FOXTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1401, 22 May 1915, Page 2

FOXTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the above was held in the Town Hall supper-room last night. The President. Mr G. H. Stiles, presided. Apologies for absence were received from several members, The report and balance-sheet were read aud adopted- The President congratulated the Society on its financial condition in view of the obstacles It had had to face during the year. The outlook for the future was very bright. The election of officers resulted as follows: —Patron, Mr A. S. Easton; President, Mr G. H. Stiles (re-elected); Vice-Presidents, His Worship the Mayor (A If. Fraser, Esq.), Messrs Drs. Maudl and Kerr-Hislop, B. G. Gower, W. E. Barber, P. NeyloUj John, C. F., and Jas. Robinson, W. Bock, Wm. Ross, G. Rough, A. Speirs, C. Prestou, Symes, W. Signal ; Secretary, Mr H. C. Patterson ; Treasurer, Mr T. Henderson ; Committee: Messrs Hornblow, Jackson, Galland, Eumsden, D. Whibley, Bullard, Walsh,. Keut-Johnston, Kempster, Newth, Mesdames Woods, Hillman, Renton, Boyes, Saunders, Raine, Galland, Misses Speirs, Signal and Neylon ; Auditor, Mr A. J. Kellow. The re-election of the President was received with a hearty round of applause, aud appreciative reference was made to the interest and enthusiasm evinced by Mr Stiles on behalf of the Society. Mr btiles suitably replied. A very lengthy discussion took place on a motion by Mr Galland that prizes in all chsses, except cookery, be, first 2s, second is, 110 second prize to be awarded unless three or more entries. An amendment was finally carried that the motion be held over to the next committee meeting. On the motion of Miss Signal and Mr Hornblow, it was decided that points prizes be reckoned as follows; first prize five points, second three points, third one point. A discussion took place on a motion to alter the membership fee, and it was decided to hold over the subject until next meeting of Committee. The Secretary read a list of donations and trophies promised. Other minor business was dis* cussed, and the meeting rose. PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT. The President’s annual report was as follows : “I have much pleasure, on behalf of the Committee, in submiti ling to you a brief report of the work of the Society for the year igtq-is. It is very gratifying to the Committee to be able to again report the Society to be in a sound financial position, with a credit balance at the Bank of ,£ls 10s yd, a slight increase over last year. The past year has been a very anxious oue to the Society, as not only have we experienced an exceptionally dry season, which affected the exhibits, but the war has naturally had a very depressing effect on everyone, so much so that the Society almost cancelled its Bulb Show, fearing a heavy loss, but with optimism worthy of it, faced the position, aud a splendid show resulted. The Spring Show was a record success in every way, the receipts showing a marked increase, and one class, viz., cookery, would have done credit to a much larger society. The attendances at the meetings of the committee have on all occasions been good, and have been marked by very keen interest in the work of the Society. One material alteration was made regarding prize money, it being decided that no prize would be allotted unless there were two entries, and no second prize without four entries. This has been in the nature of an experiment, but as some dissatisfaction exists regarding same, it will be wise to make some further alteration. It is hoped that members will do their utmost to increase the membership, as there has been a slight decrease, the success of the Society, financially, largely depending upon this important matter. The Committee have during the year endeavoured to make the various Shows a little more attractive to the public by providing more entertainment, and this feature has been much appreciated, and has resulted in increased receipts. The Committee desire to thank all those who have given donations and trophies, also the judges and all officials, and we all trust that the Society will have a very prosperous year for 1915-16.” The balance-sheet disclosed a credit balance of 10s 7d. The receipts, including balance brought forward from last year, totalled 1*35 15s 7 d . tlje chief items of which were : entry fees 6s 6d, door receipts subscriptions £iS 1 os, tea room /,io ss, sweets stall 7s id, and competitions jC I2 9s 3d. The expenditure totalled ,£l2O 1 os, made up ot: printing aud stationery 2s, prize money 10s ;d, hall hire £**, labour 2s 6d, judges’ expenses .£4 4s, miscellaneous 183 3d, secretary’s salary Si* and petty cash 7s Bd. The statement of assets and liabilities showed assets 6s 4d, and liabilities nil.