HORTICULTURAL WORK

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 115, 8 February 1935, Page 18

HORTICULTURAL WORK

Conference of Institute Through illness the president of the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, Mr. F. J. Nathan, of Palmerston North, wis unable to attend the annual conference held in Dunedin recently. la his absence Mr. D. Tannock, of Dunedin, vice-president, occupied the chair and delivered the presidential address. “It can be claimed,” said Mr. Tannock, “that this institute is a live institution doing most valuable work for horticulture, both scientific and practical, in this Dominion. It has taken up work not done directly by any other horticultural organisation, and coordinated the work of these organisations in a successful and practical manner. I refer to the Fruitgrowers’ Association, the Horticultural Trades’ Association, and the Park Superintendents’ Association. Foremost among its successful efforts is education. Here it can claim to have achieved real success. By awarding diplomas ' and certificates it has recognised the work of the older horticulturists and encouraged the younger generation. Though we may not always agree with the importance of examinations, there is at present no other method of separating those who know from those who do not know, the 'workers from the drones, and the system adopted by the institute whereby a p'eriod of horticultural training is required and examinations both on paper and in the garden carried out is as near .perfection as we can expect. :

Not to Make Awards Too Cheap.

“It is not desirable to make awards too cheap, so that they can be recognised not only in this Dominion, but in other parts of the world. The awards to date are:—Diplomas: Without examination, 170; group O examination, 27; group B, 12; equivalent, 1. Certificates: Junior, 18; senior, 12; fruit culture, 1. Total, 241. “The training of horticulturists should not be consFdered complete without a period abroad. Eight young men who have served their apprenticeship In New Zealand have entered the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, London, as student gardeners, and at least one is undergoing a period of training in seed-raising with the Messrs. Dobbie and Co., Edinburgh. . . . Another important work carried out by the institute is the conservation, preservation and cultivation of our native plants. In connection with this work we have been greatly assisted by the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, who is a keen gardener and at once recognised the beauty and special interest of the native flora and its suitability for garden decoration. It is satisfactory to know that he is the first recipient of the Loder Cup under the new regulations governing that award.

Thanks to Mrs. Knox Gilmer.

“It is satisfactory,” continued Mr. Tannock, “to note that a Native Plant Protection Act has been passed by Parliament. This Act may not have much effect at once, but it will in time and under certain circumstances be very useful in saving from destruction several of the rare native plants for the decoration of streets, halls, etc. “We have to thank the enthusiasm of Mr. Knox Gilmer for the revival of Arbor Day, and all that it means to horticulture and forestry. Again the Governor-General and Lady Bledisloe were of assistance. Lord Bledisloe delivered an interesting address at one of the schools which was printed and circulated, and both he and Lady Bledisloe planted trees.”