PROPOSED A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

Waipa Post, Volume IV, Issue 171, 13 December 1912, Page 3

PROPOSED A. AND P. ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of delegates from the various branches of the Farmers’ Union, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Jockey Club was held in the Cosmopolitan club room last night, the following being present: — Messrs Jary and Allen (Te Awamutu Union), Jones and Death (Pirongia), Webb and Macky (Pirongia), James and Allcock (Te Rore), Hall and T. Weal (Hairini), Kcam (Kihikihi), H. Weal and Le Sueur (Jockey Club), Middlebrook, Stewart, and Lawson (Chamber of Commerce). Mr Jary took the chair, and, after expressing regret at the absence of the Union’s secretary, who he had hoped would be able to supply the meeting with valuable information, proceeded to inform those present of the purpose for which the meeting had been called. The Te Awamutu branch had been asked to see if it could not start an A. and P. Association, and it was for that meeting to go into the question of ways and means, and to see if it was advisable to do so. Mr Hall stated that the Hairini branch was in favour of a show, but he thought it would be well to start in a small way. Te Awamutu was the centre of a district which consisted of first-class farming country and contained first-class stock. \ Mr Stewart thought it a shame that the townspeople were unable to see, except as a personal favour, the very valuable stock which the -heighbouring farms contained. Having regard to the debatable.question of finance for an A. and P. Association, he would like to see the matter dealt with under twp headings —first, that it was desirable to hold a show in Te Awamutu; second; that it was desirable,to establish an A. and P. Association. He moved that it was desirable that an annual show of all local products be held in Te Awamutu.

In seconding this motion MrM. C. Lawson suggested that a special committee be appointed to get information on the subject, and to report to a later meeting. Mr T. 'Weal stated that the small shows held h re some years ago had been well supported, and provided they did not start too ambitiously, there was every prospect of success. He was confident that the Hamilton and Cambridge associations would assist to the best of their ability. Mr Allen intimated his willingness to support the motion. He did not think it would be necessary to go to the great expense which the Hamilton and Cambridge shows had done. The first show could very well be held in the sale yards.

Mr Death stated that the Pirongia branch was in favour of the holding of a show, and would do its utmost to support it. Mr Alcock, on behalf of the Te Rore branch, stated that though his branch considered the idea somewhat premature, it was prepared to support a show if it was demonstrated that it would be for the good of the district.

Mr Webb stated that the Paterangi branch was desirous of obtaining the fullest information on the matter, and if favourable would be prepared to support it. Mr Jones informed the meeting that the Pirongia branch had given its delegates a free hand. He considered a show was bound to be a success, and should be gone on with at once. The chairman stated that they were all aware that he was strongly opposed to the starting of an A. and P. Association in Te Awamutu, but he saw no reason why he should not support Mr Stewart’s motion, which he took to mean a small local show, involving only a trifling expense. He would like to see added to the motion the words, “ and an industrial and horticultural exhibition,” for which the district was particularly well suited. The original motion was then put and carried unanimously.

After some further discussion it was resolved that the provisional committee consist of the delegates that had been called to the meeting, with power to add to thdir number, seven to form a quorum, and that the next meeting be held on the first sale day in the new year at II a.m. Mr M. C. Lawson was appointed secretary, and the yearly subscription was fixed at 10s 6d.

The meeting closed with a hearty vote of thanks to the chair and to Mr Le Sueur for the use of the room.