SUCCESSFUL YEAR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 59, 11 March 1937, Page 9

SUCCESSFUL YEAR

AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING HELD APPEAL FOR MEMBERSHIP A resume of the past year's operations of the Wanganui Agricultural Association was given yesterday morning when the annual meeting was held in Wanganui. The president (Mr Duncan Mackintosh), who was again re-elected to the chair, presided over a good attendance. The president congratulated the association on last year’s achievements and expressed his pleasure with the manner in which the work had been carried out. No doubt some members were disappointed because the association had not moved to the new showgrounds. Until sufficient funds were available to make this step, however, it would not be wise to move. Mr. Mackintosh declared emphatically that he had always been in favour of the transfer, but not before the association had the money. In the meantime a separate account which showed a credit balance of £625 16s Bd, collected for the building funds, had been opened and during the next year or so the association would be well advised to hold its annual fixture on the racecourse. When funds permitted, the new grounds could be occupied.

Referring to the association’s membership, Mr. Mackintosh said it was a disgrace to the city and district that this number did not exceed 500. There was ample room for considerable improvement in this direction. The association did much for city and country and was entitled to a larger measure of support. He could not understand why a greater interest was not being taken by the people of Wanganui district and appealed to those present to do everything possible to increase the membership. In his annual report, the president stated as follows:

“The last Show saw the completion of the three-year programme to raise the standard of our stock entries equal to that of any of the larger Shows in the Dominion. In 1924 special attention was given to the cattle department by the introduction of the New Zealand Chilled Beef Championship and a large number of stud beef entries. The following year the sheep department more than doubled in numbers, a particular boost being given to the stud romneys and the hill country hogget class, and also the stud Jerseys. The 1936 Show saw a very large increase in our hack and jumping entries and, due in the main to the efforts of the horse mashall, these events were run off most efficiently. The committee intend to use their main efforts towards entertainment for the general public during the coming year. “A special feature of the last Show was the particularly smooth running of all departments, and there can be no question that no A. and P. Association has a better name among exhibitors than Wanganui. “The association holds £625 in a trust account for the development of the Wanganui East Showground. Unfortunately these grounds were being put in order under the Government’s No. 5 scheme which has since been withdrawn. This together with other considerations in connection with a new Showground has decided the committe not to go ahead with Wanganui East but to prepare to stay on the racecourse until enough money is available for erection of buildings. In conclusion I would like to say that I could not have wished for a better committee to work under me than the present one.” The president’s annual report and the association’s balance sheet were adopted. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Patron, Mr. Donald Ross; president, Mr. Duncan Mackintosh; vice-presidents, Messrs. A. R. Donaldson and R. Campion; home treasurer, Mr. C. M. Strouts; committee, Messrs. G. B. Anderson, C. C. Baldwin, W. G. Bason, H. G. Birch, L. Campion, W. Craig. L. V. Donovan, W. R. Ford, James Hunter, C. R. Leach, L. A. Kellick, J. J. Lissette, I. Macleay, A. B. McFarlane, A. McNab, C. J. Masters, T. Mitchell, W. E. Robbie, W. J. Robinson, A. C. Seivewright, J. A. Todd, R. O. White, T. R. White. R. R. Young and W. G. Cooper. While thanking members for reelecting him president, Mr. Mackintosh said he was greatly impressed with the loyal and efficient manner in which the retiring committee had worked last year. Referring to Mr. Campion’s election to the office of vice-president, the chairman remarked that he had ben a member of the association for many years and had done excellent work on its behalf. Mr. Campion was a valued member and well worthy of the office.