Secretary's Report. 



The past year has been one of considerable progress and success 

 with the Hampshire Agricultural Society. Although no financial 

 balance is shown by the treasurer's report this by no means indi- 

 cates an unsuccessful season. On account of the poor condition of 

 the property of the society at the fair ground it has seemed wise 

 to the executive committee to undertake a policy of permanent im- 

 provement in this respect to the greatest possible extent. Other- 

 wise the early death of the society was inevitable. The improve- 

 ments accomplished this year were noted and apparently appreciated 

 by visitors to the fair. In the hall the number of coops for poultry 

 has been doubled, much to the advantage of the display of fowls. 

 In the lower hall the benches and tables have been rearranged and 

 enlarged, thus affording considerably increased space. On the 

 exterior of the building wooden shutters have been hung for the 

 windows, which will prevent much damage in broken glass. It was 

 intended to paint the building before the fair, and although this was 

 not accomplished the materials have been bought and this work can 

 be done at the first opportunity. 



A large amount of work has been done on the track, which is now 

 in excellent condition, and other repairs and improvements have 

 been made so far as seemed feasible. While all this has not been 

 accomplished without considerable expense the officers of the 

 society have felt that the time has come when the organization must 

 either take decided steps forward or cease to exist. 



The annual fair was favored with good weather and proved a 

 great success, the receipts being the largest in the history of the 

 society. Thorough advertising contributed much to this result aided 

 by increased communication with neighboring towns. The exten- 

 sion of the street car line to the fair grounds is much to be desired. 

 Entries in all departments of the fair were of unusual number and 

 merit, strong competition and full classes being the rule. Space in 

 the hall was at a premium, the display of poultry, fruit and flowers 



