Morris tribune., 1912-01-12

De an encouragement TO the poultry
business in this community; and the
fact that the Board expended this sum
of money for this building. evidences
the fact that we believe that the busi-
ness should be encouraged in this
county.
Some repairs were made upon fences
and buildings. but owing to the lack
of funds and to the fact that we were
still somewhat in debt, no other
structures were erected.
The County Board again evinced its
interest in, and approval of the work
of this Society, by appropriating of
the county funds, the sum of $500. 90
for permanent improvements. This
Society is deeply indebted to the Coun-
ty Board of this county for it's gener-
GUS support during the past six years.
Had it not been for the public spirited
ness of these men, the Society could
not have made the progress it has.
During the past year, through the
co-ope: alton and assistance of Supt.
Roberts and Prof. ingalls,. substantial
sum of money was collected from the
schools and school children of the
County to be used for the erection of
an Educational Building upon the
grounds to house the school and educa
tionai exhibits at the Fair. This sum
is not, however, large enough to war
rant the erection of such building
as the Society feels should be erected
for the purpose. And accordingly
action was deferred until another ap-
peal can be made to the schools and
school children of the county for furth-
er aid. A suitable building will cost
substantially $3.50. 90, of which we
now have less than one half. 1t is
hoped and desirable that another ap-
peal will be made to the schools for
liberal contributions for this purpose.
The society is also in need of adj
ditional barns and sheds upon the
grounds. A barn large enough to
house the cattle and horses exhibited
should be erected. The society feels
that stock raising and especially
dairying should be encouraged in this
county. and it can best evince it's in
terest by the erection of such barn.
This will cost around une thousand
dollars. but, we believe, the outlay
will prove profitable both to the society
and to the community generally.
The fair held on Sept. 21st, 22nd
and 23rd, 1911, was very successful
one. The exhibits, though not as
numerous is had been hoped for, were
exceptionally good. AS in the past.
competent judges from the agricul-
turaI schools of the state, were Sc
cured. This policy has proven very
successful, and we believe that to
the work of these men is largely due
the fact that the exhibits are each
year growing better. We believe
that the exhibitors are rapidly learn
ing what are really desirable products
and things to be shown, and thus the
Fair is serving as valuable educa-
tional institution. The stock exhibit
was rather disappointment. and 1t
is to be hoped that some means will
be found to interest more stock raisers
in the fair. We believe that the
premiums on cattle and swine should
be increased. especially on such classes
as are found in this community. The
society should carefully consider this
matter. The corn exhibit was very
good, but should be improved. I be-
lieve that it would be advisable to in
terview the business men, and see if
a premium of say $75. 90 first, $50. 90
second. $500 third, and $40. 90
fourth and fifth could not be offered
for the best busheI of corn selected
from the corn grown on one acre
showing the largest yield in the coun.
ty. l believe that the corn culture
should be improved, and that we
should offer suitable reward to the
man or boy who will give his time
to the work.
The gate receipts, and receipts at
the grand stand. were this year great
er than ever before, amounting I'd the
sum of $3.50. SO: concessions we're
sold to stand men for privileges of
conducting stands and booths uron
the grounds, and total of $151. rs
received. The Secretary collected ior
entry fees, the sum of $83.54. In dill
there were SIT entries. not including
school exhibits Of which no record il
kept and no entry fee charged. I'll
this connection. wish to suggest for
your consideration the question as to
whether or not it would be advisable
to entirely abolish all entry fees, and
making a proportionate reduction in
the amount of premiums offered. i
believe this matter is worthy of care.