HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume I, Issue 26, 5 April 1845, Page 3

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The last exhibition of the Society this season was held on Tuesday, the 25th of March, at Mr. R. Davis' s Saloon, Lambton Quay, and was considered one of the best that has taken plaC2. The collection was more interesting in vegetables and fruit, wbich were of a superior description. The apples exhibited by Mr. Watt attracted a great deal of attention, from the choice varieties of the fruit, and also from the circumstance that the trees were transplanted

late in the Spring ; the figs also, and tie mulberries, which were very fine, were among the raiities in the room, We may al&o note the appearance of hop? at the Society '? exhibition, and hope this valuable plant may in a few years be extensively cultivated in the colony.' Some j frame cucumbers*, grown by Mr. Molesworth; were remarkable for their size and their perfect form ; we had 'the curiosity to measure one of them, and found it to be 22^iu. in length, and B^in. in circumference. The collection of flowers, though from the lateness of the season not bo- numerous as on former occasions, presented many choice specimens. Among the dahlias, Mr. Brady's seedlings, though, they ! did not receive a prize, were considered by the •Judges to be worthy of commendation. But the principal feature in the exhibition was the grain, for which larger prizes were offered on this occasion with the view of exciting a spirited competition. The samples of wheat and barley, were considered to be of first-rate quality, in the opinion of the three Judges, who were all prac- , tical men. The wheat which obtained the first , prize weighed G6Mxs. to the bushel, the barley, , ( £4lbs. The samples of wheat exhibited by- , Messrs , Sellar and James were considered so nearly equal by the Judges, that the second prize was divided between them. Some wheat grown by a native,- which was a heavy full grain, was also rewarded with a prize. We are sorry at any lime to have occasion- to find fault, but we are' obliged to- state' that ,the apples exhibited by Mr. Watt all disap* peared, with the exception of two, before the close of the exhibition. Such conduct has a mischievous effect, as it will prevent those who take an intetest in the Society's progress from sending, on a future occasion, choice fruits for exhibition. The Society is much indebted to Mr. It. Davis for the use of his room for its exhibitions-, for which purpose it appears to be exceedingly well adapted. The following is the list of prizes awarded :—: — Judges — Edmund Halsweli., Esq., J, M'Carthy, Esq., Mr. Mat. Mr. Northwood, M«. Southey. Vegetables. FIRST PRIZE. 12 Potatoes,. Mr. A. Scott, Petoni, 12 Pods peas, H. Ross, Esq., C Pods beans, Mr. Stockbridgc, 6 Kidney beans, Mr. Lewis, '" t ! j 2 Heads of cauliflower, F. A. MolfesvrovlhtoEsq., 4 Cabbagrs, Mr. James, Wada's Town, , 1 G Carrots, F. A. Molesworth, Esq., , ■ 6 Onions, F. A. Molesworth, Esq., . : 6 Leeks, Mr. StocKbridge, , i 2 Roots beet, Mr. White, 2 Roots- Mangold wurtzel, H. Ross, Esq,. ?, lleadsof celery, W. Hickson, Esq., 6 Stalks ofrhub'Srb', F. A. 'Molesworth, Esq. , ft Tomatas, Jl. Stokes, Esqi., 4" Tui nips, Mr, James, SECOND PRIZE. 12 Potatoes, D. Riddiford, Esq.; -' 12 Pods of pfas, MY. Stockbridge, 2 Heads of cauliflowers, D. Riddiford, Esq., 4" Cabbages, Mr. D. Wilkinson, G Carrots, Mr. D. Wilkinson, G Onions, R. Stokes, Esq., 2 Roots Beet, W. Swainson, Esq., 4 Turnips Mr. Whittf, KXTRA PRIZE. 0 Onions, Mr. White, Fruits-. FIRST? PRIZE. Apples, James Watt, Esq. Melon, F. A. Molesworth, Esq., Cucumber, F. A. Molesworth, Esq., Vegetable Marrow, George Smith, Esq , Pumpkin, W. Swainson, Esq., Cape Gooseberries, W. Swainson, Esq , Figs, W. Swainson, Esq., Mulberries, Colonel Wakefield, SECOND PRIZF. Melons, W. Hickson, Esq., Cucumber, D. Riddiford, Esq., Flowers. . FIRStf PRIZE Dahlia, W. Swainson, Esq., G Pansies, M. D. Wilkinson, Seedling Geraniums, Mr. Hurst, 6 Geranium, Mr. I>. Wilkinson, 4 Stocks, Mr. J. M. Taylor, 3 Bulbous plants, Mr. D. Wilkinson, Bouquet, MV. D. Wilkinson, Device, Mr. D. Wilkinson, Proten, H. St. Ilifl, Esq., Amaryllifc, M. St. Mill, Esq. SECOND PRJZE". Bouq-uct, M* St. Hall, Esq. Grain. FIRS'? PRiZE. WHeat, one bushel, James Watt, Esq,., Barley,-, do. Mr. James. . Wheat, Second Prize, Mr. Sellars and Mr James Cot lagers Prizes. 4 Varieties of vegetables, Mr. Bould, Second prize, Mr. James. Prices for Ihe Natives. Potatoes, George, Second prize, Hailana* Wheat, Hakarcia.

