LOSS ON YEAR

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20671, 9 March 1937, Page 3

LOSS ON YEAR

A. AND P. ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS The seventy-first annual report of the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association contains the following:— With, improved conditions prevailing the membership is once again beginning to show some improvement. Owing to deaths, resignations and other causes we lost 11 members. One life member and 14 annual members were elected. The total membership is 414. A severe loss was suffered by the death of Mr F. H. Smith. He was our principal exhibitor in the Merino section and his loss will be a severe blow, not only to the Association, but the whole of the Dominion. Annual Show In view of the success attained last year by the holding of the Show on Friday and Saturday this was again decided upon. Unfortunately about the time when townspeople were making their way to the Showgrounds heavy rain commenced and although it cleared later, the attendance was no doubt seriously affected. In spite of this, however, the attendance was greater than that of last year and with entry fees showing an increase a very satisfactory profit of £B5/19/7 was shown. As the prize money was increased by £7O this position compared more than favourably with last year when a profit of £126/9/4 was made. The draught horse competition instituted last year for a challenge cup given by this Association was won this year by a team owned by Mr Arthur Elworthy, Holme Station. The ewe hogget competition was again won by Mr E. Neal, Hunter, who, the judges agreed, had shown his flock in remarkable condition.

The South Canterbury district fat lamb competition was held at the Pareora works and with excellent entries a good attendance was present. Congratulations are extended to Mr J. W. Parry in winning the Association’s cup for the three best lambs on the hooks. After luncheon Mr John Deans, chairman of Directors of the Canterbury Frozen Meat Co., Ltd., and Mr B. E. H. Tripp gave instructive addresses. The thanks of the Association are due to the committee appointed to arrange the competition and to the Canterbury Frozen Meat Co., Ltd. through their local manager, Mr W. Minehan, for their hospitality in entertaining those present at lunch. The donations received from the four A. and P. Associations are very much appreciated, and we also extend our best thanks to the drafters and buyers of the various firms, without whose assistance we could not have had such a successful exhibition.

The revenue from the camping grounds shows a marked decline from the previous year. Unfortunately wet weather over Christmas and New Year, was followed by the outbreak of infantile paralysis, the two sets of circumstances combining to make a poor season indeed, so far as revenue from the camping grounds was concerned. Your committee, in conjunction with the committee of the Automobile Association, have considered the question of better facilities for the campers, with a result that your committee decided to instal hot water for washing up, and a hot shower in the ladies’ quarters. These improvements will bring the camp more up-to-date and will be very much appreciated by all campers. Farming Industry Committee During the year an important move was made in the interests of the farming community, when a body called the Joint Standing Committee of the Farming Industry in South Canterbury was formed from representatives of the following organisations:—Timaru A. and P. Association, Waimate A. and P. Association, Temuka and Geraldine A. and P. Association, Mackenzie A. and P. Association, South Canterbury Executive of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union, South Canterbury branch of N.Z. Crown Tenants’ Association, Canterbury Sheep Owners’ Union. This committee will meet on it being called together by the convening sub-commit-tee for the purpose of considering and taking any necessary action in matters pertaining to the welfare of the farming industry in South Canterbury. It is expected that in presenting this united front to any action considered necessary, considerably more weight will be given to any proposals put forward through it being the combined opinion of each farmers’ organisation. The sum of £l7O/11/8 was spent on the grounds during the year. The sheep yards were thoroughly overhauled and made secure for the Show. Cattle pens were also strengthened, but even then were not secure enough, and the incoming committee will have to make provision to remodel these yards. Mr R. Maddren has offered to draw up a plan and it will be considered immediately by the new committee. The whole of the buildings have been painted, the costs of these amounted to £96/2/6. Finance The table below shows briefly the financial position of the Association during the last two years:— 1935 1936 Profit or Loss on Show .. *£l26 *£Bs Profit or Loss for Year . t£lo2 t£ls3 Bank Overdraft . ■ ■ • Credit Balance at Bank . £4O £92 ♦Profit, tLoss. The loss for the year amounting to £153/16/5 was brought about by the fact that we spent £l7O/11/8 on repairs and maintenance, and arrears in water rates £3B/11/8. The credit balance at the Bank is £92/11/6. During the year Mr W. Divan, of Rosewill, was elected to the commiittee in place of Mr G. McKeown, who has taken up residence in Australia. Mr B. E. H. Tripp was granted leave of absence owing to his visiting England and Mr Donald Grant was out of the country for a few months. Election of Committee The following nominations have been received for the committee: —W. J. Bassett, J. E. P. Cameron, J. Crawford, W. Divan, H. Elworthy, D. Grant, E. Hart, C. H. S. Johnston, H. B. S. Johnstone, W. J. Kelland, R. Maddren, M. F. Maze, R. J. Murphy, C. L. Orbell, W. H. Orbell, W. J. Parry, P. Porter, T. R. Rhodes, G. G. Rich, T. Seaton, P. R. Talbot, B. E. H. Tripp, A. Ward. There being one nomination short of the required number it will be necessary to

elect an additional member at the meeting. “On behalf of the Association,” says the president, Mr A. S. Elworthy, “I wish to thank all those who have helped us In our work during the year. For myself I should like to express to the members of the committee my grateful appreciation of the loyal co-opera-tion and support extended to me during my year of office and of the work of our secretary, who has been untiring In his efforts for our Association.”