NELSON A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13412, 9 May 1912, Page 3 (Supplement)

NELSON A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL MEETING

(From "Tho Colonist," April. 18.)

The annual meeting of the Nelson A. and P. Association was held at, Richmond Park yestarday afternoon. The president (Mr. Godfrey Best) occupied the chair and 21 membera were- present. ANNUAL REPORT. The report and balance sheet which had been printed and circulated among members, was taken as read. The report, which also showed the financial position of the Association, was as follows— ' "Your committee have pleasure in submitting the nineteenth annual roport of the Association and statements of accounts, which show that the Association, in spits of extraordinary expenditure, continues to make progress financially, while the purposes for which the Association was created are well served, and the agricultural and pastoral interests of the- district fostered. . ■ "The membership shows a decrease, due in part to a rigorous striking-off of those in arrears. The membership at the last annual meeting stood at 440; there* were 22 new membars, 35 were struck off, 27 resigned, and 10 were lost by death, the total at date of members being 390. Of the* new members the secretary introduced 14, Mr. W. F. Schwass 3, Mr. J.^-funt 2, and Messrs. W. Coleman, Godfrey Best, and Dr. Andrew each one. "The finances continue in a •flourishing statei Further debentures to the amount of £50 have been paid off, and another permanent building added to the property. The grand stand has been repaired and tho upper stand removed, and other extraordinary expenditure incurred, but, as the axiditor's report shows, there was a satisfactory profit on the year's transactions, and the net value of assets "has increased to £3261, tho liability on Richmond Park being now £800 only. "The annual show was held on the 21st and 22nd November, the entries, though somewhat less than the previous year, being quite satisfactory. The Association had the honour of the presence of His Excellency Lord Islington, Governor of tho Dominion, at the show, and suitable arrangements were 1 made for Ks Excellency's entertainment. "The meetings of the general committee were well attended, and the business of tho Association carefull} considered, an extra amount of labour falling to tho finance and ground committee* by reason of the necessity of making alterations to the racecourse and fencing samo in conformity with the provisions of the law. This work has not yet been carried out, but tenders for the fencing have boon accepted and the Jockey Club has taken ,a five years' lease in order to secure to the Association a, stated revenue from that body to justify the expenditure- on thtracocourse. "The question of the erection of a members' stand has beon given consideration, and in the near future the stand will no doubt be provided. "The president has given Ins time freely for the Association, and ha concludes a very successful term of office at the annual meeting. "The secretary (Mr. J. Glen) continues his good work on behalf of the Association, and once more reeei'/efe commendation from tho auditors for the satisfactory manner in which the accounts are kept." Tho thanks of the Association were tendered to donors of special prizes. On the motion of Mr. J. Ching, seconded by Mr T. Holland the report and balance sheet was adopted without discussion. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Mr. Peter Higgins was elected president, and Dr. Andrew vice-president, both unopposed. Tho secretary announced that the ballot for the election of the Committee had resulted as follows :—Messrs. J. Hagen, J. E. Bartle.tt N. Win J. Wadsworth, T. B. Chisnall, W. T. Bond J. S. Wratt, W. D. Harkness, J. Ching, W. R, May, C.-H. Ching, E. Robinson, W. Coleman, G. W. Best, 1. Tunnicliff. G. E. Chisnall, J. Hunt, H. Crcucher, F. C. Batehelor, J. Biggar, T. Holland, J W. Hagan, R. H. Coleman and D. Fry. Messrs. J. Blair and J. Petrie were re-elected as auditors. Mr. W.-R. May (lion, treasurer) and Mr. J. Glen (secretary) retain their respactive offices. GENERAL. Mr. Q. E. Qhisnall thought an alteration might be made in rule 7 to enable the annual meeting to be held in the evening. They had difficulty that day in securing a quorum, and he thought the wvening might be more suitable. " If members favoured th© proposal he would give notice of motion. Mr. May favoured the meeting being hold in the afternoon.. If their meeting clashed with th© stock sales the time might be altered. Evening meetings would, not be suitable for members living at a distance. Mr. J. Hagen.also favoured holding the annual meeting in the afternoon. Mr. P. Higgin* thought if the meeting was made half an hour earlier, and the sales half an hour later it would suit everyone. Mr. J. Ching thought it might be more advantageous to meet in Richmond than at tho Park. Mr. Croucher agreed with this suggestion and moved that in future the annual meeting be held in Richmond instead of at the Park. Mr. C. H. Ching seconded the motion which was carried. Before vacating the chair Mr. Godfrey Be»st, the retiring president, thanked the members <and committee for the support accorded him during his term of office. On the motion of Mr. I. Tunnicliff, seconded by Mr. Hayes Crouclwxr a hearty vote of thanks was accorded, the retiring president by acclamation. On taking the chair, the president (Mr. Peter Higgins) in thanking members for electing him to the office, said he had a difficult task in following so many able men. He would, however, do his best and trusted h e would have the support of the committee. He regretted that the. public did not seem to realise the importance of the Association, .-.which had by holding shows caused a better class of stock to come- into the district, and the farmed1 in this respect- had benefited very considerably. ! Mr. Higgins referred to the' imorovc-j ments that had been carried out by the Association., and hopad before long to see a stand erected for the use of members and their families. Mr. May said that the cqmmittee had tho proposal for a members' stand under consideration. This year the grand stand had besn improved and the committee were under heavy expense in fencing the Park. To provide the esxtra accommodation outlined in th© report about £800 would bey required. The Association was in a good position and he would like to see the committee carry out tlu-t whole of the improvements at once. He congratulated the Association on its sound financial position. On the motion of Mr. W. D. Hark-ne-ss, seconded by Mr'. Godfrey Best a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Press. The meeting them concluded.-