OTAGO A. AND P. SOCIETY

Otago Witness, Issue 3594, 30 January 1923, Page 12

OTAGO A. AND P. SOCIETY

SCHEME FOR SHOW AND SPORTS GROUND. SITE IN WHARF STREET SUG GESTED. The Executive of the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society has received from a member of the society, who is qualified to express an opinion, the following proposals in connection with providing suitable accommodation for the society’s operations: “ This scheme may or may not meet with the approval of the committee, but anyway it may be the means of laying the foundation for a suitable scheme and give an opening for thoughtful consideration. I suggest the following :—■ “ The advantages possessed by the Wingatui Racecourse as a show ground, etc., are outnumbered by the disadvantages. Ihe proposal should stand over. “ Continue the Summer Show at Tahuna Park and the Winter Show in the present building meantime. “ Secure 40 acres in Wharf street, at the east end of the overbridge, from the Harbour Board. “ Put before the commercial, industrial, and trading community and the public generally a sensible and payable proposal to secure new Winter and Summer Show grounds, commodious buildings, and sports grounds. If the scheme has the approval of the press and public, including a scheme for financing it, proceed to business, give the Dunedin City Corporation the first offer to purchase the Tahuna Park freehold, possession to be given when other grounds ready tor use “Get ail estimate of the cost cf filling in and reclaiming the foreshore area with sand from Chisholm Park, apd with the assistance of the Harbour Board. “Get an estimate of the cost of all necessary buildings in wood and iron for all purposes. “Get an estimate of the cost of laying out the grounds. “ Get an estimate of the cost of a railway loop into the grounds. “The advantages of having up-to-date show and sports grounds close to the city are numerous. All exhibits will he taken by train right on to the grounds, and detrained under sheds if necessary, the sheds being used for the purposes of the show afterwards. This in itself will be a great attraction to exhibitors who in many cases have declined, and are still declining, to send exhibits under the unpleasant, inconvenient, and dangerous system now in vogue. “From the family patronage point of view', show and sports grounds a few minutes’ walk from Princes street will appeal to parents and children immensely. “'Hie exhibitors, outside cattle and sheep exhibitors, will be attracted by the ©lose proximity to their business premises. The saving in time alone is an important item. “The purposes for which the new grounds could be made adapted, if revenue is required, are very numerous. It is a wellknown fact that Dunedin does not possess large and commodious buildings and grounds suitable for, say, carnivals, band contests, fire brigade competitions, huge meetings, choir contests, industrial exhibitions, poultry and pigeon show’s, dancing and skating hall. There are no grounds suitable for championship contests, such as bowling, tennis, hockey, cricket, football, athletics, circuses, wood-chopping competitions, picnics, sheep dog trials, floral fetes, school children’s displays, trade displays, parades, and processions. “Although there are many country shows, the champion of champions should only be won at the champion show and sports for Otago at Dunedin. ‘‘During both winter and summer shows, if suitable grounds were obtained,, many extra attractions suitable for town and country visitors could be added to ihe programme. This is a much-felt want at both shews, and the members of the committee must be at their wits’ ends to know how they can add to the attractions of the ordinary everyday show that has been going on for years, and failing to attract the public and exhibitors in greater numbers. FINANCE. “With respect to the financing of such a scheme, in the first place, all the proposed attractions would not be carried‘out at once, but gradually. It can easily be seen that in time a large revenue would come in to the funds by letting the premises throughout the year—and readily they would let. Should the society ultimately ‘succeed in disposing of the Agricultural Hall and Tahuna Park the equity in these properties should amount to, say. £10,005. With another £IO,OOO I think the greater portion of the scheme could be carried out. As the money for improvements will not be used all at once, annual donations could be made. It may be possible to form a limited company with, say, a capital of £20,000 in £1 shares, the calls to be small and the payment to extend over several ve.ars. As the money was required, the calls could be made to suit. The smaller the cal! and the longer given to pay would allow many to take up shares who could not at