ADDRESS- TO THfe INHABITANTS OF PORT NICHOLSON, THE Superintendent and the Magistrates of Wellington deem it their duty to address their fellow Colonists on' the present position of the Settlement, arising out of the recent transactions in the North of this Island. Although the conflict which- has taken place at the Bay of Islands has occasioned, a melancholy loss of life; and has led to a, Serious destruction of property, it has had the result of demonstrating to the Natives the superiority of English discipline and valour over their irregular mode of warfare. A small party of sailors and

military, atcled by the Inhabitants of the place, resisted and completely repulsed several large bodie* of Natives of perhaps ten times theii numerical force, and this, although the BlcJckllou&e had been taken by surprise. And had not the accidental explosion of the magazine ren dcred their position no longei tenable tbey would have maintained their ground until effectual aid could have been rendered them. But the evacuation of the town and its subsequent plunder and destruction by the natives may possibly be regarded by them as a triumph, and may encourage a-belief-that similar success would attend any subsequent attack which they might make; upon other places. Although therefore no immediatp. grounds of apprehension exist, it is only prudent to adopt such measures as may secure the safety of the town", shoula any unforseen' circumstances lead to acts of hostility on the part of -the Natives. Happily there appear no grounds to anticipate any attack on this place. None of the circumstances which led the Natives of the Bay> of Islands to attempt to throw off their allegiance to the British Crown have ivhy existence here. On the' contrary, the establishment ,of this settlement has been felt by the Natives to be an unmingled benefit to them, particularly as' it has enabled them to participate in those .advantages resulting fiom European intercourse, which were formerly almost monopolized by, the Natives of the north. Anil ,in addition, to those benefits they have enjoyed a degree of peace and personal security, to which for many years they have been strangers, and which they woukl be- most unwilling to hazard. Nor must, it be forgotten that ancient quarrels, and deep seatedjealousies oppose them selves to any such union among the Natives of thi3 neighbourhood as would make them- formidable to the settlement, Upon every ground, therefore, the settlers may rely w»th confidence upon a continuance of that security which they have hitherto enjoyed. But this freedom from immediate danger, though it should dispel alarm, should not mtefere 'with the adoption of all due measures of precaution. The knowledge that the inhabitants of this town- and district are prepared to resist an attack, will not only inspire confidence among the Settlers, but will add another inducement to those which already exist among the Natives for preserving the peace. The Settlers in Wellington and its vicinity are earnestly called upon to co-operate with tlve Superintendent and Magistrates in the defensive ! measures- which have been bngge&tell. It is ex-pected-that a few days will bring down a Militia Bill, but ithas been thought better to. appeal to the sense and. public spigii"^' tlie.liilwbitants to come forward voluntarily for fiheir mutual defence and ■protection, than fo-wmt VHitil-lhesg would appear to be compulsory. The detail's of'tlvs measii-ies intended to be token are given below, and it is confidently unticipatoc that every settler will yield his willing aid- in giving effect to the«e measures. It can scarcely' be necessaiy to caution any one against selling arms or ammunition to the Nn - tivesatthepresenttime. Any person guilty ofsuch an act, would justly be regarded as a traitor to the cause of his countrymen, and would be visited t)y the contempt of his fellow Colonists, even if he should not be amenable to the law of the Colony. In conclusion, the Superintendent and-Map?-trates would impet-s upon their fellovv Settler* the importance of maintaining those' peaceful relations with the Natives which in spite of numerous provocations, have rtowbeen preserved, unimpaii ed for upwards of five years. No excuse should be furnished to the Natives for any act of hostility at the present juncture. They rely with confidence upon the good sense and good feeling of the settlers to avoid all occasion of strife. The 1 Town* will be divided into three Districts.

THE TE ARO DISTRICT Will include all that portion of the Town which lies to the Southward of Boulcott-street.

THE CENTRAL DISTRICT Will extend from Boulcott-street to Sydney street, include the Karon Road, and District. "'" '

THETHORNDON DISTRICT Will comprise the whole of the Town to the J^orth of Sydney-street, including Wade'p Town and Kai Warra.

THE HUTT Will form a separate District. A place of refuge .will be selected and foitified in eacli Division. Other and more effectual arrangements for the Fortification of the Town will he adopted iri the event of any circumstance giving reason to apprehend an attack. - Every person capable of bearing; arms is requested to come forward and be sworn in as a Special Constable, and for this purpose a Magistrate will attend- for the present at Messrs, Bethune and Hunter's store,, froa* 1 to 2 o'clock, for the Te Aro District ; at the house of Mr. Grace at, Kumii Toto, from 11 to 12 o'clock, for the Central District; at tliePoEce Office for the Thorndon District from 11 to 12. And at the house of IvTr. Burch'am for the Hutt District. Also at the places of drill. Every person sworn in as a special constable will be expected to obey the orders of the officers appointed for the Division to which he belongs, and to attend drift at such times, and placesas may be directed. The

*«flicevb appointed are as follows. Major .Richmond in command of the whole.

FCXR THE TE ARO DISTRICT. Mr. M'Bonogh, Capt. Sharpe, Major Hornbrook, Major Durie.-and Mr, Halswell, J. P.

FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT. Colondl Wakcfield, J. P./Capt. DanaeU, J. P., Mr. G. Chetham, J. P., Or. Dorset.

FOR THE THOKNDON MSTRICt. Capt. Smith, J. P., Mr. St. -Hifl. J. P., Mr, 'Clifford, J. P., Major J BaVer.

FOR THE HUST DISTSICT. Hon. 11. Petre, J. P»,"Mr. Swainson, J. P., Mr. Compton. All Special Constables are requested to meet at their several places of Drill at five o'clock -on Monday evening, -when any furthei- regulations that may be deemed advisable will be submitted •to them. For the Superintenderit*anti Magistrates. A- CHETIIAM/Clerk to the -Magistrates.