SOUTHLAND A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3364, 4 September 1918, Page 10

SOUTHLAND A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of the Southland Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held on Saturday, Mr A. S. Holmes presiding. • TJio anmial report stated that the attendance had been very good at the Summer Show, held on 11th and 12th December, and the takings amounted to £412. This was nearly £2OO less than the previous year, but the profit for 1917 waa £lll as against £199 for 1916, .this comparatively good result being brought about by a curtailment of expenses. The Winter Show, held on 14th and 15th May, showed a loss of £136 as against a loss of £7l for 1917; but from every other point of view except that of finance the show waa a success. The Horse Parade was abandoned owing to lack of interest of breeders, but the Ram and Ewe Fair was successfully held as usual. The thanks of the association were due to those who had so generously given special prizes, including Mr W. D. Hunt, who had offered an annual prize of £lO,

and Mr and Miss Adamson, Castlerock, who gave £2l for a prize. The income from Mr Barnhill's debentures had now accumulated sufficiently to purchase a Romney cup. The balance sheet showed a loss for the year of £577 17s 4d, and the revenue account for the last three years showed a total loss of £1362 13s Bd, chiefly accounted for by the loss of revenue attributable to war conditions. As there appeared no means of increasing the revenue, a campaign had been started to raise £IO,OOO to reduce the liabilities, and place the association's future beyond doubt. Of this £7300 was already promised, and some districts had not yet been canvassed. The president, in moving the adoption of the report, referring to the Winter Show, said the association would have to consider whether or not it was advisable to continue the" fixture. For the debt extinction fund £BSOO was how assured, of which £7300 was in hand. Mr Drain, in seconding the motion, said he would be sorry to see the Winter Show dropped, and the Hon. Mr Hawke thought it should be held for at least one year more. The report was adopted. The following officers were elected: —Mr A. S. Holms, president: Hon. A. F. Hawke, vice-president; directors —Messrs Wm. Swale (Northern), James Milne (Woodlands), James Callender (Invercargifl), James Drain (Western), John Carmichael (Eastern), James King- (Waiau), R. H. Bisset (Avondale). J. Gilkison (Invercargill). Mr J. T. F. Mitchell -was nominated to take the seat vacated by Mr Hunt's retirement, and, as there was no other nomination, he was elected. Mr G-. Featherstone was re-ap-pointed auditor.