NORTH OTAGO HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1315, 24 June 1880, Page 2

NORTH OTAGO HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The annual meeting of the members of this Society was held last evening, and was very well attended. The chair was occupied by Mr. J. Falconer. The minutes of the last annual meeting having been read and confirmed, the following annual report was read In bringing forward their report, the Committee have much pleasure in congratulating the society on the success which has attended it during the past year. Notwitlistanding the depression of the times, they are happy to state that the Society, if it has not a large cash balance to credit, is at least hot in debt. The system adopted for the first time during the year ending June, 1879 —that of giving money prizes for the best exhibitors in each class, has been continued, and seems to give general satisfaction, having brought forward; a greater number of exhibits than would otherwise have been had. A Bum of L 44 16s has been awarded for prizes for the two shows.

The spring show was held on the 6th of December, 1879, anil was a success both in number and quality of exhibits. The exhibits of .pot plants, coniferro, and vegetables were equal to those of any previous spring show, while those of roses and spring flowers were exceptionally fine. The autumn show was held on 20th March last, and was also a success, being in the opinion of many the best horticultural show held in Oamaru for years; the display of geraniums, fine foliage plants, fuchsias, conifers, ferns, greenhouse and other pot plants, adding much to its success, while in the class of cut flowers the exhibits were numerous and highly creditable. The show of fruit was the best that has been seen here and could hardly be surpassed in the Colony The show of vegetables was also very fine, and an improvement on previous shows both in number of exhibits and quality. The accompanying statement of accounts and balance-sheet prove that the Society has been liberally supported during the past year; the gross receipts from all sources, including balance in hand at the commcnco- | ment of the year, being LlO2 7s Id, and tho ! expenditure LIOO lis 7d, leaving a balanco i in hand of LI 15s 6d.

The Committee, in retiring from offioe, bog to render their thanks to tho judges, members, contributors, and the puolic, for tho assistance and support sq liberally given, and to express a hope that their labors have proved satisfactory, and that the same liberal support, may be given to their auooessors as has been accorded to themselves.

The annual balance-sheet was also read, both documents being adopted. It was mentioned during the discussion that there was not a single outstanding liability against the Society, which was consequently in as good a position as at the last annual meeting. The following office-bearers were then elected : President, Mr. J, Lemon ; Vice-President, Mr. W. H. Heywood; Hon. Treasurer, Mr, J. Falconer; Hon. Sec., Mr. M. T. Spratt (re-elected). Com-, mittee -= Gardeners : Messrs. Forsyte. F6x, Maloney, and Kidd; AmateurtfV Messrs. Collis, Anstead, G. Glen, and Jones.

On the motion of Mr, Kidd, seconded by Mr. Falconer, it was decided to augment the Committee by the addition of six country members, to be styled corresponding members, and the following gentlemen were eleoted; —Capt. Matheson, Kakanui Mouth; Mr. Leitn, sen., Ngapara 5 Mr. E. F. Diehl, Otepopo ; Mr. J, Watt, Pukeuri; Mr. P. M'Phersan, Elderslie ; and Mr. E. 0. Smith, Dun* troon.

The Committee was empowered to appoint a collector of subscriptions* ta bo paid by commission. Votes of thanks were passed to Mr. Montagu (late Hon, Treasurer), Mr. Spratt (Hon. Sec.), and the retiring Committee, The Chairman suggested that much good might be done by the occasional reading of horticultural essays, and suggested that members might give the subject their consideration, Mr. Heywood gave notioe that, at next Committee meeting, he would move that a yearly gathering of a friendly and convivial character be inaugurated, at whioh matters might be discussed unofficially. Mr. Forsyth mentioned that in other horticultural societies apeoial meetings of that nature were annually held. The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the Chairman.