A VALUABLE BODY.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18031, 20 January 1923, Page 8

A VALUABLE BODY.

0. Henry, that prince of shorr stoiy writers, tells a tale about a confidence man who decided to attempt to “take down” a fanner in a certain American town, not knowing that the farmer was modern, had a shook exchange “ticker” *(long distance) in his study, a ’phone which connected him with New York, and a wireless outfit, at the manipulating of which he was extraordinarily efficient. In addition, he had a mechanical milking plant that did not require a man at all to operate it—dream of a bright and joyous future for the over-worked “cow cocky!” Had that confU dence man attempted to sell a gold brick, or some stock in the Miraflores y Bunquo-Eroste syndicate, which is exploiting the dandelions in Greenland, or some other wonders, to the Timaru A. and P. Association, which held its annual meeting yesterday, he would have felt as chagrined'as when he left the fictional farmerin 0. Henry’s bright tale. He would have. found himself up against business men who ’are farmers, farmers who realise that business-like, method is the only method, successfully adopting such method in connection with their annual show, and, indeed, their complete operations in Timaru.

The year, we are told by the President (Mr T. B. Ehodes) had begun with a debit balance. But effort had had something to do with the altering of such a state of affairs, and the end of the year found the Association with a credit of £BS. In addition to making up the loss, the Association, we are told, made many improvements to the Show Grounds. As the annual report states:

During the year, the grounds have received every attention and improvements have been effected. A substantial new cattle shed of 52 stalls has been built. The pig pens were pulled down and removed to a place north of the cattle pens. This allowed more room for the cattle section and in place of the pig pens a new cattle judging ring has been formed and much appreciated during the Show. A long felt want has been met in the making of 13 sheep holding paddocks, which were formed on a piece of the Show Grounds behind the horse boxes. These were very much appreciated by the exhibitors at the late Show, and saved the necessity of removing the sheep from the grounds over night.

The members were justifiably pleased with themselves, . and have tho satisfaction, of realising that they have done, and will continue to do, something tangible for South . Canterbury's agricultural side—its most. important from the Dominion's point of view. We make no comment other than to agree with Mi 1 Lowry that, from the point of view of young people—and older “young” people—it would .be appreciated by the community were the Association to make certain of having demonstrations at the next show. There is no doubt at all as to the forthcoming show’s success.