A. AND P. ASSOCIATION

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17982, 29 March 1930, Page 8

A. AND P. ASSOCIATION

THE ANNUAL MEETING. STEADY PROGRESS MAINTAINED,, SMALL SHOWS CRITICISED. The annual me-eting of the Waikato Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held this morning, the president, Mr T. Martin, presiding over a good attendance of members. The annual report and balancesheet, which have been published in the Waikato Times, were adopted. Commenting on the report Mr T. Hinton said the association had been unfortunate with the last show, which was marred by bad weather. The association should be complimented on a first-class show of stock in numbers and quality. The group system of fat lambs had proved an eye-opener, and had been well worth while. Not- only were the judges very favourably impressed with the fat lambs, but high praise of the quality had come from England. He believed that if the class was as good next show they would he gratified, and if it was better they would be delighted. Continuing, Mr Hinton expressed the view that the provision of the new saleyards and other improvmeents had been-a wise step. The only bugbear of the show appeared to be the finances. “ Appear to be Robbers.” “The small country shows are getting increasing patronage to the detriment of the larger shows, such as i ours,” he added. “At one time we i thought the little shows were feeders ; for us, hut they appear to be robbers. ! Of course, they are often held in iso- | lated districts where peqpie cannot get i away to attend the big shows. I would | like to see. some of these smaller shows | go, and their patrons come over to the big fixtures.” Mr F. R. Seddon considered that in certain classes the prize-money should be reduced to place the finances of thG association on a more .stable footing. The £2 and £i prizes could well be reduced to £1 10s and 15s. Such a reduction would effect a big saving, as these prizes comprised the huik of the I schedule. He moved that the matter i be recommended to the incoming committee. •* Reduced Prizes Opposed. Mr W. Newell said the small competitors would object to any such action. They were one of the oldest and the senior show in the Waikato, and the prize-money should be maintained as long as possible* It was true they had a big schedule with many classes for which there was little competition. He was prepared to support Mr Seddon's motion if it meant that the proposal for a change would be j considered from all angles. Many exhibitors thought ;t was unfair when the association reduced the prizemoney by 10 per cent. “ If you make this change you will be advertising that the show is going back,” said Mr Pilkington. “ I think you would be making a great mistake.” Mr W. Ranstead said the smaller shows had lower entry fees, and this was one of the reasons why they received good patronage. He agreed that to reduce the prize-money would be a retrograde step. Mr Newell, while disapproving of any move to penalise a good horse considered that in this class an owner whose horse won year after year should not be allowed to enter, so that the other competitors could have a chance. Mr Pilkington: Even the public get tired of watching the same two or three horses. Investigation of Finances. Mr Seddon agreed to amend his motion, to read that the incoming committee investigate the finances of the association. Opposition to any scheme to Block the owner of the best animals from exhibiting was expressed by Air T. Church, who spoke in favour of encouraging the novice classes. The motion was carried. In thanking the committee and officers of the association for their support in the past year, Air Martin said the high standard of the show had been maintained, and expressed the hope that the next exhibition would be bigger and better than ever. On the motion of Air W. J. McGee a hearty vote of thanks was passed J.O the Waikato Trotting Club for organising the trotting races, which had proved of great assistance to the last show. A vote of thanks' was also passed to the committee which had prepared, selected and organised the fat lamb* for exhibition in London. President Re-elected. Mr T. Martin, whose nomination was the only one received for the position of president, was declared president for the ensuing year amid applause. Messrs T. Bellamy, sen., and H. Windsor were declared vice-presidents. Air W. J. Park was re-elected treasurer and Air R. English was re-elected * auditor. A motion of sympathy was passed with Air D. E. Finlayson in his illness. Alessrs G. R. Wylie- and H. Luxford were admitted to the membership. Air Ranstead moved as a recommendation to the incoming committee that boys of 18 and under be admitted to the membership at half the ordinary fee. The motion-was carried. The following were elected to the general committee: Alessrs A. K. Alexander, A. C. Johnston, G. Bailey, R. Blackett, T. Clarkiin, P. H. Clarkin, T. Church, A. R. Clark, W. J. R. Franklin, P. E. Dingle, T. G. Hinton, R. A. Hinton, A. Livingstone, W. 11. Miers, J. At. McNicol, W. Newell, W. G. Park, S. Pilkington, G. Powell, sen., J. C. Potts, W. J. McKee, P. T. Powell, W. Roth well, R. Ranstead, N. Reid, J. J. Ryhurn, F. R. Seddon, N. K. Tayiojj, W. Wallace and H. J. Finlayson.