A GOOD YEAR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 July 1940, Page 7

A GOOD YEAR

AIASTERTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY DISPLAY AT CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION. INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP. “Three well patronised shows —Daffodil. Spring and Autumn —were held during the year, states the annual report of the Masterton Horticultural Society. It was anticipated that war conditions and restrictions would have a marked effect on the success of these functions, but members and other exhibitors rallied well to maintain the standard set by previous shows. Attendances were very satisfactory. “Carrying on under unusual conditions and without the special advantage of previous 'bumper' years, the society has been able to expend nearly £2O on crockery and vase purchases, and yet show at the end of the year a cash balance, approximately corresponding to that at the start. The society’s roll showed 230 members for the year in review—an excellent increase of 29 over the figure for the previous year. This steady expansion is contributing in no small measure to the continued financial stability of the society.

MODEL GARDEN COMPETITIONS. “Two garden competitions, quarter acre and three-quarter acre classes were conducted during the year. Entries were far fewer than in the previous year but competition was close. We extend our congratulations to Mr J. J. Andrew, Opaki Road. Masterton, winner of the Esau Champion Garden Trophy, and to the other prize winners. We arc indebted to Messrs Murray and Sturgeon who again acted as judges. With the co-operation of the Masterton Beautifying Society an exhibit representing the Masterton district was staged at the Centennial Horticultural Show. This very successful exhibit, drew favourable comment from all who saw it. whilst also it was awarded a certificate of merit in competition with all other districts. ‘To those members who have enlisted for military service we take this opportunity of extending our best wishes with the trust that they will return safely. Our thanks are offered to the Press, our judges and stewards; to those who so capably opened the shows, and, in short to all the citizens and firms who through their assistance, financial or otherwise, enabled the society to experience such a satisfactory season. Special thanks are due to our honorary treasurer, M/H. M. Boddington and our honorary auditors, Messrs Low and Cunningham.” The report is signed by the president, Mr H. L. Esau.