo shown to much better advantage, besides giving an excellent course for the hunting and sporting competitions, which were now one of the features of the show. The thanks of the society were due to tho Dunedin Jockey Club for the very valuable prizes donated by it for jumping' events. When such a valuable prize as £SO was given to tho winner of a single event it was a great inducement for owners from a distance to enter their best horses. Tho stallion show had been held as usual in September, and was admitted by all to be tho very best that had taken place under the auspices of the society. In conclusion, Mr Ritchie stated that it only temainod for him to express his very sincere thanks to the members of committee, class stewards, and officers of the society, who had co-oporatod so cheerfully with him during the past 12 months. — (Applause.)

Mr John Roberts, C.M.G., seconded the motion, and : n doing so first of all referred with regret to the absence of Mr William Patrick and Mr Soutcr, who were very old and respected members of the society. Continuing. 1m stated that in regard to the operations of the past year the accounts squared fairly well, though matters had hern carried on at a normal cost. On the whole they were entitled to consider the results fairly satisfactory, and they hoped that the bad

weather of the past few seasons would not handicap them again. It was not unlikely that during the coming year they might not bo so well off, as the society, in its desire to help the Belgian and wounded soldiers’ funds, had handed over the catering to the Ladies’ Asssociation, and would lose the usual contribution to its funds from this source of some £35. The ladies wore, however, carrying out their duties in an admirable manner, and the society wished them every success.—(Applause.) Ho desired also to make special mention of the Government Agricultural Department’s exhibit, as it was only right that the society should recognise the support it invariably received at its shows from this department. Their exhibit on the present occasion was one that would bo praiseworthy in any part of the world, and they were under a very deep debt of gratitude to the Government for its splendid display.—(Applause.) In conclusion, Mr Roberts paid a high tribute to the work of the committee during the past year, and expressed hie pleasure at the number of young and vigorous members who were so ready to undertake the work of the society.—(Applause ) The motion was carried without discussion. ELECTION OF OFFICE-BEARERS, The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year; —President, Mr A. Johnson; vice-president, Mr F. Freeman; committee —Dunedin. Messrs H. Price and J. Loudon; Taieri, Messrs J. Gow and J. Nimrno; Waikouaiti, Waihemo, and North Otago, Messrs A. S. Orbell and W. Gardiner; Bruce, Clutha, and Tuapeka, Messrs G. H. iStewart and D. Murray; Central Otago, Messrs A. B. Armour and W. Laidlaw. Hon treasurer, Mr John Angus-; auditor, Mr Peter Barr. Mr John Elliot was elected an honorary life member. In declaring Mr Johnson duly elected president for the ensuing year, the Chairman stated that members of committee during the past 25 years knew how much_ he had done in the interests of the society during that time. The speaker was sure that Mr Johnson would continue to help the society, and that under his direction it would rise to an even higher position than In the past.—(Applause.) Mr Johnson briefly returned thanks for his election. He said he would doubtless find it difficult to fill Mr Ritchie’s place, but he- would do his best for the society, and trusted that at the end of his term of office members would have no cause to regret their present decision. —(Applause.) VOTES OF THANKS. On the motion of Mr James Smith, seconded by Mr W. Gardiner, a vote of thanks was accorded to the judges at both Summer and Winter Shows, to the exhibitors, to the press, and to ail those who had worked in the interests of the society during the year. A vote of thanks to the outgoing president was then carried by acclamation. In reply, Mr R.itchio stated that ho would continue’ to take a keen interest in tlj,e affairs of the society, and would continue to help it in every way— (Applause.) The annual social function which m the past has followed the general meeting of members was this year dispensed with on account of the war, and the amount saved by this means will be devoted to the Belgian Fund.