Otaki Horticultural Society Reviews Activities

Chronicle (Levin), 13 April 1949, Page 2

Otaki Horticultural Society Reviews Activities

A general meeting of the Otaki Horticultural and Daffodil Society was held on Mon-day night, when the president, Mr. J. G. MacKenzie presided. Various matters of a routine nature were discussed, and rggret was expressed that while the report revealed a fresh impetus when the spring show was held, the fact that the society had extreme diffleulty in securing suitable accommbdation later in the year was reflected in the attendances and returns at the two later shows held. ■It was agreed that the annual meeting take place in the Anglican Hall on April 27, when Mr. D. C. MacKenzie, a Massey College lecturer and director of parks and reserves, Palmerston North, will give an illustrated lecture on the Royal Gardens, Kew. The annual report for presentation reads as follows: "The year has been a sa'tisfactory one, three shows having been held with a first class displays of blooms, etc. It is apparent, however, that until sueh time as a suitable hall is available, the society cannot funciion as it should. The shows should, so far as Otaki is concerned, be the main social functions of the year. We have the growers and the enthusiasm among the members, but not the facilities that are so essential if the public are to be attracted. "Our thanks are due to those who at considerable inconvenience perform the opehing ceremonies. The Mayor, Mr. C. F. Atmore, opene-d the rose show and Mrs. Knox Gilmer the midsummer show. The spring show was opened by the president in the unavoidable absenee of Mr. J. J. Maher, M.P. Thanks are also due to the judges for their efforts on behalf of the exhibitors. "Special displays were made' by the Otaki Women's Institute Garden 'Circle at all shows. The displays by Mr. C. Evans,J\lr. H. J. McCormack and Messrs D. K. Pritchard and Son were also worthy of the district and highly appreciated. The enthusiasm of the members of the garden circle was admirable. "During the year the rules' for exhibitors have been revised, and it is recommended that the name of the society be changed to that of The Otaki Horticultural Society. Mr. E. T. Bartosh has again, as in past years, stored the tables and yases of the society and arranged for their transport to and from shows. Without this assistance it would be almost impossible to carry on. "The shows display the following results and the loss in the midsummer show is a serious one: — Spring show: Door takings, £12 8s 3d; entry money, £9 11s; prize money, £13 4s 6d; entries, 319. Rose show: — Door takings, . £7 16s 6d; entry money, £6 16s 6d; prize money, £12 10s 6d; entries, 317. Midsummer show: Door takings, £6 ls; entry money, £5 12s; prize money, £12 13s; entries, 222. Special prizes are not included in any of these figures."