in with a follow-up letter, and out of almost
5,000 we get about 200 members, which is pretty good. And there are a
lot of other folks I know would join if somebody would contact them.

MR. CHASE: So ever since last October I don't know what side is up so
far as N.N.G.A. is concerned. I don't pretend it hasn't taken a good
deal of effort and a lot of time from some things that I should have
done, but I enjoyed doing it for the Association, and I have no regrets.
The only thing I am sorry about is that we didn't get 500 instead of
just 200 members.

PRESIDENT BEST: Thank you. Spencer. (Applause.) That's a fine report.

May we hear from our Auditing Committee, Mr. Silvis.

MR. SILVIS: The report of the Treasurer, which I have just had an
opportunity of inspecting, is the most professional document I have ever
had the pleasure of examining as a member of this Auditing Committee on
which I have been several times. And I think a testimonial is due our
Treasurer, Mr. Carl Prell, who has combined the rare talents of
bookkeeping and comparative reporting.

The Auditing Committee, composed of Sterling Smith, who was not able to
be here, Mr. Pape of Indiana, and myself, accept this report of Carl
Prell on behalf of this Northern Nut Growers Association,

PRESIDENT BEST: Let's have the Treasurer's report. Mr. Prell

Report of the Treasurer

CARL PRELL, _South Bend, Indiana_

At the beginning of this fiscal year it seemed likely to your Board of
Directors that the Association's investment in government bonds would
have to be converted into cash to meet the year's expenses. There was
barely enough money in the treasury to pay for the 42nd Annual Report,
which should have been billed the preceding year.

Normally, the treasurer collects only enough money to pay for one
report, plus the year's operating expenses. The problem this year was to
pay operating expenses and to discharge our obligation on two reports.

Anticipating this problem, and in an effort to correct recurring
deficits, your Board made plans back in 1951 for a drive to increase
membership. Some momentum was gained by the end of last year, which
carried into this year with increasing force. The result was the
substantial gain in membership reported upon by your Secretary--with a
substantial increase in revenue.

Membership drives, of course, are a mixed blessing. They may produce
more dues; but they certainly cost money. Our promotion expenditure
jum