EXCELLENT SHOWS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 July 1939, Page 6

EXCELLENT SHOWS

MASTERTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY ACTIVITIES OF PAST YEAR. MEDAL GARDEN COMPETITION. "The usual Daffodil. Spring and Autumn shows were held and all were successful, high quality exhibits being a feature. A decline in door takings and entries was experienced for the Daffodil and Spring shows, comparing them with the proceeding year's shows. The increased membership would account; to a certain extent, for decrease in door takings,” states the annual report of the Masterton Horticultural Society. “Due, considerably, to to the presence of Mrs Knox Gilmer, who opened the show, and of Lord Nuffield, who presented the model garden troph • ies, the Autumn Show was an outstanding success from every aspect. The society is indebted to all who helped make it such. “Finance: Largely as a result of an excellent Autumn Show the society's financial position has been considerably strengthened. Your executive recommends that the ’windfall’ nature of this improvement be considered, and that the opportunity be taken of re- . plenishing and improving the society’s equipment where necessary. , “Membership: The society’s roll stood at two hundred and one for the year in review, a gratifying increase of twenty four over the previous year. Members are urged to do all they can to secure new members and thus maintain this progress. It must be mentioned with regret that, notwithstanding several requests for payment, there are still several members whose subscriptions are in arrear. “Model garden competitions: Due to the generosity of Messrs P. Borthwick, H. L. Esau, T. Jordan, and C. L. Needham, all of whom donated special prizes, it was found possible during the year to organise and run two garden competitions. Good entries of a uniformly high standard produced keen competition. The success of this initial venture leads your executive to recommend competitions be continued, and even extended when practicable. Congratulations are extended to the winners, and thanks to the judges, Messrs Murray, Sturgeon and Woollett, who performed their duties most ably, and to whom we are indebted. “Thanks: The society's thanks are extended to all members and exhibitors who through their support helped to make the past year so successful; tQ the stewards and judges who again gave the society the benefit of their time and experience; to all donors of special prizes, and to those who made special exhibits; to the Press, our ever helpful ally; to our honorary treasurer, Mr H. M. Boddington, and to our honorary auditors, Messrs Low and Cunningham. Special thanks are due to our Mayor, Mr T. Jordan, who by his support and assistance at all times has proved himself to be a true friend to the society.” The report is signed by the president. Mr H. E. Pither.