WAIKATO A. AND P. ASSN.

Waikato Times, Volume 90, Issue 14023, 28 March 1919, Page 2

WAIKATO A. AND P. ASSN.

27th ANNUAL RiEETSKG. SPECIAL MATTERS DISCUSSED. The 27 fit annual meeting of the Waikato Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held in the Association’s rooms, Hamilton, yesterday. Mr W. G. Park presided, and 20 members were present. An apology for absence was received from Mr A. H. Waring. The summary of the report of the Federal Trade Commission of the U.S.A. on the meat packing industry was received from Dr C. J. Brakes, Director-General of the’ Department of Agriculture, Industries and Commerce. Report and Balance-sheet. The report and balance-sheet (as already published) were adopted on the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr F. W. Thomas. The chairman, in making brief reference to the' operations of the past year, said that the whole work of the executive had gone for nothing, owing .to the fact that the Association was unable through the epidemic, to go on with its show. Another very adverse circumstance was the fact that the Association had had the very serious loss in the deatli of its president (Mr A. C. Atkin), who had always taken a very active interest in the affairs of the Association during the many years he had been connected with it. New President’s Remarks. The secretary intimated that only one nomination had been received for the position of president—viz., Mr W. G. Park, and he was declared elected. In returning thanks for his election, the now president said that he accepted it with a good deal of diffidence. He was sure, he said, that the Association had a very bright future, bar disease, war and weather. It catered from the centre of one of the most progressive districts in New Zealand, where there were excellent railway facilities and an intelligent and energetic population. The Association, with kindred bodies, was dependent for its progress in general on finance, an active and workable committee and a patronage of exhibitors and the public. These adjuncts, with good weather, assured success. Dealing with finance, the speaker said that the Association was dependent on members’ subscriptions, donations and exhibitors’ fees, and, should any or all of these items fail, they would be an unfortunate position and could classed in racing phraseology as among the “also ran,” and although a corporate body,, no. association would dream of enforcing its legal claims and the collecting of fees was left almost entirely to the will of the indi-

victual member with, perhaps, a little coaxing from the secretary. He would ' urge members in arrears to meet their liability promptly as the delay weakened finance and tended to dishearten the committee. The president strongly urged the members to use their influence in securing added membership and increased exhibits. He suggested an energetic canvass among high class breeders, and more especially, those from a distance. This would prob--ably :rean Increased prizes or trophies ■and better provision for the comfort and safety of the exhibits. Dealing wiu the requirements for the working of the show, the president said that buildings were necessary. Up-to- • date shows now provided covered-in sheds for live exhibits, arid if this district intended to uphold its position as one of the leading show areas, it Would require to consider such • a cost. A show, he added, with such accommodation for its exhibits was not so dependent on the weather as those lacking in this respect. The buildings could be for the stud and reproducing stock. Such sales were noW held at Claudelands, from which the Association derived a small income, but facilities such as he had outlined, must assist towards the comfort of buyers, sellers, working staff and stock. Mr. T. Hinton, in complimenting the new president upon his election to the office, referred to the very material support he had accorded the Association in the past and wished him a successful term of o£Q*«. Office-bearers. •

Messrs Wm. Newell and P. R. Seddon were duly nominated for the two vacancies as vice-presidents, and were declared duly elected. Both members returned thanks for the honour accorded them. The election of thirty members td the General Committee resulted as follows: —Messrs W. .7. Anderson, Thos. Bellamy, P. J. Binnie, Thos. Clarion, 0. L. Ewen, S. B. Grant, R. J. Graham, Thos. Hinton, Geo. Howie, F. F. Hockley, R. Johnston, F. J. Marshall, W. J. McKee, A. E. Missen, H. A. Miller, Alex Orr, P. ff Pemberton, Geo. Powell, W. G. Kay, J. C. Potts, W. Rothwell, <9 Standen, A. H. Storey, N. K. Taylor, John Teddy, F. W. Thomas, A. H. Waring, H. Windsor, Thos. Martin, P. T. Powell. General Matters.

The treasurer and secretary were given authority to sign cheques on the Association’s behalf, the secretary being further authorised to endorse inward cheques. On the motion of the president it was resolved that ttie funds of the Association be placed at the disposal of the General Committee for the purpose of carrying on the business of the Association. Mr. S. Standen gave notice of motion for • consideration by the executive at its first meeting to raise all members’ fees to £1. —Mr Thomas suggested that the executive consider the issuing of £1 family tickets.—On the suggestion of Mr. Newell, the secretary is to make available to the executive the percentage of 10s tickets taken up in the Association. Messrs R. English and G. Edgecumbe were re-elected auditors, and Mr. T. Clarkin was re-elected as treasurer of the Association. Pedigree Stock Sale.

Mr. Potts brought forward the question of improvement of the pedigree stock sale at Claudelands, and the executive will further consider the question with the object of perhaps calling the breeders and auctioneers together. Mr. Potts held that it would be to the advantage of breeders to meet and discuss the position wdth the object of improving the standard of the sale. Unless this were done the sale would deteriorate instead of improve. A conference could also be held with the auctioneers, and it was the speaker’s object to get the Association to call a meeting. Mr. Anderson agreed that the suggestion was on the right lines, but he thought it better to first call the representatives of the different breeds together and to later make suggestions to the auctioneers. Mr. Potts remarked that that was what he intended. Mr Newell said that the question _ was' a difficult one. Last winter was very severe but the condition of some of the bulls at last sale were a disgrace to any breeder. Sires were imported from England and America, and their progeny were simply “ walking skeletons,” the speaker stated, based on what he had seen at last sale. Mr Standcn said that they had plenty pf feed that day but that was

about the only time some of the animals ever had it. They were now touching upon one of the most important items to the future of Hamilton in the sales. Palmerston North had gi veil discussion to the question of making them a strong feature. Mr. Hinton said that the question all led up to the matter of facilities at the show grounds, and Mr. McKee thought the matter one for the breeders and auctioneers.