Page 2 Advertisements Column 4

Feilding Star, Volume IX, Issue 92, 6 March 1888, Page 2

TO THE EDITOR OP THE STAR. Sxb,— • • Cockatoo Farmer" in writing on this subject in your last issue, appears to me to be trying to mislead the general public. Any one reading his letter would imaerae the society was jealous of admitting fresh members to the committee, amTthat they discouraged new blood to the brotherhood, whereas the very oppos- !, t< L 18 \ n reali< * the case, for the greatest difficulty is experienced in getting together a committee at all. In support of my statement, I may inform yeur correg. pondent .that in the early part of September last I called by advertisement in the pubho press, a meeting of all persons interested m horticulture, to discuss fch» programme, and appoint the officers for the then coming season. What was the I result of an expenditure of serenteea shillings and sixpence in advertising? why, three of the old hands only, put in "» appearance. Where was " Cockatoo" then? why did he not attend thwt meeting and propose some of the alterations made that he now suggests, I maintain, finr, that had it not been for the members of the present committee there would hare been no show in Feilding for some years. As regard the judges, a very unmanly and uncalled for slur is cast by "Cockatoo upon the gentlemen who acted in that capacity. In my opinion, as also in the opinion of many unbiased persons, the judging was very good, and I may say myself, being presnt all the time the awards were being made, that I have never seen more careful and conscientious judging. lam qnite of opinion that it is more satisfactory to appoint outside judges, but in the face of the society s finances it would have been very rash 10 have incurred the extra expense of £3 3s which it would have entailed, I will now just touch upon the complaint !as to their being no cottagers class. The same complaint was maoesome time ago and as a trial, in 1886 a cottagers class was instituted, but after keeping it on for two years it was discarded as it was found, firstly, that there was little or no competition ; and secondly he If the prize* were not taken. In conclusion I may •tate that I quite agree with "Cockatoo** as to the infusien of new tyoooVif iti» of the right Jcind, and I hope that he wilK attend our next general meeting and brink x - some good men with him for infnsW--I am, &c, EKtttTNJD GOODBEHESS. v, „, . ■■__ ■ Hoa. Secretary. Feiidu-Sfi March 5, 1888. •r - - •