once pay the whole amount, The public, becoming shareholders, would have a direct interest in the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society. Already offers of donations have been made, if a likely scheme is adopted. If business people and the public generally could be made to understand that their very existence depends on what we produce from the earth and that more particularly the high standard of qua’itv of our foodstuffs, raw material, etc , reel with our agricultural and pastoral show competitions, they would be less apathetic and more enthusiastic in promoting and assisting by money and patronage such a valuable asset to the prosperity of the city as agricultural and pastoral shows and exhibitions THE SUGGESTED SITE. “We may say that not 1 per cent, of the people know where Wharf street is—well, it extends from I.ower Rattray street to the Anderson’s Bay road, a similar street to Cumberland street. The particular spot mentioned is opposite the east end of the overbridge, and extends, partially reclaimed, from near the bridge to the Anderson’s Bay road, which is passed by trams and 10 minutes’ walk from the entrance to the grounds. It is suggested that, with the exception of three adequate entrances off Wharf street, the frontage could be retained by the Harbour Board for letting for business purposes. This should reduce the rent that may be asked for the inside area. There is ample area without the frontage. “Wharf street adjoins the railway property, from w'hioh, without any difficulty and at little cost. one. loopline, if not two, could be run across the street right on to the proposed ground. The grounds are about 10 minutes’ walk from Princes street, and, being reclaimed land, would not retain a rainfall any length of time. A plantation of pious insignue could be planted to shelter and surround the whole area. These trees growing in the sand in Chisholm Park have been a "real success. On the roof of portion of the main building the grand stand could be erected of such dimensions that would accommodate all. On the roof of the sheds on the ground seating accommodation could be erected for the public free of charge. All the buildings would be of wood and iron, substantially built, useful, not, ornamental. “Imagine to yourselves a. show and lestival day on such grounds in the future! Wliat a bright, cheery sight, since, as it is close to the city, wet or fine, thousands would be in attendance. Give the people a good programme, and they will support any movement,” MONTHLY COMMITTEE MEETING. The monthly meeting of the committee of the Otago A. and P. Society, held on Thursday morning, was attended by Mr D. Andrew (in the chair), Sir John Roberts, and Messrs 11. Turner, R, A. S. Cantrell, James Macandrew, J. M'K.ay, H. M. Driver, Tlios. Scott, Fred. Freeman, D. Murray, J. W. Blair, Thomas Gawm, J. Birtles, E. C. Hazlctt, A. Johnson, W. Turnbull, T. T. Ritchie, H. Price. EXECUTIVE'S REPORT. The executive reported that, in connection with the proposal to sell Tahuna Park, a special meeting would be held on January 31. A protest was received from Mr G. W. Parmenler against Mr George Roberts's horse “Billy” not being eligible for the hunting competition.—-There was a considerable amount cf correepondence in connection with the matter, which wa3 referred to the Otago Hunt Club, and it was decided to uphold the protest entered and adjust the prizes accordingly. The question of fixing the dates for the Winter Chow was discussed with the Fanciers’ Club, aud to meet all parties, including the lessees of Brydone Hall, it was decided to fix the Winter Show dates from Tuesday, June 5, to Friday, June 8, inclusive. The President, in moving the adoption of the executive's report, stated that the most important question was the proposal to dispose of Tahuna Park. The comments made by the press, and the correspondence appearing in the papers clearly proved that the question was exercising the minds of those interested in 11- - society’s operations. He fully recognised that there would be opposition to the proposal to sell the park, even amongst members of the committee, and no matter what might be the final decision, every member of the society must fully recognise the difficulties the society had to contend with, and that the entire responsibility should not be placed on the committee. Every member of the society and every business in this city was interested in the success of the society, and should be prepared to take their share of submitting any proposals which would meet the present position. The scheme outlined, which was published a day or two ago, was well worthy of consideration, more especially if it could be utilised to provide accommodation for both shows at a reasonable cost. He was satisfied that members were now fully alive to the position, and hoped that the business community, all of whom reaped considerable benefit from the society’s operations, would fully recognise their responsibility, and cordially support any proposal which would assist the society to meet its obligations and enable it to extend its operations. He admitted that Tahuna Park had many attractions, but unless the committee could obtain at least four times the revenue now received it was too costly an area to be retained eimply to meet the society's requirements. The adoption of the report was seconded by Mr E. C. Hazlett an.l carried. FINANCIAL POSITION. Mr H. Turner submitted the following Finance Committee’s report, which was adopted:—Payment of wages, judges’ expenses, prize money, and sundry other expenses amounting to £1197 Us sd, and detailed in the accounts’ register; submitting a statement of receipts and expenditure in connection with the Summer Show, showing a loss of £286, which was mainly due to the very heavy rain bn the People’s Day of the show; reporting that several firms in the city had not observed the half-holiday on the second day of the show, and recommending that the committee should appoint three representatives to wait on the Retail Association and others, and point out the claim the society has for their support; approving of the recommendations of the acting-secretary and granting the Dunedin Horticultural Society permission to use the office, and also utilise the services of its secretary, Mr A. D. Miller, in connection with the A. and P. Society's operations. GROUNDS COMMITTEE’S REPORT. Mr T. T. Ritchie, in submitting the following Grounds Committee’s report, stated that whilst the grounds were in excellent order, it would be necessary that some attention should be paid to the fences and buildings. It was decided that the matter of repairs should stand over in the meantime

