WELLINGTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5024, 1 May 1877, Page 3

WELLINGTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The sixth annual meeting of the Wellington Horticultural Society was held in Mr. Hunter’s office last evening at 8 o’clock. Mr. Hunter, M.H.R., one of the vice-presidents, occupied the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. ANNUAL KErOIIT. The annual report was read, as follows ; “The committee has now the pleasure of submitting its sixth annual report upon the progress and condition of the society, and in so doing has to congratulate members upon the success which has crowned the efforts made during the season to advance the interests of the society. “ During the year four exhibitions have been held, at each of which the entries were quite as numerous as upon any previous occasion, and the quality of the specimens—especially the fine foliage plants—showed a decided improvement. The entries in Class IV\—fruit and vegetables—in January and March, numbered nearly twice as many as at any former exhibition.

“ On comparing the treasurer's statement, hereto attached, with that of last year, it will be seen that the amount taken at the doors this season is considerably m.»re than last. The greatest sum was realised by the November exhibition, viz., £32 2s. Gd.; but the committee feels that this was owing mainly to the kindness of Mr. K. W. Kohler, who volunteered his services for the afternoon, and your committee would take this opportunity of recording its most sincere thanks to that gentleman for his generosity. “ As seen by the balance-sheet, the total income of the society is £272 Gs. 9d., or an advance of £IG Os. lOd. upon last year’s receipts; the expenditure amounted to £2GI Os. 5d., leaving a balance of £ll 6s. 4d. in the treasurer’s hands. “In accordance with a resolution of the committee, a form of a certificate of merit has been procured, and several copies issued. It was designed and executed by Mr. E. Burrett, and will cost the society £2O. “ The thanks of the society are due to those ladies and gentlemen who so liberally con*

tributed special prizes to be competed for during the season ; as also to those who kindly consented to act as judges at the various exhibitions. . “In conclusion, the committee hopes that members will use their best endeavors to further the objects of the society, either by sending plants to the exhibitions, by contributing special prizes to be competed for during the coming season, or in any other way they may see fit.’’ Mr. Hunter moved the adoption of the report, which he regarded as being satisfactory, showing as it did an increase in the number of exhibits during the year, and general progress of the society. This was a subject of congratulation, as the institution was exceedingly useful, and he should be pleased to see even more interest exhibited than appeared at the present time. The Yen. Archdeacon Stock seconded the motion, and remarked that the society might fairly congratulate itself on the character of the shows during the year, which t were of an undoubtedly superior class. There had been an increase in the number of exhibits, whilst the quality thereof had been excellent. In speaking of the progress made by the society, he remarked that it was mainly owing to, the energetic and efficient manner in which Mr. Kirk had performed the arduous; duties of secretary. The motion that the report be adopted was then put to the meeting, and carried, election op oppioers. His Honor the Chief Justice was elected president, and the following gentlemen vicepresidents : —Dr. Hector, C.M.G., F.R.S.; Professor Kirk, F.L.S., &c.; G. Hunter, Esq., M.H.R. Mr. T. W. Kirk was re-elected hon. secretary and treasurer, on the motion of Archdeacon Stock, who spoke in complimentary terms of that gentleman's labors in the interests of the society, suggesting that he should receive some substantial recognition of his valuable services. Mr. Hunter, when putting the motion, expressed similar views. _ At the election of a committee some discussion ensued, iu cousequence of Mr. H. H. Travers desiring to put before the meeting a resolution to the effect that in future the committee should consist of twelve members, three-fourths of whom should be amateurs, five to form a quorum. Mr. Smith asked Mr. Travers why he desired that the majority of the . committee should he amateurs ? Mr.H. H. Travers gave as his reason that in the last two or three shows the gardeners had succeeded in exercising control over the regulations of exhibits, to the prejudice of the amateurs. Thus, gardeners were allowed to exhibit plants which they had successfully opposed being exhibited by amateurs. The Chairman ruled that no motion altering any of the rules of the society could be put or discussed without proper notice having been given, more especially when it appeared thatfthe committee had not been consulted, or approved of the alteration it was proposed to make. Eventually the following gentlemen were elected a committee :—Messrs. Parris, Reid, McKellar, Phillips, Buchanan, McNab, Cooper, McKay, Bramley, Gibb, Boshen, and Heighten. VOTES OP THANKS. Votes of thanks were accorded as follows: — To Messrs. Travers and Ollivier, for having kindly given the committee the use of their room to hold meetings during the past year ; to Mr. Hunter, for kindness in placing at the disposal of the subscribers his office, in which the annual meeting was held ; to Mr. Kirk, the secretary ; and finally to the chairman. This concluded the business. The advertisement of this meeting was unfortunately omitted from our columns.