HORTICULTURAL AND FLORICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1137, 2 September 1882, Page 2

HORTICULTURAL AND FLORICULTURAL SOCIETY.

A somewhat sparsely attended meeting of the above society was held last evening, Dr Pollen in the chair. Mr L. File, the hon. secretary, read the report and balance-sheet, and Dr. Pollen spoke of the satisfactory nature of the report. Mr Tharratt proposed, and Mr Croll seconded, the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, which was unanimously carried. The election of officers was then proceeded with. Dr Pollen was elected president; Capt. Tucker vice-president; and Mr File, to whom a high compliment w r as paid, was elected secretary ; and MrW. G ood treasurer. Committee : Messrs. Croll, Bull, G. Johnston, J. C. Taylor, Bentley, Tharratt, G. Stevenson, and Parker (the latter two as country members.) It was resolved that the show be held in November. The question of advertising next cropped up, but at last the general opinion appeared to be that it would be advisable to leave the matter in the hands of the committee, and this was agreed to. A committee meeting was then held. Mr Chairman and Gentlemen, — In submitting the balance sheet and accounts of last year in connection with the Horticultural Society, you will perceive that a very large sum was paid away in expenses that might have been added to the prizes, and I would apologise on behalf of my fellow Committeemen, who, with myself, never thought that the advertising would have amounted to so much. The first year of starting we had more printing done at a less cost, and as that year was so successful it was thought desirable to advertize pretty liberally. But now that the Society has become well established there will not be the necessity for advertising so extensively, especially programmes. A cheaper method will be submitted to you. An expense was also incurred by furnishing a stand at a cost of £3 15s, but which is an asset and will last for some years. The public responded liberally in cash and kind, showing some little interest at all events in the progress of the Society. The amount of cash given for special prizes was £ll 6s 6d, in articles to the value of £l4 6s 6d ; total, £25 13s. The balance in the bank now being £lO 10s 2d. Two special prizes of £1 Is each, promised, I was not was able to collect. For obvious reasons we cannot expect to get as many special prizes this next season, as several people only gave by eloquent persuasion, so that we shall have to depend more on the members tickets and door money, &c. We must reduce our expenditure, which may be safely done by one-half the cost of last year’s operations. The thanks of the Society are due to our Treasurer, who not only contributed handsomely, but gave a great deal of time and labor to the Society, I must also especially mention Mr Bull whose services and experience have always been given gratuitously, and the more so, as he condders he would be acting unfairly by competing, Some dissatisfaction was evinoed by a few and individuals, that professional gardeners were competing with amateurs, but at last year's show there was no such competition, Jealousy was the only case of the origin of such assertions. The difficulty of getting judges who are wholly disinterested must be apparent to all, but such cannot be remedied, till the place is larger and population more numerous. The judging gave every satisfaction, with but one or two exceptions, and really it was a difficulty to award the prize where all were so good. The Committee wisely determined to nave no autumn show last year, but if the season is at all favorable an autumn show might be arranged this next season. It has been suggested that an early rose and bulb show* might be managed, if only on a small scale, or in connection with a poultry show, it may be worth trying, but the bulk of our endeavors must be devoted to the Annual Spring Show. In conclusion, the retiring Committee hope and expect another successful season in connection with the Gisborne Horticultural and Floricultural Society. W, File, Hon. Sec, Balance Sheet of the Horticvltural Society to December 20th, 188 J,

RECEIPTS. £ s. d. Bv Cash for 2s Cd subscribers 11 y 6 ,, Cash for Special Prizes 9 4 6 ,, Cash for Door Money 19 18 3 ,, Cash for Sale of \ egetables, etc. i) 11 6 ,, Cash on Hand previous to August, 1881 16 0 8 £61 18 5 Special Prizes owing— Mr Chambers .. .£1 1 0 Mr Johnson .. .. 11 0 Mr Poynter .. .; 11 0 Mr Gannon .. .. 11 0 £66 2 EXPENDITURE. £ s. (1. To Cash for Prizes 20 y 0 ,, Mr McFarlane, Rent of Hall K 0 ,, Mr Adams, Stationery 4 y 0 ,, Mr File, Stamps 0 2 6 ,, Mr Combs 1 10 6 ,, Standard 7 14 0 „ “Herald” 9 0 0 „ Mr Hill, Wages 1 0 0 ,, Mr Brookes 0 Q 0 ,, Rent of Good Templars'Hall 1 b 0 ,, Mr Berry for erecting stands, etc., :< 15 0 „ Mr Luke 0 3 0 ,, Balance in Bank 11 18 2 ■ ■ £61 18 5