until some definite decision has been arrived at in connection with the park. The Grounds Committee repo:ted that no action had yet been taken to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr Merry. The committee found it necessary to go to a considerable amount of expense in repairing fences, buildings, etc., previous to the show, and men were retained until the whole of the material that was utilised during the show days had been removed and packed carefully away. A caretaker, in the meantime, was not necessary. Arrangements had been made to graze a few sheep on the grounds. GENERAL. A letter was received from ProfessorStrong making several important suggestions in connection with the Winter Show, and offering her services in connection therewith. —After some discussion it was decided to refer the letter to a small committee who would confer with Professor Strong and report as to the proposals submitted Mr P. A. Watt (Warepa) ancl Mr Alex. Sutherland (Seacliff; wrote returning their cheques sent to fhem for judges’ expenses.— It was decided to place the amounts to the credit of the special prize account, and to thank the donors for their generosity. Mr A. Montgomerie (Palmerston North) wrote enclosing cheque for £3 3s as a donation towards the funds of the society.—On the motion of the President, Mr Montgomerie was thanked for his contribution, and the amount allocated to the special prize fund. The Director-General of Agriculture wrote advising that the society had been appointed the Metropolitan Society to receive nominations for the election of one member to the Board of Agriculture, for Otago. Mr James Begg, the present member, was nominated for the position by the society, and Messrs D. Andrew and George Black were appointed to attend the meeting in connection with the final appointment. The New Zealand Council of Agriculture wrote advising that a meeting of the executive would be held, wlien the whole question of the proposed Royal Agricultural Society would be considered.—The President stated that the establishment of a Royal Show would certainly benefit the breeders, and, if the proposal was abandloned, it would be mainly owing to the apathy of those directly interested. A certain number had consented to join the society purely with the idea of giving it a start, but he regretted to say that apparently breeders generally had not yet recognised the importance of" having a Royal Show. It was decided that the annual AVinter Show’ should be held on June 5 and 8, inclusive, and the date of the Ram and Ewe Fair was left to the executive to arrange with the stock and station agents. The date of receiving entries for the field turnip competitions was extended until March 31. PROPOSED ROYAL SHOW. DISCUSSED BY FARMERS. WELLINGTON, January 26. The question of the establishment of the Royal Agricultural Show, which was discussed at the conference of fanners’ organisations which was held in AVellington, reported to the meeting that a good response had been made by the various agricultural associations, but,’ owing to the fact that the canvass had not been completed in places where autumn shows were held, it was decided to leave the matter over to enable those associations to complete their canvass. It is confidently anticipated that sufficient support will be forthcoming to ensure the successful establishment of a Royal show in New’ Zealand. The forerunner of a Royal show, of course, will be the creation of a Royal Agricultural Society. The Wairarapa A. and P. Association notified the conference that it intended to institute a canvass for members of the proposed Royal Society, and to secure donations for the proposed Royal show. Sir Walter Buchanan intimated that if necessary, he would head the list with a donation of £IOO. NAURU ISLAND PHOSPHATE. TO THE EDITOR. Sin,--Will you grant me a little of vour space to air a general, as well as a farmer’s grievance? The Otago Witness has ever been considered a fair and impartial journal and public-spirited enough to try and right wrong where and when injustice Kri dOI,C - The . subject I wish to bring before your notice is the method of dealing with Nauru Island phosphate rock that has been adopted by the Government of jNgw Zealand. Some few years ago. when the mandate over the Islands was taken up by the Imperial Government, and shared in by Australia and New Zealand, we heard a great deal of fulsome talk about, the o-rand thing it would be for New Zealaud" farmers and the public to obtain cheap phosphate. Weil, we have been getting phosphate rock from tlie Island, but: it is not cneap to the ultimate users. It is sold to the farmers by the manure merchants at about £7 and over per tori ! The Government is landing the rock in New Zealand at less than £3 per ton, and the query is: “Why has the Government allowed the merchants to more than double the price to the users ' I believe that the price our Government paid to obtain a three-six-teenth share in the product, or output of rock, was in ihe neighbourhood of £650,060. Now, a groat many people are asking who is paying the interest on the sum involved. Has the purchase price been added to the (national debt, and is die interest being taken out. of the consolidated revenue, or has a separate account been opened to meet the annual charges that must accrue from the ioint working of the divisional scheme. As things seem to be panning out in the disposal of the rock, it seems that the only people who are really benefiting by the transaction are the people who are profiteering on it. Possibly there is another explanation; it may be the true one. too--viz., that the merchants who deal in manure in New Zealand having, during- the last few years, managed to get the prices raised all round for their products, are afraid if they put the Nauru phosphate on, the market; at a reasonable rate that they would, as a direct consequence, have to reduce the price for all other classes of manure. One thing, however, is very certain, and that is that the prices of manure will have to come back to somewhere near the cost they were a. few years ago, or cultivation all over the State will greatly suffer. No doubt the taxation on companies’ incomes is forcing merchants to put the prices up on their customers, but, in the above case it seems the country is paying out a large sum in interest annually without gaining any visible advantage. If you. or any of your numerous readers, can throw any light, on the above subject you will confer a great favour on those of us who are at present in the dark. —I am, etc., Farmer.

