MANAWATU A. & P. ASSOCIATION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9383, 1 March 1909, Page 5

MANAWATU A. & P. ASSOCIATION.

The annual meeting of the above was held on Saturday, Mr Arbon presiding. In moving the adoption of the report, Mr Arbon stated that last year their overdraft amounted to £5378, while this year it totalled £5616. There was thus a deficiency of £a37, against which there as an expenditure of £431 in buildings. Some of the members' might wonder why the overdraft was still increasing, but he would' mention that they had purchased £2IOO worth of laud during the past three years and during the past five years had expended £3300 on buildings, therefore it would be apparent that they had a very good asset against their overdraft. After referring to'the success of the Dairy Show and Conference, Mr Arbon said that the farmers of the district were beginning to realise the possibilities iu the fmit-growing industry. There was no reason why they should not have a Frimley orchard in Manawatu. With regard to the dairy industry the President said in this country the industry was yet in its infancy, and on that account the Spring Show had answered' all purposes for many years. Things had altered of late years and the dairy industry was forging and was going to he a big thing. There were people now who said that the Spring Show had practically reached its

limit. This could not be said of the dairy industry and farmers who wore working it as it should be would in time to come see a tremendous boom in the country With regard to the Spring Show, however, they still occupied a leading position in the North Island, possibly from the geographical position, which gave it an exceptional value as a show. Some time ago a scheme for experimental work for farmers had been discussed. The thing had been duly advertised and a committee set up to deal,with it, but owing to lack of support the matter had fallen through. This was a great pity. The Government were, of course, doing a good work with their experimental stations, but farmers wanted a practical knowledge as well and even if they only carried out an experiment in their backyard they would find they learned more from it than by watching another man experimenting. They found it very hard to get the young farmers to take an interest in the Association and come forward as members. He hoped the older memoers would impress on their sons the necessity of this. With regard to the Lincoln College Scholarship he regretted very much that it had fallen through. The people did not take the interest in it they ought and did not send their children. It had been suggested that the Association might assist the Technical School in the matter. There was no reason why it should be allowed to drop and they would be glad to continue their work in conjunction with the school alluded to. In concluding, Mr Arbon referred to the fact that the number of members .had been decreasing for some years. The whole crux of the financal position, he considered was the need fora larger membership. Mr J. M. Johnston the motion, and in doing so said that although they had got .down considerably in their figures they were by no means on the wrong side, ana the society generally was in a first-class position. There was doubt that a great deal of the loss in' income was due to the spending power of the people being considerably reduced through the tightness of the money market, and especially by the fall n wool. A great factor against the success of the last show was undoubtedly the bad weather. He was strongly opposed to reducing the prize -money, considering that the situation could be greatly improved by an active canvas for members.

THE DISCUSSION. Mr J, Kyle, after qnesfcioning one or two items in the balance-sheet, which were satisfactorily explained, said the Association had lost the confidence of the public to such an extent that they had lost heavily in membership. People thought the Association was running things on its own lines, and the show was falling off. The Committee was not representative ;of the members, and the rule regarding the status of an mifinanoial member wanted amending. It would pay some of the members of the committee to disguise themselves and go abons among the farmers, so as to hear some of the discussions that went on, and the estimation the Association was held in. The President had referred to the difficulty experienced in getting farmers to read papers. Had any farmers been asked to do so? MrHarkness: “Yes." Mr Kyle : “Did they refuse?” Mr Harbness: “Yes.” Mr Kyle: “Well, I know several who could do it. and would be willing to do it.” In fact I would have had much pleasure in reading one myself at one time, though 1 don’t say T would do it now.” Laughter. At this stage Mr Andrews rose at the back of the hall and announcing himself as an unfinanoial member proceeded to, criticise the management of the Association, saying that it was “carried on,by just a few old gentleman who had remained in office year after year, giving no one else an opportunity'to get in,” “If you allow me to vote, said Mr Andrews, I will become a financial membsr at once. The principle of not allowing a member to vote until he has paid his subscription is a bad one.” Mr Stevens said that before such a rule was introduced members who were anxious to secure their election, went round the country and got every Tom, Dick and Harry to join so that they oonld vote. After the election was over they were seen no more or their money either. The President said that if Mr Andrews was not a financial member he was not privileged to speak. Mr St. C. ' Jonnnaux considered that it was a good thing for people to air their grievances. He suggested that the matter should be put to the meeting. The matter was, however, allowed to lapse. Mr Harkness failed to see any great reason for despondency. Had any institution done as well this year as last? They must expect dark years as well as bright. The matter of 'membership was undoubtedly important. Unfinanoial members were useless. They wanted men to join the Association and to pay their subscriptions. He, as secretary of the National Dairy Association, was responsible for the papers at the Conference, and he bad always had great difficulty in getting qualified men to read them. He had announced from the platform that they were prepared to take papers/for next yea*. - ' ■ - ■ i

and he was now doing his best to get hold pt men to read papers, but it was very difficult. He was prepared to take Mr Kyle’s name for a paper. After some discussion the report was adopted. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Treasurer, Mr J. M. Johnson; Uommittee, Messrs F. Arboa, H. Gillies, R. Stevens, K. W. Dalrymple, M. Oolieu, E. Short, J. McOrea, E. J. Wilde, H. G Gibbons, A. Sutherland, J. O. Barchelar and T. R. Hodder. As already published Mr S it. Lancaster was elected as president unopposed and Messrs Levetfc, J. G. Harkness, D, Buiok and Aldworth were elected vice-presidents. Messrs Rutherford and Connell were re-elected auditors. The meeting closed with votes of thanks.