Horticultural.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 44, 13 June 1914, Page 5

Horticultural.

THE STRATFORD SOCIETY.

LOSS ON THE AUTUMN SHOW. The annual meeting of members of the Stratford Horticultural Society was held last night, the president, Mr W. H. Besley, being in the chair. REPORT AND BALANCE-SHEET. The annual report presented by the committee read as follows—During the year the two shows, spring and autumn, were held as usual. Both shows were very creditable exhibitions, and well up to past standards. The spring show was held in the Town Hall, which proved a very good move indeed, as, besides allowing the exhibits more room, it resulted in a larger attendance of the public. We regret that the autumn show was not such a success financially, which leaves the Society at present with a deficit of about £7. The thanks of the Society are due to all those who helped at both shows, including the ladies who provided refreshments. The staging committee at the autumn show deserve special mention as the Hall could not bo entered till late on the evening previous to the show. The judges also, who came to assist the Society, are to be thanked for willing services and especially Mr Westbury, who again came from the Hutt at his own expense.”

T|io balance-sheet showed a balance of assets over liabilities of £9, but the general working account showed a debit of £ls Is 3d. Subscriptions realised £l3 13s 6d, donations £8 7s, returned prize money £2 5s 6d, and the spring show £3 19s 9d. The chief item on the debit side was £33 19s, loss on the autumn show, but this sum was discounted by donations of about £B. The secretary, Mr W. S* Cato, said that if all subscriptions and special prizes were paid up, there would j probably be a credit balance. Discussing the year’s operations, Mr P. Thomson said the two shows had been a decided success as showing what the district can produce. It was regrettable that there was such a big loss on the autumn show, and the Society should take some means to increase the interest in horticulture and to increase the attendance of the public at the shows.

Mr Cato said the prizedist was a big one, the prize money totalling £43. Entrance money totalled £l4.

Mr T. Reader said it had been suggested to him that the spring show should bo closed early in the evening, and be wound up with a dance—say 9 p.m. to midnight. Supper could be served while the hall was being cleared The report and balance-sheet were adopted.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers resulted:— Patrons, Messrs J. B. Hine, M.P., and W. P. Kirkwood; president, Mr W. S. Cato; vice-presidents, Messrs T. Reader, W. H. Besley, and F. Arden and Mesdames Petrie and Prentis; ladies’ committee, Miss Besley, Mesdames Petrie, Reader, Morison, Moon, Spilrnan, H. Masters, Riera, Prentis, Cato, E.- Jackson; general committee, Messrs T. Reader, R. McK. Morison, F. Davies, D. Cameron, S. Reader, Moon, H. Masters, Spilman, P. Thomson, F. Arden, J. Petrie, W. H. Besley, D. Graham and Corkill; auditor, Mr P. Skoglund. After a long discussion on the question of appointing a secretary, it was found impossible to make a selection, and Messrs Cato, Besley and Thomson were appointed to make arrangements for some member to accept the position. Mr L. Reader was appointed assistant secretary.

THE NEW PRESIDENT. In asking Mr Cato to accept nomination as president, Mr R. McK. Morison said Mr Cato had acted as secretary with credit to himself and profit to the Society; and he was a true lover of flowers. The honor of the presidency was due to him. Mr Thomson seconded Mr Cato’s nomination, and Mr Spilman spoke in support. Mr Reader said they could take no denial from Mr Cato, who had been connected with the Society since its inception. Mr Besley said Mr Cato should not deny members the pleasure of doing him the honor of electing himself president, as some recognition of his great services to the Society. Mr Cato, returning thanks for election, said that if he was independent he would continue as secretary, but be had not the necessary time to do the post justice. The Society could bo made a more prosperous one if it had a- secretary who could devote more time to the work. He specially desired to thank those members who had loyally stood by him during bis five years as secretary. THE CARNIVAL QUEEN.

Mr Thomson said the Beautifying Society had decided to hold a Carnival Queen contest, in amalgamation with the Municipal Band. It was s t , gß es ted that the result be announced at the Horticultural Society’s spring show. Mr Cato said the suggestion was that the show bo run for two nights, the results being given out on one night and the coronation taking place on the next night. Mr Thomson said the idea was to get the contest going as early as

possible, allowing it to run for three months. Messrs Cato, Besley and Morison were appointed a sub-compiitte© to confer with th© Band and Beautifying Society committees on the matter, with full power to act, and it was decided that the Horticultural Society fall in with the suggestion of the other two bodies. VOTE OF THANKS. On Mr Thomson’s motion, seconded by Mr Morison. a vote of thinks was passed to the retiring pi'esident, the late secretary, and all workers, especially to the ladies’ committee.