Masterton Horticultural and Industrial Society.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume IX, Issue 2848, 15 March 1888, Page 2

Masterton Horticultural and Industrial Society.

A committee meeting of the Masterton Horticultural and Industrial Society was hold. last night in the Central Chambers, Present: Messrs W. G. Beard (in the chair), Park, Papworth, Dixon, Gardener, VVickeaden and Osborne. After the minutes bad been confirmed, a letter was read from Mr J. M. Rockell atatiug that an irregularity had occurred re eighteen varieties of cut flowers, shown at the late show. The exhibit was marked " disqualified," by the judges, but later on be foaad that a ticket awarding " first prize, ' been substituted by someone. !t was resolved on Mr Park's motion that Mr Rockell's letter be handed to the new Committee.for consideration. GENERAL MEETING. A general meeting was afterwards held, Mr tiqard, by vote, retaining thq

chair, and there being about fifteen members present. The previous general meeting's minutes having been confirmed, the following report was read, annual report. " t Hp'racntihj' ut report of tho busiuoss for tho past year, your Committee regret that the Shows taken together liare not been a financial success, although the display of exhibits lias been a greatimprovement on former years, both as regards quantity and quality. Thenntuhiimow was remarltublo for the numerous exhibits of vegetables and fruit, all classes being well represented, while at the samo show the exhibition of flowers was very small. Tho children's class seems to be well liked, and the entries were large. Great interest appears to be taken in this class, which should be encouraged. The year began with a debtor balance of LI 2 3s 9(1, and, wo regret to add, clojlt with a debit balanco of .Ll2 ISsTu, There are, however, outstanding uncollected debts amounting to L 5 10s, which, when collected, will still leave n debit balance amounting to L 7 8s Id. Tho value of members tickets for tho year only reached L 24, andLH Gs was received for special prizes, whilst, for entrance fees, door moneyed sale of fruit stall, the amoui&alised was LOG 16s 6d, more than two thirds of that amount being received at the spring show, thus proving that holding the Spring Show on the same day as the Pastoral Showaids us considerably financially, although tlie date is said by somo to bo too early for flowers. The amount of prize money paid during the year was £56155, against £3B IDs paid the previous year. Vour committee have to thank Mr Easthope for his services in auditing tho Society's accounts, and Mr Haines for the energy displayed by him while secretary. They also mention with great satisfaction, tho fact that Mr Chennells is again secretary, as this is a guarantee of the Society's future success.—W. G. Beard, President."

jhuTlie balance sheet showed fclie total -nSSeipts for the year to be 1105 2s (id, and the expenditure to bo £lO5 lGs 10(1, and after taking Imnk overdraft into account, left a debit balance of £l2 18s Id. Tlio assets and liabilities showeijkta latter as preponderating over IflJ'ormer by £7 8s Id. Mr G, M. Park, in renmrking upon the report, said that the year's experience would point out to them several mistakes, which might be remedied in the future. The show of pot plants, for instance, was not creditable, The catalogues, too, had been issued rather late. The President was not inclined to admit that mistakes had been made. itlr Park then alluded to the instance of the allotment of the special prizes. It was suggested by sjveral presentthat the donors should allot the special prizes when giving them, The President said that the annual report showed, on the whole, a satisfactory state of things. They bad not gone back at all, and had by a special arrangement paid twenty years in advance for a hall in which to hold Mkcir shows. He also pointed out that W& number of exhibits at the last show, and thgreater amount of prize-money awardetniuring the year, each denoted progress. He thought that what mainly was wanted was more outside support, and perhaps less criticism, If those who possibly saw cause for complaint would come forward and help, the Society would undoubtedly soon be in a very good position indeed. He considered that a great improvement could be made by, first of all, a thorough and careful revisal of their catalogue, and no doubt the incoming Committee would give this matter early attention. The report and balance sheet were then adopted as read. The next business was the election of officers,

Mr W, G, Beard was unHirimoiisly elected President, and after thanking those electing him and complimenting the present Secretary (Mr Ghenneh), and the former acting Secretary (Mr Haines), lie accepted office. Mr Thos, Parsons was elected VicePresident. ( Miff. B. Chennells was appointed SecfMfy and Treasurer. The following were elected committeemen Messrs A. J. Kawson, E. Eton, W. Everett, A. Elkins, J. Fitzgerald, G. M. Park, D. S. Papworth, T, Osborne, T. Gardner, 8, Wickenden and H. Broom, The question of a revised catalogue was left to various sub-committees to report upon in a fortnight, the home work class being allotted to Mr G. M. Park, who was to interview ladies on the subject.