NORTH OTAGO A AND P. ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3861, 13 March 1928, Page 22

NORTH OTAGO A AND P. ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the General Committee ot the North Otago A. and P. Association was held on Friday, Mr D. Clark presiding over ab attendance of 25 members. A motion of condolence was passed with the relatives of the late Mr Alfred Keith, of Ashburton, who was an old member of the association, and who had been an exhibitor and judge for many years. Accounts amounting l o £320 17s 6d were passed for payment. The North Otago Societv for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals wrote thanking the association for its patronage, and asking for a donation towards its fund.— It was decided that a donation of £1 Is be made. The Otago S.P.C.A. wrote stating that its attention had been drawn to the fact that freak animals were exhibited at shows, and asking tho association’s assistance in discouraging such exhibits.—The Secretary stated that freak exhibits had not been made at Oamaru for min? years.—Mr • J. G. Macdonald mentioned that a heu with three lege had bean shown. He did nol think this objectionable.—lt was decided that no action be taken in the matter. _ Advice was received from various associations concerning the dates of their ram fairs and shows Mr G. P. Johnston wrote, stating that at the last ram fair held by the association five rams entered by him had disappeared

and had not since been traced. The agents had repudiated responsibility. He wanted to know what would bo the position for tho next ram fair, as the decision of tho association would influence his entries.—lt wa a slated that the rams had been passed rl .. auc L° n eer, and had disappeared after the sale.—Mr G. Livingstone stated that after the fair -five or six rams had ben seen on the Papakaio road.—Mr R. B. Meek thought it was the duty of the auctioneers to accept responsibility for the rams until they were delivered. If owner* were liable to losses such as that of Mr Johnston, the ram fair would be killed.— Mr J. G. Macdonald stated that neither the association nor the auctioneers were responsible in law. Owners took their sheep to the yards at their own risk. Ib was unfortunate that such a good exhibitor as Mr Johnston should have lost his sheep. r . Q. Lruce was of opinion that the association was morally responsible.—Mr u Cuthbertson moved that the association reply to Mr Johnston that it can accept no responsibility, and while regretting the loss, point out to Mr Johnston that the matter is one between himself and the auctioneers. —Mr W. Macdonald seconded, the motion, which was carried. —Mr Little moved that Mr Johnston’s letter be referred to the Stock and Station Agents’ Association.—Mr R. B. Meek seconded. —Mr G. Bruce was of opinion that somebody should take responsibility, otherwise they would rot get entries for the ram fair from a dis- < ince. —The motion of Mr Little was t imed, and it was decided that the Sheep U'enmnttec interview the auctioneers in connection with the matter.

The Secretary stated that the association had a credit in the bank of ±1364. Against this, they had passed for payment accounts amounting to £320 17s 6d. Members’ subscriptions amounting to £193 were still outstanding.—lt was derided that the question of drawing debentures be held over until next meeting. Mr J. Trotter brought up tho question, of providing hot water for patrons of the show’. He stated that exorbitant charges had been made for hot water at the last show.—The Secretary stated that the gas manager had undertaken to put in a gas ring.—The matter was held over for consideration by the new committee. Mr P. W. Borrie mentioned that there was a lot of old material on the showgrounds. He would like to know what was to be done with this.—Mr Cowan suggested that it be sold on the day of the ram fair.—On the motion of Mr Meek, the Yards’ Committee was authorised to dispose of the material to the best advantage.

A letter was read from Mr Wilkinson, drainage engineer, stating that the most economical method of draining the showgrounds was to connect .with the Lynn, street sewer. He recommended that a pipe bo laid through Mr Robertson’s property.— The Secretary stated that, on the authority of the chairman of the Grounds Committee, a connection bad been made through Mr Robertson’s property.—After some discussion, the action of the secretary was approved, and it was decided, on the motion of Mr Cuthbertson, that the question of draining the grounds be referred to the Grounds Committee, with power to act.