Renewed Interest In Work Of Horticultural Society

Chronicle (Levin), 29 April 1949, Page 2

Renewed Interest In Work Of Horticultural Society

The Otaki Horticultural Society on Wednesday night held one of its most successful annual meetings, there being an attendance of over 80.' The president, Mr. J. G. Mackenzie, occupied ihe chair. Commenting on the repo.rt and ba'ance sheet, the president referred to previons successes of the society and its members in connection with local and outside shows. He deplored the lack of a suitable hall, and asked that all present back the efforts of the society by enrolling as members. He considered there was no reason why local shows shouid not again be worthy of the district. Mr. R. Bills offered congratulations to the executive officers for their en.husiasm, and considered

the smair dencit shown on the year's activities was more than compensated for by the renewe'd interest, as evidenced by the altendance at the meeting. Officers Elected. The report and balance sheet were adopted. The election of officers for the ensuing term resulted as follows: Patroness: Mrs. F. ,E. Swabey; president: Mr. J. G. Mackenzie; vice-presidents: Dr. E. G. Atmore, Mrs. M. McMi ligan, General R. Young, Messrs H. Witcemb, A. W. Buxton, A. Wilson, H. B. E'dhouse, C. F. Atmore and J. J. Maher, M.P.; secretary: Mr. N. D. Anderson; auditor: Mr. A. Wilson; committee: Mesdames A. APan, O. G. Sutherland, H. Taylor, C. Walker, P. Blyth, E. M. Scott, A. B. Saunders, A. D. Webster, H. Smith and Fulford, Messrs A. W. Buxton, H. Taylor, J. C. Neil\ L. C. Walsh, W. Wilson, D. G. SutheNand, W. Heath, J. Scott, A. B. Saunders, E. T. Barlosh, E. Williams, H. J. McCormack, C. Evans, R. S. Purvis and D. K..Prit- . chard. Mr. Mackenzie, in thanking members, said that it would be a great pleasure for him to do what he could for the society, having been connected with horticulture practically all his life and in many places. Beautiful Film Shown. Mr. D. Mackenzie gave a most interesting illustrated lecture on the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew. One hundred s ides were ex-hibite-d, most of them beautifully coloured, and with thelecturer explaining fully the varieties shown and the surroundings, a truly 'Old English garden atmosphere was created. Several of the exhibit^ were of the Che'sea fiower show of 1939, which the spcekcr. contended was one of the greatest shows of all time. In his opening remarks, Mr. Mackenzie s'ated that the gardens were first forme'd in 1781, when an area of 36 acres was 'set aside. Today an area of 280 acres had been developed, and it was claimed that the gardens had played an important part in the economic development of the Empire and of horticulture throughout the world. The advancement of botany, the introduction of new and valuable plants of economic importance to the Empire (suc.h as the deve'opment of quinine and rubber plants), a delightful public resort almost in the heart of London. aird the locaticn there of students from many parts of the world were the salient features of Kew, stated the speaker. His own stay there was cut short owing to the outbreak of hostilities in 1939, but not beforc he had had an opportunity of becoming conversant with its many wonderful features. . St. James Park, Hyde Park, the River Thames, and Kew Green and Church were a few notable p'aces pictured in the s'ides, which were a most comorehensive collection and covered practically every phasc of botany. At the conclusion of the lecture.. the speaker was roundly applau'ded and a vote of thanks, moved by Mr. R. Purvis, was carried by acclamation.