THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 1881. A NEW HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2213, 30 March 1881, Page 2

THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 1881. A NEW HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

As will have been noticed in our local columns, another Horticultural Society has been called into existence in the neighbouring Borough of Sydenham, not —as was distinctly stated by Professor Bickerton at the inaugural meeting which was held a fortnight ago—with the idea of in any way clashing with its elder brother, the Christchurch Horticultural Society, but rather with the view of giving fuller scope to a class of exhibitors who need encouragement and fostering. We refer to the cottager class. One of the matters that will require the careful consideration of the officers of the new Horticultural Society will be how the various classes of exhibitors shall be defined. If we have understood aright, at the recent meeting of the new Society, held last Friday evening at Addington, the rule bearing on this question was referred back to the committee for amendment. It has long been a moot-point with other societies as to what constitutes an amateur exhibitor, and this is the difficulty that meets the Sydenham Horticultural Society at the very threshold of its existence. For example, during an animated discussion that ensued when the rule as drafted was read to the meeting, it was contended that gentlemen holding the status in our midst, which is hold by Messrs George Gould, W. Norman, O. W. Turner, and other exhibitors of a like standing, who employ practical gardeners (men who have been thoroughly taught the profession and practice of horticultural science from their earliest years), have no business to stage their exhibits for competition with the amateur pure and simple, who is without professional skill or ability, boasting nothing in fact but an ardent love of the pastime of horticulture. It was again argued that others, who occasionally employed labour, even though possessing the traditional greenhouse, had no right to compete in the same class with those who unaided brought their plants, flowers and vegetables to competition. Perhaps a practical solution of the difficulty will be found in arranging the classes of exhibitors in A. B. C. order, due care being taken that the advantages and facilities possessed by the various exhibitors shall be frankly stated as determining the class in which each shall be allowed to compete. The cottager class is a decidedly important feature, and every care should be taken that the qualification entitling persons to enter in this class shall bo accurately defined, so that the prizes allotted in it may not, by any fluke, be taken from those who only should be entitled to compote for the same. We shall watch the progress of this society with considerable interest, and consider it fortunate that it has been formed in Sydenham, which has gone on, step by step, since its formation as a borough, in the path of progress. First, it came forth a full-fledged borough; then it applied to the proper authorities and obtained representation on the Drainage Board; and, wo believe, the day is not far distant when it will be represented on the Lyttelton Harbor Board, and also obtain direct representation in the General Assembly. Its last gain is the Horticultural Society, and, judging from its managing committee, which embraces gentlemen from every part of the borough, its various portions will be duly cared for, and no outside district ignored. It has been rumored that some people in the borough are jealous that it was inaugurated in Addington, but we think that any fears of partiality are unfounded, seeing the society intends holding its first exhibition in the hall of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, at the Show grounds, Colombo road, which of itself should silence all cavilling on that score. Wo wish the promoters and members of the new society the success they so heartily deserve, feeling assured that there is ample room for this youngest scion of the horticultural element in our midst.