* A ''significant improvement'' in the finances of the South West

Machinery Ring was reported at the agm at Gatehouse by the chairman

Robin Austin, of Fellend, Castle Douglas. A combination of increased

turnover and cost containment has led to a profit of #2868 this year,

compared to a near #10,000 loss the previous year.

Now, with more than 300 members, the Ring had a turnover of #297,910

for the year ended October 31, 1993 -- an increase of #108,726 on the

preceding accounting period. Part of this was from a daily brokerage

service for fuel started a year ago, which has proved so popular that

more than #90,000 worth of fuel has been purchased for members.

However, Mr Austin warned that future progress would depend on all

work organised between members being invoiced through the Ring system.

He called for a ''bit of commitment'' at this stage to ensure that the

organisation was there when needed.