A POPULAR GARDENER.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14919, 18 March 1914, Page 10

A POPULAR GARDENER.

FAREWELL SOCIAL TO MR

JAMES YOUNG

Thar Christchurch citizens take an intelligent interest in the Gardens and are .pleased with the work of their caretaker was evidenced in a gathering held last night to bid farcwed to Mr James Young, who leaves shortly for a six months' trip to the Old Country. Tne chairman • (Mr C. A. Cuningham) read an apology for absence from tho Chairman of tne Domain Board (Mr H. J. Beswick), who wrote that tho public of Christchurch had reason to be grateful to Mr Young for what ho had done on a limited expenditure. He paid a tribute to Mr Young's untiring energy, unfailing courtesy, and innate modesty, and said the holiday ho was taking would not only be a ip'leusure to nim, but would be of benent to the city. The "Mayor (who put iv an appearance later) also wrote expressing appreciation of Air Young's work. In proposing the toast of "Horticulture," Mr XV. Jones praised Mr Young for his practical enthusiasm, and said it was proof of their guest's popularity that tlio largest gathering of horticulturists he had seen in Christchurch ifor twenty-three years should have assembled to do him* honour that evening. Mr W. W'yn Irwin, responding, said that horticu.ture had never been such a popular hobby as it was at present. This was largely due to the object lesson provided citizens in the Public Gardens, and he thought a debt of gratitude was owing to 3lr Young in this connexion. Mr S. A. Staples proposed the toast o* "The Garden City," and Mr R. Nairn responded. Mr C. D. Morris gave the toast of "The Guest." He said he had a lively recollection of the Christchurch Di>irain of forty-one years ago, but the greatest transformation had taken placo in Mr Young's time. It was to bo hoped that his services would long be available to the city. (Applause). The toast was drunk in an enthusiastic manner, with cheers for Mr and Mrs Young. In responding. Mr Young said he was going to visit the principal gardens of England, Scotland, Ireland and Franco. He hoped to bring some shrubs back that would be of use for the Gardens. He thanked them very much for their entertainment. The toast of the "'Domain Board" was proposed by the chairman, who praised the policy pursued by the Board. The Mayor, in response, remarked that the rating powers given to the Board had brought a new era of progress. The Board could be depended upon to carry out judiciously the programme it had in hand. During the evening an excellent musical programme was provided.