OTAKI BULB SOCIETY.

Otaki Mail, 11 January 1922, Page 3

OTAKI BULB SOCIETY.

ANNUAL- MEETING. Thb annual meeting of the above was held on Monday. Present: Mcsdames Reynolds, Witshcll, Nicolson, Swabey and Evans, Misses M. Baker and E. Whiteman, Messrs Small, Reynolds, Summers, Witchell, Brandon, Broadway, D. Noble, Evans, Rev. G. F. Petrie and Mr S. Norgrove, secretary.

Mr J. P. Brandon (president) wa.s chairman.

The Secretary read the balance-sheet which show’ed a cash debit balance of £4 Is 5d owing to the purchase of vases and R.H. Society’s medals but these assets more than covered the liabilities. The receipts amounted to £47 Is 9d and expenditure £sl 3s 2d. .The annual report was also read and, with the balance-sheet, adopted. The election of officers resulted as follows: —President, Mr Witchell; vicepresidents, Mrs Swabey, Mr Reynolds and Rev. &' E. Petrie. Committee (ladies), Mesdam.es 'Evans, Witchell,. Reynolds, Nicolson, L. Kilmistcr and F. G. Davies, Misses M. Baker, E. Whiteman, Baxter and N. Bradcy, (gents), Messrs Broadway, Summers, A. Wilson, C. H. Williams, G. Bramloy. J. P. Brandon, Evans, Fielding, H. Kilmister and L. Kilmistcr; Hon. Sec. and Treasurer, Mr S. Norgrove; Hon. Auditor, Mr P. Freeman; Schedule Committee, Messrs Broadway, Small and Reynolds. The date of show was fixed for Tues day, September sth. Mr Witchell brought forward tho question of the definition of an amateur and stated that as the Society was affiliated with the Royal Horticultural Society it should be governed by their rules, and tho question of what constituted an amateur or professional be settled by this Society. The chairman read tho R.H.S. rules defining an amateur, and after discussion tho matter was left for the Committee to consider and deal with.

air. Reynolds-said that 'in order to mako the show more attractive he considered it would be advisable to add some domestic classes to the schodule and this was adopted, the schedule committee to have power to add to their number in order to obtain the services of ladies in drawing it up.

It was resolved, on tho motion. of Rov. Petrie, seconded by; Mr Summers, that the secretary be accorded a vote of thanks for his services during the past year, and a sum of five pounds voted as honorarium. Mr Norgrove thanked the members for their kindness.

Mr Petrie brought forward the question of the amalgamation of the Bulb and Horticultural Societies and considered it would forward tho interests of both bodies. Messrs Witchell, Small, Norgrove and other members favoured the proposal, and after full discussion it was resolved "That the question of amalgamation be referred to tho committee for consideration at their first meeting. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Witchell, that a hearty vote of thanks bo accorded to the retiring president (Mr J. P. Brandon) for the able manner in which he had conducted the meetings of the Society during the past year. —Carried by acclamatiou. Mr Brgndon, in returning thanks, stated that in view of tho possible am:, algamation of the Societies he considered that Mr Witchell, from his long experienco and deep interest in both societies, should in the meantime be president of both, and on amalgamation be first president of the new Society. Mr Small suggested that the namo Horowhenua, as adopted, should be altered to Otaki. At the time the Society was founded it was the only one in the Horowhenua district, now there were societies at Levin and Paraparaumu. Mr Brandon congratulated Mr H. Small on his recent marriage, and on behalf of the members wished Mr and Mrs Small many years of happiness and prosperity. Mr Small thanked tho members for their kind wishes.