HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1085, 20 August 1912, Page 2

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

DEPUTATION TO WAIT ON THE COUNCIL.

A well-attended committee meeting ol the Foxton Horticultural and Industrial Society was held last night. The President (Mr Alex. Speirs) occupied the chair, and the Mayor (Mr A. Gibbs) was also in attendance by invitation. Correspondence was received from Mr Cooper, of Wellington, re judging at the Bulb Show, and stating that he would officiate conditionally that travelling and out-of-pocket expenses were paid, and that the blooms for exhibition were confined to his display. The committee were of opinion that it would be unfair to exclude other nurserymen’s exhibits, and it was decided to ask Mr Mason, of' Whakaronga, to judge the bulbs; also Messrs Just and Walsh.—Mr Jacksou said Mr W. Gray had offered to donate a special prize of one guinea in the children’s garden competitions. He had suggested to the donor that the prizes be awarded through the society, and the secretary was instructed to write Mr Gray in this connection. The President brought up the question of the Council’s refusal to grant the use of the hall to the society tor Wednesdays. He pointed out that Wednesday, being the halfholiday, was the best day of the week for such purposes, and when the prices were being arranged for the hire of the hall it was never contemplated that the society, which was a deserving local public institution, would be refused the hire of the hall lor their exhibitions, the object ol which was to create an interest in home industries and a love lor the beautilul. The desire ol the society was not to make money but to educate. He did not think the Council understood the position when he applied for the hall lor the dates mentioned. —The Mayor said that he felt sure the sympathy of the Council was with the aims and objects of the society, and they would not do anything to hinder its progress, or stultify its usefulness. Some time ago a complaint was made that the pictures screened were not up to a proper standard, and Messrs Fuller and Sons were approached in the matter. The firm decided to put Foxton on the circuit conditionally that the Council took the films twice a week —Wednesday and Saturdays. This was done aud if the hall were let on Wednesday night for other purposes it meant that the Council was saddled with the expense of the films. He did not know whether the films would arrive early enough to show on a uight previous. His sympathy was with the society and he would do all iu his power to meet them in this matter. Alter further discussion, it was decided that a deputation from the society wait on the Council next Thursday week. The Mayor was thanked for attending, aud after other routine business was discussed the meeting rose.