OTAGO A. AND P. SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3763, 27 April 1926, Page 15

OTAGO A. AND P. SOCIETY.

•MEETING OF COMMITTEE.

A meeting of the committee of the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society was held on Thursday morning, and was' attended by Messrs George Black (chairman), W. 0. M'Kellar, E. C. Hazlett, James Begg, D. Andrew, T. Scott, H. Turner, J. Nimmo, T. J. Gawn, E. M. North, R. H. Edie, James Sim, J. W. Blair, S. Bowman, and A. M'Kay. LOGAN PARK.

The executive reported that a conference had been held between representatives from the City Council, the Manufacturers’ Association, and the executive on March 30 to discuss the question of utilising Logan Park as a show ground. After a full discussion, it was decided that the society should submit to the Mayor a proposal in writing. The suggestion of holding the Winter Show at Logan Park this year was not a difficult one, but the executive pointed out that when it became a question of securing suitable buildings and grounds to meet the requirements of the society’s operations the matter was more important. The whole position had been carefully gone into, and an offer submitted to the Mayor, which, of course, had to be confirmed at a special meeting called for that purpose. The President, in moving the adoption of the report, stated that it was very gratifying to the executive to find that not only the council, but the Manufacturers’ Association and others, were anxious to work together for the purpose of utilising Logan Park to the best advantage to all concerned. The motion was carried. •CORRESPONDENCE. The Perpetual Trustees and Agency Company (Limited) wrote advising that the mortgage of £6OOO on Crawford street buildings was due on April 30, and it was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the executive to arrange for a renewal of the mortgage at the same rate of interest, and that the Perpetual Trustees be advised of the valuation of the •Crawford street property made lately in connection with the revaluation of lease. m Correspondence was read from the Secretary of the Education Court at the Exhibition in connection with the purchase of a hall required during the show dates for holding meetings, etc., and approved. OTAGO COURT AT WINTER SHOW. Messrs J. B. Waters, J. J. Ronaldson, and David Todd, representing the Otago Court, waited on the committee and reported that so far as the grain and seeds exhibited were concerned they were prepared to recommend to their committee that the society have the use of these exhibits for the purpose of erecting an Otago Court at the Winter Show.—On the motion of Mr C. Hazlett, a vote of thanks and appreciation was accorded the committee for its generous offer of , assistance, and Messrs Turner, M’Kel--lar, Begg, and Hazlett were appointed a committee to confer with them and arrange all details. OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF COMMITTEE. Mr George Black proposed that Mr W. O. M’Kcllar be nominated for the position of president for next year, and stated that Mr M’Kellar had been associated with the society for many years, and had held the position of vice-president lor two years. Mr E. C. Hazlett seconded the motion, attd expressed a very strong desire that Mr George Black would consent to accept the position of vice-president for the ensuing year. Mr Hazlett pointed out that at the present time there were many important negotiations which would require most careful consideration, and with which Mr Black was fully acquainted, and the committee might still have his valuable assistance and advice in these negotiations. Mr W. O. M’Kellar fully agreed with all the remarks made by Mr Hazlett in reference to the securing of Mr George Black as vice-president, but he would much prefer that Mr Black would consent to retain the position of president for another year. He (Mr M‘Kellar) had no desire to shirk any of his responsibilities, hut he fully recognised that until the various negotiations now going on were concluded it would be very much in the interests of the society and of great value to the committee if Mr Black would retain the position as president until these arrangements were completed. The society at the present time was at the most important point of its existence, and it was essential that no false step should be taken at the present time, and he had much pleasure in proposing that Mr Black be re-elected president for another term. Mr H. Turner said lie considered that Mr M'Kcllar, in nominating Mr Black for another term, had shown a fine spirit, and was fully entitled to receive the thanks of the committee for his unselfish attitude, which had prompted him in nominating Mr Black for the position. After several members had expressed their opinion, Mr Black consented, and he was unanimously nominated for the position. Messrs F. Freeman, T. T. Ritchie, and H. C. Campbell were nominated members of committee for Dunedin; Messrs T. Scott and R. H. Edie. for Bruce and Cluthn; Messrs A. Fleming, W. Gardiner, D. G. Ross. Waihemo and Waikouaiti; Messrs J. W. Blair, Taieri; W. Moynihan, jjjft Robertson, Central •Otago.

GENERAL. It was decided to approach the Government department and ascertain if it was prepared to transfer any of its exhibits from the present court to the No. 7 building, and the secretary was authorised to arrange the time and date for the conference and lectures, etc., to be given in connection with the experimental plots now established at Logan Park. A large number of applications were received for space, and were all referred to the Space Committee. A list of the judges so far accepted was submitted, and it was left to the various sub committees and the executive to complete any vacancies. The President recommended that the Grounds, Space, and Executive Committees should inspect the building and decide as to how it might be laid out to the best advantage, and also to report fully on the present railway connection, and to ascertain from the Exhibition directors as to utilising their siding for the handling of stock. The Finance Committee recommended that accounts amounting to £271 13s 8d be passed for payment.—This was approved.