Bruce Horticultural Society.

Bruce Herald, Volume L, Issue 32, 30 April 1914, Page 5

Bruce Horticultural Society.

ANNUAL MEETING. The 14th annual meeting of the above society was held in cho Coronation Chambers on Tuesday evening. The president (Mr A J Ferguson) occupied tu« chair, and tnere were about a dozen members present, including three ladies. The auuual roport aud balancesheet (us published in last issue) were taiien as read, on motion of Mr Hilton, seconded by Mr A G Gray. ine chuirman moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, remarking that although not lengthy, the report set forth admirably the work accomplished during the past year. J* mancially, the results did not appear tu best advantage, the credit balance having been reduced from £2 12s J>d to us id, but there were some bmuil amounts outstanding for hire oi va3es. Althougn there hud been ret ogression financially, there was notuing to create worry in the minds of members. Both spring and autumn shows baa been successful; the attendance was better than previous years, the quality ot exhibits had been maintained, and numerically an increase had been shown, thus demonstrating the shows had not deter iorat<od. ihe. success was to the encouragement accorded outsid9 competitors, whose exhibits created a spirit 'of emulation amongst the local growers. He considered suoh encouragement to outsiders should be continued. Wi,th the expenditure the committee had buen considering the advjsability ot reducing the prize money in certain classes, as the local society was more liberal many , other societies of a similar iiature. Such reduction in prize money would probabiy increase the credit balance, but the society's aims were not to produce a large credit balance, but ior the encouragement of a love of horticulture.

Tlie motion was seconded by Mr J Break. . Mr Hilton congratulated the niem''bers on the success attending the recent shows As a new-comer to the district he had been agreeably surprised at the quality of the and the effecruve display. The society possessed a strong membership list, and, though this reduced die "gate receipts," the financial position, and" proved the district iiad the society's interests at heart. The judges ac each show hau also expressed favorable comment on the general display and quaiity. The report and balance-sheet were then adopted unanimously. Oflice-Bearers. The following office-bearers were elected for ensuing year: —President. Mr A J jt'erguaou, M.A. (re-elected); vice-president, Mr J M: break; secretary, Mr A L Smith (ru-elected); treasurer, Mr D Jttoid (re-elected); committee—Mesdames Roid, I'ergueon, Potter, Hume, Misses J M'Thereon and J JLittlejobn, Messrs Jno Davie, S Oaudie, a Is'elson, li Hilton, A G Gray .>< and G M'Lareu; committee's associates—Mi K Tringlo, junr (fcioutbbridgo), Mr T Moir (Clarksville), Mrs Knight and Mr E Filling (toilburn), Messrs K btenJbouse (Waitahuna), \Ym Allan (Owaka), H Treveua and J Nelsou (Dunedin), John Hogg, junr (Hillend), Mrs i«i f Guigau"((ilenledi), Mrs Jforiton (Waihoia), Messrs G Aitohebou (Kaitaugata), ana T H Clark (Lawrence). General. Mr A G Gray suggested that in the competition for ins firm's special prize for sweet peas, the socio!;;.' should select .certain varieties from the different firings catalogues, and limit competition to those varieties. - Under the present system varieties or. vivid huo entered into competition with thos6 of delicate tint, and therefore the selection was left greatly to . the judges, and dissatisfaction had been expressed amongst exhibitors. —During the discussion which followed, ic was pointed out that exhibitors might procure the particular varieties but in the event of one variety .failing they 'wjuUl be aeoarred from competing.-It was suggested that different colors shoulu be stipulated, irrespective of particular varieties.—Eventually it was proposed that Mr Gray submit tne firm's conditions in writing, which the committee could consider, Mr Beid casually remarking thus tho commit toe j,eould either accept the olfer, or "do the other thing." The chairman, in weli-chusen terms, proposed a hearty voce of thanks to the .Bruce Herald fcr the hearty support always extended to ward 3 the sooiety.-—This was carried by acclamation, duly acknowledged by Mr tx H Wilkinson, jiud the meeting tlu'-j