Horticultural Society.

Patea Mail, 14 May 1881, Page 3

Horticultural Society.

A public meeting of persons interested in the promotion of regular flower shows in the Patea County was held on Wednesday night at Patea, in Mr Barker’s office, kindly lent for the purpose. Present, Messrs H. Williamson, J, Paterson, J. Riseley, H. Riselcy, H. E. P. Adams, H. F. Christie, J. Gibson, J. Williamson, A. W. Williamson, G. A. Hurley, T. Eyton, and E. M. Pringle. Mr H, Williamson was voted to the chair

Mr J. Riseley said the idea of forming a Horticultural Society had been under consideration some time. The opinion ai'rived at seemed to be that such a societj' would work better if managed by a committee separate fiom the Agricultural and Pastoral Association. It would be difficult to get men on the former committee who could he expected to take an equal interest in horticulture and agriculture. By forming a separate society, they could enlist the active sympathy of persons both in town and country who were known to have an interest in the culture of flowers. A society managed by an active committee would soon effect an improvement in the gardens and surroundings of houses in the town and district. Some of those connected with the Agricultural Society thought its funds should not be applied to the promotion of horticulture.

Chairman ; Mr Christie mentioned the idea of such a society about two years ago. The district now seems to have advanced sufficiently to support a Horticultural Society. He invited a motion. Mr Christie proposed “ That a society known as the Patea County Horticultural Society be formed.” It was some time since he first mentioned the matter to Mr H. Williamson, who had taken an active interest in such a society at WanganuiIt would be desirable to cultivate the ornamental as well as the useful, for though the district had not been backward in the cultivation of farms, the same could not be said of gardens and shrubberies ; and this step seemed to be in the right direction.

Mr Paterson seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr H. Williamson was elected president and Mr H. B. P. Adams honorary secretary and treasurer. A committee of seven, four to be a quorum, was appointed as follows:—Messrs F. M. Chapman, H. F, Christie, J. Riseleyi Paterson, Barker, J. Williamson, and A. W. Williamson. Honorary members are also to be elected to the committee to represent Hawera, Normanby, Manutahi, and Waverley ; the election being left to the committee.

The annual subscription was fixed at ss, or 10s for a family.

The committee are to meet next month to draw up rules, to be submitted to a general meeting of members. It was suggested that a spring and an autumn show be held in each year, to include flowers, roots, grain, and fruits.