A. AND P. ASSOCIATION

Southland Times, Issue 22378, 18 July 1934, Page 9

A. AND P. ASSOCIATION

GORE SOCIETY’S REPORT. The annual report of the Gore Agricultural and Pastoral Association states: At June 30 the society completed its 52nd year of existence. The figures of the balance-sheet show a satisfactory increase of £146 in the society’s capital. The fixtures held during the year were those usually held except the horse parade, which, through lack of patronage, had reluctantly to be abandoned. The annual show was held on the usual elates in. December and was in every way a successful fixture. The entries constituted a record for the district and the gates were the best since 1925. The net result shows a profit of £5 10/- on the fixture. The annual stud fair was held in March and showed a profit of £7 6/6, and the flock fair held in April produced a net return of £65. The general account shows a surplus of £76, and the bank overdraft has been reduced from £369 to £217. The showgrounds and buildings are in good order, thanks to the careful attention of the grounds committee. Last year’s show and flock ram fair proved the accommodation for the penning of sheep to be somewhat inadequate, and your committee has the matter under careful consideration. The society’s membership at June 30 showed that the roll number is 481 (six hon. life members and 475 active members), the following being a detailed summary of the alterations since last year:— On roll, June 30, 1933 522 Elected during the year 20 Resigned 22 Deceased 9 Struck off 35 Elected life member 1 On roll, June 30, 1934 475 542 542 During the year two life members, Messrs Joseph Turnbull and Duncan Gilchrist, and nine active members. Messrs R. K. Baird, A. Brock, John Brown (Kingston Crossing), C. Cross, M. Fitzgerald, A. H. Kingdon, Thomas Logan, J. C. Macdonald, and Dr. W. McAra crossed the Great Divide, and the society is the poorer by reason of their passing. Messrs Logan and Brock gave excellent service during their lifetime as members of committee, while many others in lesser degree gave of their best to foster the objects of the association. The sympathy of all is extended to their relatives. The society has again been much indebted to generous givers for a considerable sum of money for its prize fund, and its thanks are herein expressed to those whose thoughtfulness has been practically demonstrated. It is very gratifying to find such fine support so freely given. Matters of general interest dealt with during the year included:— (1) The New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board’s export lamb competition, which attracted a fair number of entries and secured for Eastern Southland second place in the South Island competition. (2) The frozen lamb competition fostered by the Southland freezing companies in conjunction with Messrs Michie and White, of Smithfield, which was also only fairly supported. The prices returned for the sale of the Meat Board’s competition lambs, which have just been paid for, must be quite satisfactory to district exhibitors, and it is hoped to make the competition more attractive and secure a larger number of entries. (3) An attempt was made to carry out a repetition of last year’s rodeo in order to augment the society’s funds, but public patronage was disappointing and the profit so small as not to represent an adequate return for the expenditure. The president represented the society at the annual conference of the Royal Society this year, and Mr J. A. Edwards, who is also a member of the council, attended the conference as well. The following candidates have been nominated to fill the various offices rendered vacant by rotation:—President, Mr W. Y. Dickie; vice-presidents, Messrs H. P. Mclntyre and G. R. Herron; treasurer, Mr George Smith; committee, Messrs John Burnett, Andrew Dickson, James L. Elder, George Gordon, Peter Keir, M. R. Lawlor, James Logan, W. G. Mackay, W. L. Scott, Henry Smith, J. P. Thayer, F. F. Trapski, George W. Whittingham, George Wraytt and John J. Wylie. A ballot for the election of 12 members of committee will be held at the annual meeting.