FOXTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2737, 24 May 1924, Page 3

FOXTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

ANNUAL MEETING.

There was a good attendance of members at the annual meeting, held on Thursday evening and presided over by the Rev. W. H. Walton (president). REPORT AND BALANCE-SHEET. The report and balance-sheet were read and adopted as follows: “The committee has pleasure in presenting the 19th annual report and balance sheet for the period ending May 31st, 1924. There were eight committee meetings held during the year with an everage attendance of 11. The past year has proved to be satisfactory in several ways. The appearance of exhibits at both shows was much improved by more space and better arrangement of stands than previously. Several of the judges complimented the committee on the orderly way in which the exhibits were presented. The membership has increased from 54 to 6(5. There was also a slight increase in donations and special prizes. The points and special prizes offered this year, were much more generous that in most horticultural shows in the district.

“A new garden class was added to the schedule for those who were barred from the existing classes, and this brought six previous winners again into competition. The summer show schedule was revised aud it would be advisable to revise the spring schedule. A number of tin vases were procured and prove to be more satisfactory than glass ones.

"The society is unfortunate in losing two such active members as Mrs Wyllie and Mrs Banks, both of whom have left the district.

‘‘A disappointing feature was the absence of school work from the shows. The incoming committee might be recommended to have this section thoroughly revised by handing it over to the local headmaster, with the suggestion that if .November is not suitable for show work on account of the examinations, that the work might be done for the spring show. “Jb’urther recommendations are, that the secretary write to other secretaries in the district to arrange their show dates to avoid clashing, in order that judges may be procured and also that Mrs Witchell be asked to revise the fancy work section; also it would he advisable to have benches in the alley-way at the hall on show mornings for exhibitors to arrange then- exhibits on instead of in the hall. “The committee wish to thank those who generously gave trophies or made donations to the funds, and those who by their- labours helped to make the show a success. The balance sheet shows a credit of £ll 12/b."The balance sheet disclosed receipts (including a credit of £4 0/4 carried over from last year) £lO2 12/1. The items being: Members' subs. £lO 5/-, donations £lO 3/0, special prizes £3O 0/0, entrance fees £lB 8/3, door receipts £lO 0/3, tea rooms £1 0/5, sale of exhibits £2 o/ advertisements £4, cake stall £5 19/0, petty cash 3/4. Kxpenditure: Kent £4 2/4, judges’ expenses £0 2/-, prize money £43 13/0, tin vases £1 8/-, caretaker £ll/-, cake stall £l 11/ b, petty cash £4, petty expenses £2 10/1, printing and advertising £lO 2/-, secretary's honorarium £lO, leaving a credit balance of £lll2/0In speaking to the report and ba-lance-sheet Mr Chryslaii congratulated tne society upon its position and activities. He said the public had been very generous in its support to the society in contributing donations and prizes. The president reviewed the affairs of the society during the past two years. He had been elected to the position of president at a meeting at which he was not present, at a time when tk« attaint of the aor '7!" ‘

eiety had been at a low ebb. With the help of the then secretary (Mr H. Frankland) and the co-operation of the committee, lliey had carried on. The apathy of the public to such a deserving institution was deplorable and it had been a great baffle !a carry on. The measure of public spiritedness was lacking in Foxton. It was noticeable that the same few were the moving spirits id ! >cal affairs. This was not a good thing for the town. When it came to giving it was done grudgingly. The people should take a larger share in civic responsibility'. He referred to the good work done by the secretary and committee and hoped the society would forge a-lu-ad.

The election of officers resulted as follows: — Patron: Mr A. S. Easton (re-elec-ted), president: Rev. W. H. Walton (re-elected); vice-presidents: Messrs J. Linklater, M.P., John Chrystall, Drs. Wyllie and Rowley, J. K. TTornblow, F. C. and J. Robinson, W. E. Barber, Perreau; committee: Messrs W. Nye, Rev. Peryman, Scollav, Poole, Symons, Christie, Jno. Ross, Jas. Ross, McMurray (and one to he appointed by the committee), Mesdames Pearson, McMnrray. Baker, Barr, Procter, Heasman, Misses -T. Ross. Speirs and two In he appointed by the committee; secretary, Mrs Moore (re-elected); treasurer, Mr D. Christie (re-elec-ted) ; auditor, Mr D. Ogilvy: catalogue revising committee Mrs McMurray, Miss Ross, Rev. Peryman and the secretary: finance and collecting committee: Misses Ross, A. Speirs, Messrs Perreau and Chas. Symons, GENERAL. Resolved that the secretary be absolved from collecting, etc. The date of the spring show was fixed for Friday, September 12th, and that district societies be notified of date. The usual votes of thanks concluded the meeting.