HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Evening Star, Issue 21753, 22 June 1934, Page 6

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

MARKED PROGRESS REPORTED FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING “ Success begets success, and if so the society need have no fear of the future,” declared the president of the Dunedin Horticultural Society (Mr J. Nelson), at its fifty-third annual meeting held last night, when it was reported that the past year had been one of marked progress in the society’s history. . it was many years since an annual meeting had been so largely attended, said the President, in welcoming those present. Such a fine gathering, including so many ladies, proved that the society was increasing in popularity, and it augured well for the future. REPORT AND BALANCE-SHEET. In part, the report stated: “The moinbership has increased by over 250, and now stands at 592. The financial position is sound ; new property lias been purchased, and the old has been written down to the lowest level. The membership list has been brought up to date, and quite a number of new exhibitors have joined. During the past year four shows were held, and, although weather conditions were anything but favourable, the exhibits, as a whole, were well up to the average, and some noteworthy stands were set up. Competition, especially in the amateur classes, was sometimes very keen, and occasionally the judges had considerable difficulty in allocating the awards. At the spring show the society was privileged to have present Sir R. Heaton Rhodes, of Otahuna, Tai Tapu. As in the past the spring show was outstanding for the number of entries, and the keenness of the competition. The display of narcissi, primroses, and tulips was 1 most noteworthy. In the opinion of the judge (the Rev. W. W. Avery), the locally raised narcissi seedlings compared very favourably with any other ho had seen in New Zealand. The collection of narcissi from the garden of Sir R. Heaton Rhodes was a feature of the show, and was much admired by all. The summer show was quite successful, and some beautiful blooms of roses were staged. In pansies and violas the competition was very keen, and the variety and quality of many of the blooms' were outstanding. The autumn show was very successful, and the display of gladioli, dahlias, and sweet peas was well up to standard. Cut flowers were also much in evidence, and made a wonderful showing. The winter show was a pleasing surprise to all. The competition in show chrysanthemums was not so keen as usual, but many wonderful flowers were staged, and some of the successful exhibitors sent blooms from Timaru, and even as faraway as Napier. A marked improvement was shown in the single varieties, and judging from results, New Zealand seedlings can compare, favourably with the imported varieties. In this connection the Chrysanthemum Certifying Committee met, and made preliminary awards for several locally-grown seedlings. The standard of excellence in tho vegetable competitions was well maintained, but, unfortunately, the same cannot be said of fruit. It is to be hoped that in future a marked improvement will be made in the latter class. Decorative and floral work was, as usual, a special feature of the shows. The Gardening Club, affiliated to the society, has had a very successful year, and by means of lectures and outdoor demonstrations, the interest of its members has been well maintained. The stand set up by the club at the autumn show was awarded a well-earned certificate of merit, and it is to be hoped that this will stimulate the members to take a still more active part in the work of the parent society.” Presenting the balance-sheet, which disclosed a credit of £6 5s lid, the treasurer (Mr P. O. Vallange) said that it was the best to be submitted for many years. Altogether, it was a satisfactory balance-sheet.

SOCIETY’S POLICY CHANGED. “ Radical changes in tho society’s policy were made at the start of the last year, when it was found that our position was not at all favourable,” said Mr Nelson, in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. “ If we had continued as we had been doing in the past we should not have made the progress we have been able to report at this meeting.” An organised attempt had been made to improve tho society’s position, and it had succeeded. First, an increase in membership had been sought, and 257 new members had been elected. As a direct result of that the society’s financial position had been improved, and now, taken as'a whole, it was a sound one. Tho balance-sheet was good, and he hoped it would be even better next year. The prize fund had been augmented through the receipt of many prizes and donations. It would be the work of the incoming committee to improve still further the society’s position, taking a cue from the retiring officers, Mr Nelson continued. Ho was satisfied that only the fringe of the Dunedin public had been canvassed for membership. The good work of the society should be extended in tho community, and it was only by organising their affairs that they could hope to go on to further success. If they made people realise that the society existed in the best interests of horticulture ho felt sure that the membership would swell. It was pleasing to note* that the society’s work was interesting exhibitors outside Dunedin. That was indeed satisfactory in view of the national show, which was to be lictd under the society’s direction next January. Exhibitors from all over the dominion would bo competing, and it behoved Dunedin to present a stand worthy of this part of the dominion. Tho society would certainly do its share toward that end. Mr E. A. Patterson seconded the motion. Speaking to the motion, Mr J. Black said that had the society not rectified its plans at the beginning of the year it would not have occupied its present position. Mr E. A. Hamel, who claimed to be the oldest member present, said that tho local society was the most progressive and the most financial body of its kind in New Zealand. Last year’s president (Mr G. A. Skene) congratulated the president, secretary, committee, and ladies on placing the society in such an enviable position. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. NATIONAL SHOW. Invited to speak concerning the forthcoming national show in Dunedin, Mr H. Bennett (the New Zealand president of the Horticultural Trades’ Association) said that a fine committee had been appointed to make the arrangements. Representation had been promised from Southland, North Otago, South Canterbury, Napier, Taranaki, and Auckland. Southlanders were particularly enthusiastic, and intended to provide an exhibit covering over 300

square feet. A similar display might be expected from Oamaru. From Auckland there would be a very interesting flax exhibit, as well as citrus and tung oil displays. PRESENTATION OF CUP. Mr J. Black was presented with the Alexander Stewart Perpetual Challenge Cup (contested for the first time), for the best single chrysanthemum seedling raised by an exhibitor and displayed at the winter show. His Winifred bloom gained a total of 6.525 points, the maximum being 8 points. Following were the other awards:— Mr H. T. T’rcvcna, 6.39 points (Fireside bloom), 5.57 (Golden Sunset), 5.4 (Jersey Cream), 4.14 (Rose Marie), and 3.6 (Picador) ; Mr W. Strachan, 3.75 (red single) ; Messrs Pcrrctt and Marshal), 2.812. OFFICE-BEARERS. Tho election of office-bearers resulted:—Patron, Lord Bledisloo; president, Mr J. Nelson ; vice-presidents— Messrs G. A. Skene, H. Bennett, J. Black, H. S. Hungerford, and J. B. Downes; hon. treasurer, Mr P. O. Vallange , lion, auditor, Mr W. G. Pickard ; committee—Messrs H. T. Trevena, A. De Berry, M. Scott, W. Thom, A. G. Rigby, j. S. M'Cartney, E. Page, J. H. Vickers, J. Fleming, E. Hamel, M. Thomson, J. T. Gray, J. Mahoney, E. A. Patterson, T. Johnston, G. Attewood, and W. Hanlin, the Rev. W. W. Avery, Mcsdames Rigby, M'Cartney, W. Jones, and F. Fitzgerald, Misses A. Cable and G. Gallaway. Mr H. Clarke was elected a life member. T" > election of a lengthy list of vicepi trons was held over until tho committee’s first meeting.