AMATEURS OR PROFESSIONALS

Shannon News, 8 October 1929, Page 4

AMATEURS OR PROFESSIONALS

NEED FOR CONFERENCE OF HORTICULTURISTS. An enthusiastic gardener who has boon taking an interest in the several horticultural shows held in and around Palmerston North recently, draws attention to the need for a conference of societies to adopt a uniform standard of sections. It is in the amateur classes where the greater divergence lies, each society apparently having its own idea as to what amateur gardening means. For instance, with one society, everyone is an amateur unless he is a professional nurseryman, making his living at the treae- Other societies debar anyone from the amateur section who in the course of a year sells his surplus produce. In other instances, those who call in labour to help. in the garden are prevented from competing with those who don't.

A new scheme recently adopted by the Rongotea Horticultural Society, has much to commend it and does away with' the need to classify exhibitors. Three sections are provided called respectively A, B and C. It is left to the exhibitor to enter in which ever section he may choose and the result has been that they classify themselves automatically. Section ois the easiest one to show in and is looked upon for novices. If a grower considers himself a cut above the beginner he will pass that section by and enter in section B. Or if he considers himself able to compete with the professional grower—and many amateurs can —he will enter in Section A, knowing that by winning in the higher section he has gained the nfore honours. It is pointed out that there is no fear of a professional entering in sections B or C, as it would be beneath his standing: to do so.