[AA r e understand that the Government is in close touch with merchants concerning the price of Nauru ground r vk. Th° position appears, in so far as the cost of ground Nauru phosphate is concerned, to depend upon the landed cost of the raw product, plus- charges incurred at this end, plus the merchant’s profit. In 1921 (June) the landed price was 77s per ton. Sixmonths later it fell to 70s 6d. So that all ground phosphate now on the market has been made from rock which cost 70s 6d, c.i.f. Before the phosphate can be utilised as a manure it requires to be very finely ground, and special plants are required to enable this to be done. To the amount which the manufacturer pays for the unground rock has to lie added manufacturing and handling charges, the cost of which is shown by the following fimres supplied to the Department, of Agriculture recently ;

Office, clerical, and other incidental en peiises in connection with the v ; the fertiliser have also to be taken into account, by the merchants when fixing (he selling price. A« the fertilisers manufactured from the higher-priced material are disposed of, and that nianufacturered from rock imported on the basis of £2 12s 3d in July last becomes available, merchants should he able to quote Nauru at a lower figure than they are now doing.—Ac. Ed.l PRIMARY PRODUCERS’ INTERESTS. Mr T. Buxton (lecturer and organiser for New Zealand Farmers and Producers) arrived in Dunedin on Saturday on Farmers’ Union business. Mr Buxton declares that producers of all classes are now recognising that the efforts which have been made to prelect their interests have been a distinct success. There used to be perhaps 5 per cent, of the farmers who had doubts about the wisdom of forming the Meat Control Board, but he felt sure that there would not be that number now. Farmers arte certainly aware that- lamb was 5d to s£d last year at this

time, and is now lOd to 10£d. Butter-fat, which was 8d to 9d last year, is Is 4d, with a future bonus of 2d to sd, giving an average of Is 6d to Is 9d. A big saving had been made on insurance and freight and transit charges during the year amounting to about £1,500,000. Primary producers were coming together for united action to a greater extent than ever before n New Zealand. Further advantages would be available to members of the primary producers’ organisation shortly in the way of insurances (fire and accident), and a mortu-s ary benefit scheme was also being considered. Most of these advantages would be available only to financial members of the organisation. Mr Buxton hopes to pay a visit to Otago and Southland in the near future.

Per ton. Receiving on to trucks at wharf .. £f) 1 0 Primage 0 0 6 Wharfage 0 1 3 Rail to Oiahuhu 0 2 3 Covers —Is od per six-ton truck .. 0 0 s Weighing .. • • . • • Haulage from railway station to 0 0 3 store Receiving into store, storage, baeging. and grinding, loading on 0 0 3 to trucks 1 4 0 Shrinkage, 2 per cent. 0 1 9 Interest four months at 8 per cent. 0. 2 4 Bags—16 to the ton . 0 8 0 ('■> 1 . 10