A. AND P. ASSOCIATION

Southland Times, Issue 18972, 20 June 1923, Page 6

A. AND P. ASSOCIATION

WALLACE. (From our own Correspondent.) There was a very good attendance of directors at the monthly meeting of the Wallace A. and P. Association held on Friday afternoon, when Mr W. Kennedy, president, occupied the chair. At the commencement of the meeting the president moved the following vote of condolence : “That this meeting of directors expresses its sympathy and condolence with the widow and family of the late Mr James Ryan, director and past president, and one of the foundation members of the Association, in the loss they had sustained in the death of Mr Ryan at his home, ‘Tatarepo,’ Bayswater, on Sunday, May 6. That the meeting record a minute of appreciation of his senice throughout the whole history of the Association as a member, exhibitor and director, and, for a period, president, and that the secretary convey a copy of this resolution to the relatives.”—The motion was seconded by Mr D. Teviotdale, vicepresident, and carried in silence, all the members standing. Mr Teviotdale moved; and Mr Muir seconded the appointment of the secretary to represent the Association on the Council of the Southland League. A letter was received from the vicechairman of the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board, putting forward the claims of the British Empire Producers’ organisation to the support of the Association, and recommending the Society to join in membership. He referred to the great work that was being carried out in Britain by this organisation in promoting trade within the Empire.—The secretary was directed to reply expressing the Association’s appreciation of the work, but regretting their in ability to join at the present juncture. The treasurer presented the annual balance sheet, to April 30, and on the motion of Messrs Collie and Muir, tljp statement was approved, and its printing and circulation among the members authorised. Considerable gratification was expressed by the president and several other members regarding the Association’s improved position, a large amount of which was due to the very practical help given by the ladies of the district in running the luncheon booths at the last Show on behalf of the Association’s funds, and the ladies were accorded the best thanks of the Association. It was also resolved to record a special vote of thanks to Messrs John Lindsay, senr., and P. Beggs for the work they had done during the year in preparation of the grounds for the Show and Ram Fair.

The following letter was handed in by Mr John Fisher, secretary of the Association: “Herewith I degire to tender you my resignation as secretary and treasurer of your Association This step is taken with extreme regret, but appears to me as in the best interests of the Association. Since assuming the Secretaryship some 15 years ago, I have endeavoured to carry out the duties to the best of my ability. For the first ten years of my term of office success attended all efforts, and the Association prospered most satisfactorily. During the last few years, however, I have been unable to hold the interest of a large section of the community, and the membership roll has lapsed into a disappointing position, many old members dropping off, although no formal resignation has accompanied the stoppage of their payment for membership tickets. Perhaps if new methods by a new man were adopted it might assist in regaining the Association’s former position, and as the success of the Association is of more vital interest to me than my own retention of office, I ask to be relieved. 1 wish to place on record my grateful thanks to the many presidents I have served under, and to their unvarying courtsey and helpfulness. With your permission I shall remain a member, and will continue to take a lively and active interest in the Association.” A considerable amount of discussion followed the reading of this, letter, and it was finally resolved to let the matter stand in abeyance until the first, meeting of directors succeeding the annual meeting, Mr Fisher agreeing to continue as secretary in the meantime.

The annual meeting is to be held in the Reading Room of the Town Hall on Friday, July 13, at. 3 p.m.