TAIHAPE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 189, 12 August 1931, Page 11

TAIHAPE

A. & P. ASSOCIATION. At the annual meeting of the Rangitikei Agricultural and Pastoral Association ou baturday, the president, Mr A. McColl, in commenting upon the last show, stated that despite hard times, the fixture had been a success. ‘ ‘ The show was held too late last year, according to a report from the Aleat Board regarding the shipment of fat lambs to Loudon. The lambs were too heavy aud were classed as tegs. The Board had suggested that lighter lambs should be exported in future and the only way to give effect to the Meat Board’s suggestion was by holding the show earlier in the year,” declared Mr McColl.

Proceeding, the speaker remarked that it was a great pity that the Association had lost its former show date. Air AlcColl added that he would like to see an increase in the exhibits at the show. There was uo doubt that exi client stoss was bred in the district but many far.Lers did not trouble to exhibit their stock at the show. He Jiought- that if they were canvassed satisfactory results would be obtained.

TLe dairy cjasies were poorly patronised at the last show and he hoped for an improvement, in this direction next year. The Taihape Dairy Company had given a v< ry fine cup for competition and it was the duty of dairy farmers to patronise the show more than had been the case in the past. “The Association is still on deck. At one time the overdraft stood at £750 but it has now been reduced to £148,” declared the president. in conclusion, Mi McColl thanked the committee for their loyal support {.ml •co-operation arid added that he would always do hit best for the Association. He thought that if the Association continued its good work the time would not Le far distant when thi Taihape show would be second only to that of I'aiuitM.Lon North. Referring to the show dates, Mr W. Ji. Anderson sa’d tnat the Association iad tried January, February, and Alm ch. February was the best month in which to hold the show. Regarding the export of fat lambs for tne London market, Air Audersun stated that if the best lambs in the district were selected they would be over-weight. The lamb most suitable fur the .London market was one ranging from 321bs to 36ibs in weight. if farmers selected some of tne snial ler lambs and gave them special treatment, he thougnt that they could meet the requirements of the London market. Mr A. K. Fannin, in speaking of show dates, remarked that Marton had adopted the date in February which the Taihape Association had discarded and apparently had no intention of losing the date. There was little chance of the Association being able to hold its show in February. The dairy farmers did not favour January as it did not allow them sufficient time to get their stock into proper condition. Mr G. li. Terry expressed the opinion that it was immaterial to dairy farmers when the show was held, lie thought that cows should be tested as it was impossible to judge a cow by its looks only. The Dairy Company were prepared to lend the Association a tester. The chairman, Mr McColl, paid a high tribute to the treasurer of the Association (Mr A. W. Bicknell) when he remarked that without Air Bicknell there would be no Association. Air Bicknell was the leading man in the Association. (Applause). Tho secretary declared that when Air Bicknell was first elected treasurer, the Association’s overdraft stood at £725. The debt had now been reduced to £l4B. (Applause). Each year had shown a little profit while the stockdriver in 1924-25 had reduced the debt by £445. Returning thanks for his election as president, Air C. A. Stewart said that he would do his best to emulate the fine example set by his predecessor. GENERAL NEWS At the annual meeting of the Raugitikei A. and P. Association on Saturday, the president, Mr A. McColl, made feeling reference to the death of Air John McCartin, who was a keen supporters of the Association, and one of the most higiily esteemed settlers in the district. The meeting stood in silence as a mark of respect to his memory. Mr and Mrs S. F. Gamby and family left yesterday for Wellington, to which place Air Gamby has been transferred. Mr and Mrs Gamby were farewelled at a railway dance on Saturday evening and presented with a silver tea service. Many tributes were paid to their popularity and sterling worth and deep regret was expressed at their impending departure.. Mrs Gamby was entertained at the vicarage on Monday afternoon by lady members of St. Alargaret’s Church and presented with a silver vase as a mark of appreciation of her excellent work on behalf of the church. A meeting of the local branch of the St. John Ambulance Association will be held in the Town Hall supper rooms at 8 o’clock to-night (Wednesday). All members arc urgently requested to attend. The Taihape Rugby representative team to play Rangitikei for the Pownall trophy to-day is requested to assemble at Air Marlow’s office at 1 p.m.