The Hastings Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Association was formed with the object of improving the breeding and classification of poultry, pigeons, and canaries, to hold periodical shows when considered desirable, and to act in cooperation with other clubs for the furtherance of these objects. An annual exhibition is held in the Drill Hall in August and there have been as many as 800 exhibits at one time. Officers for the year 1906: Mr. C. L. Mackersey, president; Mr. R. Smith, secretary; and Mr. W. Hart, treasurer.

Mr. Robert Smith, Secretary of the Hastings Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Association, was born at Dover, England, in the year 1873, and came to New Zealand with his parents in April, 1874. He was educated at Ormondville, brought up to the sawmilling trade, and for a time worked in partnershp with his father at the Rata saw-mills. Mr. Smith was engaged for several years in the dairying industry, first as assistant, and afterwards as manager of a dairy factory, and was also employed at the Government Dairy School at Waverley. In 1905 he was appointed manager of the Hastings timber years of Messrs Manson and Company, sawmillers, of Tikokino. Mr. Smith is a member of the Ormondville Tent of Rechabites.