Show society surprised at appointment of head

 EASTERN Highlands Agricultural Society (HFSA) president Wilson Orlegge Thompson has expressed surprise at the provincial government taking over the running of the popular Goroka Show and appointing a new head.

That follows the appointment of businesswoman Kearyn Hargreaves as the new head of the Goroka Show Society by Eastern Highlands Governor Julie Soso last Friday.

Thompson said the society, Highlands Farmers and Settlers Association (EHAS), and the show committee headed by Gideon Samuel were surprised at the sudden appointment, but accepted it.

“The HFSA, EHAS and committee are surprised of a new chairman appointed and the Eastern Highlands provincial government taking over,” he said.

“The Eastern Highlands provincial government budgeted K10,000 per annum, but never paid from 2005-2008, and 2009-2012.

“Eastern Highlands provincial government owes show committee K64,000-plus costs from the prime minister’s visit, plus legal battles from Eastern Highlands provincial government days.

“My group will allow the Eastern Highlands provincial government to take over to assume all liabilities as HFSA and EHAS are voluntary associations with show committee a non-legal entity, so that Samuel and committee members cannot be sued in person.

“Any assets like showground and fixtures, the name Goroka Show and logo, bank accounts  and intellectual rights belong to HFSA and EHAS.”

Thompson said the Goroka Show was one of the oldest in the country and must run this year.