Horticultural Society.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 4, Issue 241, 13 September 1883, Page 2

Horticultural Society.

A meeting of the above Society was leld yesterday m Mr Snelson's office. Present— Messrs Snelson (chairman), Perkins, Ferguson, J. P. j} Leary, and Hoe (Secretary). The minutes of last meeting were read and passed. Mr Hoe explained that the present meeting was called on account of a letter received from Mr Russell, asking for immediate payment of his account,' ancM requesting him to call a meeting for that purpose. Two letters ircm Mr Russell were read, one dated Augtfst 24th, the^ other September 11th, as follows :— - Aug, 24th, 1883. T. S. Hob, Esq., Secretary M orticultural Society.^ Dear Sib, — I beg to draw your atten* tion- to the long-standing accquut between | this paper and the Horticultural Society. ~ While of course desirous of extending any consideration to this and similar institutions, I beg to point out that the exigencies of business demand a settlement at some time, and I therefore trust you will oblige me by taking steps 'vhich may be necessary to secure payment of the account. — Yours truly, G. W. Russell. Sept. 11th, 1883. T. S. Hoe, Esq., Deae Sic,— Would you oblige me by calling the Committee of the Horticultural Society together, and arranging .for payment of my account. It has now been standing Ion? enough; and I must ask that it be settled. — Yours obediently, G; W.Russell. Account, £6 5s 6d. Jan. 31st to July 20th. Mr Hoe stated that he should have called a meeting: before now but circumstances had occurred to prevent hira doing so. On January 11th Mr Russell had made the Society an offer to set up an entertainment on behalf of i;g funds, and on the 30th of the same month at a meeting held m the Commercial Hotel it had been resolved, on account of Mr Russeli's offer, to give the Times § of the advertising, and the b'TANDARD £, The entertainment had not come off, and the Society were m- a worse position financially than they wero before. Since then Mr Russell had sent m his. account, and requested an immediate settlement. Mr Snelson said he thought it very sharp practice, and Mr Russell was coo smart a man ot business for some of tbem. Sir Ferguson said they never should have entered into the arrangements they had if it had no,t been for Mr Russell's offer. Had Mr Russell carried out his intention to give the entertainment, they would not be m cheir present fix. Instead of him sending m his account, he thought that he (Mr Russell) should wipe it off, and send them a 5 -pound note. He would suggest that Mr Russell be allowed to sue for the amount. [ Mr Perkins objected strongly to this, and thought it would be better for Mr Russell to be present and give some explanation, and accordingly left the meeting, and returned with him. Mr Russell, on taking his seat, stated that m reference to his account he did not think those members who were able to pay it shouid refuse. Mr Snelson said that to some extent Mr Russell was responsible for their present difficulty. Mr Russell said he was not alone responsible, he had done everything m nis power towards getting up the entertainment. He had hofed tpr help from Mr Snelson, but did not get it. The reason he had written to the Society was chat he was afraid matters were being allowed to drag and get muddled, and he thought the best thing would be to call a meeting to see m what position they really stood. He believed the other paper had. owe than once drawn attention to the same thing. Mr Ferguson understood that Mr Russell had been promised § of the advertising. Mr Russell here interrupted. He noticed there was a reporter present, and would object to have the matter go' before the public m such form. He entirely disagreed with the statement:' Mr Hoe, however, read the ireaolution from the minute-book. Mr Russell said he knew nothiug about it. Mr Snelson thought it very hard to; press four or five committeemen with his account. Mr Russell said he beliered the i Society was maintained by a few who were enthusiastic and studied the thing as a fad. He therefore did not see why the paper should suffer. I Mr Snelson said as far as the term | ".fad " went, he never found much pleasure m the work. Mr Leary thought perhaps Mr Russell would wait for his account Mr Russell said he had no objection to waiting, but he would like to know what position they were m, and also why his and Mr Leary's accounts had been left unpaid while all the other accounts had been settled. Mr Ferguson said that with regard to the next Show, they had chiefly relied on the concert promised by Mr Russell, and he thought as Mr Russell had failed to get it up, it was not fair to bring them up' to the scratch so sharp. Mr Snelson said they were to consider whether they were called on to pay what was owing by the Society, as if so, the Society was defunct ; bub if, on the other hand some leniency was shown them, they would carry on the Society, and would soon be m a better position. He thought it would be a pity to wind up the Society. Mr Ferguson : As far as he was concerned, he would rather it was wound up. Mr Leary suggested that the subscription be doubled. He felt certain no member would object to pay 10s. a-year, instead otss. It was then proposed by Mr Snelson, seconded by Mr Leary and carried:— " xhat the subscription be 10s, to be collected afcer the 3 1st October, aDd that Mr Russell's account be passed for paymhnt and settled the moment money is m hand to pay it. Mr Ferguson suggested the Secretary to write to the Hon. Walter Johnston for tha usual £5 subscription. The meeting then adjourned.