TOWN GARDENS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 August 1940, Page 4

TOWN GARDENS

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY’S ANNUAL MEETING INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP. YEAR OF GOOD PROGRESS. The annual meeting of the Masterton Horticultural and Industrial Society was held in the Farmers’ Rooms, Perry Street, last night. The president, Mr H. L. Esau, presided’ over a fair attendance of members. Several apologies for absence were received. In moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet. Mr Esau stated that he was very pleased to see an increase of 29 in the membership, but he would like to see a membership of at least 300. In connection with the model garden competition it was a recommendation from the committee that it be abandoned this year owing to lack of interest and support last year. During their absence on active service members who were serving with the forces would be made honorary members. Mr Esau thanked all who had assisted in the society’s work. “I wish to congratulate the society on its balance sheet. It augurs well for the future,” commented Mr H. E. Pither. He added that the progress made had been very satisfactory and was reflected in the healthy state of the finances. On the motion of Mrs B. V. Skeet a vote of thanks was passed by acclamation to the president, appreciative reference being made to his services. The election of officers resulted: — Patroness, Mrs B. V. Skeet; president, Mr H. L. Esau; vice-presidents, Lady Perry, Mesdames W. H. Booth, G. G. Tolhurst, M. G. Scharnweber, H. G. Moser, Messrs T. Jordan, H. E. Pither, W. H. Robieson, P. Borthwick, F. G. Maunsell; executive, Mrs Skeet, Messrs Esau, Kemp, Pither, Robieson, Needham; committee, Mesdames P. Borthwick, W B. Gaskin, H. L. Price, S. Kilgour, H. E. Pither, W. H. Robieson, W. Stidolph, F. M. Wallis, J. Welsh, Miss Baird, Messrs J. Cartright, F. W. Groves, W Kemp, L. S. Nicol, C. L. Needham, H. Smith, F. C. Stowell, C. H. Jarvis, and N. Hale; afternoon tea steward, Mrs Kilgour; steward, Mrs W. B. Gaskin; treasurer, Mr H. M. Boddington; auditors, Messrs Low and Cunningham. Mr Esau stated that the flowering apple won easily in the vote taken at the last show to find Masterton’s most popular flower. It was hoped to get the shrub established throughout the district. It was decided to lend the sum of £5O to the Government as a free of interest war loan for the duration and six months.

The fixing of the show dates was left to the executive.