CANTERBURY HORTICULTURAL AND ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Globe, Volume III, Issue 263, 15 April 1875, Page 3

CANTERBURY HORTICULTURAL AND ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The committee of the Canterbury Horticultural and Arboricultural Society met last evening, at the Clarendon hotel, at half-past seven o’clock—Present—Messrs Guntrip (in the chair), Nairn, Spicer, Jackman, Turner, Craw, and Marsh. The sub-committee reported that the two gold medals presented by the president for the highest number of points gained any exhibition in the open and amateur classes, had been awarded as follows:—Open class, A. H. Spicer, 199 points; amateur class, D. Craw, 219 points. The meeting then terminated. The annual general meeting of the members was held immediately after the termination of the committee meeting. The president, Mr E, 0. J. Stevens, was in the chair. The following report was read:— “ The committee, in presenting their first annual report to the members, have to congratulate them on the success attending their efforts during the past season. The number (110) of members has exceeded the most sanguine expectations of the promoters. Since the commencement, the society have held monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of each month, at which several essays have been read of a most practical character, and which appeared to be much appreciated by the members attending, and the committee would beg to urge the continuance of further efforts in that direction, thinking it would tend to excite a greater interest in the so-

ciety, and become a means of mutual instruction. At these monthly meetings a large number of cut blooms and other exhibits were also shown, which greatly added to their attraction, and for which thanks are due to the exhibitors. Your committee would strongly recommend that any members having plants, fruit, or vegetables of superior merit would kindly bring them to the monthly meetings, as they might not be in season for the ordinary shows, and would tend to enhance the interest and promote discussion with regard to the merits or otherwise of the articles shown. They would wish it to be generally known that these meetings are not only open to members, but also to members’ friends, and the public generally. During the past season the society has held two shows, the first of which was on December 10th, and, we are happy to say, was quite a success —both as regards the number and quality of the exhibits ; also, the attendance of visitors far exceeded expectations. The second exhibition took place on February 24th, which was also satisfactory. “ Although there was not the competition in pot plants which could be desired, the exhibits were generally of a superior character. With regard to fruit, vegetables, and cut flowerj, the competition was keen. The committee would suggest that the thanks of the society are due to those gentlemen who kindly sent articles for exhibition only, and also to those who were the generous and unsolicited donors of special prizes, which were well competed for, and which proved a great attraction in the shows. In conclusion, we would observe that, in consonance with the intention in starting the society, every attention has been paid to questions asked at the monthly meetings with respect to matters in connection with horticulture or arboriculture; and we would venture to hope that members will not be backward in the future in asking or giving advice.” The treasurer’s statement of accounts showed—Receipts—Subscriptions, £46 17s; cash received at the exhibitions, £22 Os 6d; other receipts, £8 2s 6d; total, £77. Expenditure—Printing and stationery, £ls 9s 4d; prizes and extra prizes, £3l 4s 2d; other expenses, £22 8s 4d; balance, £7 18s 2d; total, £77. On the motion of Mr Marsh, seconded by Mr Harvey, the report and accounts were received and adopted. The rules were revised and the following alterations made;—The number of vicepresidents was increased from one to five; non-members to be allowed to exhibit at 6d for each exhibit, instead of 2s 6d, but the exhibitors not to be entitled to free admission; articles intended for exhibition must be at the place of exhibition not later than 9.30 a.m.; competitors to be divided into classes, viz, the open class, cottagers, and amateurs. The meeting then proceeded to elect officers for the ensuing year : —President : Mr B. 0. J. Stevens ; vice-presidents: Mr W. Norman, Professor Bickerton, Messrs L. Harper, F. Hobbs, and W. H, WynnWilliams. Committee : Messrs J. Guntrip, H. Spicer, 0. Collins, J. Grey, 0. Marsh, D. Craw, S. Jackman, D. Nairn, F, Harvey, T. Turner, R. Line, and F. Miln. Treasurer : Mr W. Schmidt. Secretary : Mr J. Watts. Mr Guntrip exhibited a branch of Colletm Bictonicnsis in blossom This plant is remarkable for its rigid thorny leaves and the rich perfume exhaled from its blossoms. Mr H. Spicer showed two roses, Cloth of Gold, *• Glorie de Dijon.” The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the chairman.