HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Evening Star, Issue 18669, 25 June 1924, Page 2

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual mooting of tho Dunedin Horticultural Society was held in tho A. and P. Society’s board room last night, Mr D. Tannock presiding over an attendance of about thirty members. ANNUAL REPORT. The forTy-Hiird annual report stated that tho season from a horticultural point of view was a peculiar one, beginning with the ground in a .saturated condition on account of the (foods, and ending with a drought. These drawbacks notwithstanding, the results throughout wore eminently satisfactory, the entries at all of 11m shows being more numerous Ulan usual, and the quality of the exhibits beyond reproach. One very satisfactory feature worthy of mention, was the increase in tho number of plants, flowers, etc., sent forward for exhibition. lot v,hints were always an important feature of a show, mid the thank-- <>f Hie in'tlee were due to all who helped in os direction. The tables of pot plants put one in mind of the old lime:;, when more indoor gardening was carried out than at the present lime. Again the committee thought it advisable not to fix the dates of the various shows until close on to the time for holding them, and tho dates derulod upon v;erc evidently sa-tisfoctoiy. flood entries wore received for the spring -■how held at the end of September, and Mm quality of the exhibits was excellent The starring and general arrangements of f!m show were most satisfactory', the ticriii" of tho central tables showing off tho blooms to the best advantage. A feature of (his show which brought forth _favorable comment was an excellent exhibit of sweet peas grown under glass by Mr 1. Y. Turner, of North-east Valley. Those provided a welcome change of color from the orange, yellow, and white, the prevailing colors of the spring This year the interprovincial competition m daffodils for the cup presented by the ‘Otago Daily Times’ and ‘Witness Company was held at Christchurch. Chough their show was held a week later train the Dunedin one, an excellent collection of tho inter varieties was brought together and sent forward under the care of Mr Trevena, who also did the staging. Though unsuccessful by a few jwinte, the exhibit created favorable comment, its staging receiving special mention. Mr Lowe/of Christchurch, who kindly acted as judge at our spring show, brought down with him a large selection of his best seedlings, which proved most valuable for the purpose of comparison with the local raised varieties. The summer show held on December 12 was quite a success, the roses being of good quality and color. A feature of this show was the table of roses exhibited by Messrs R. Nichol, J. 11. Soidolin, and S. Cousins. _ In spite of the dry weather conditions which prevailed at tho beginning of tho season, the swoet peas at tho autumn show, which was held on February 27, were very fine. A special feature of this show was tho excellent display of sweet peas staged by Mr G. J. Errington, these occupying one end of the hail, and the comprehensive display of fruit set up by the Co-opera-tive Fruitgrowers of Otago. The winter show was considered one of the best we have had far several years, the competition being specially keen in the section for single varieties. Most interesting ieatures of this show yore the tables of pot planks sent in by Mr P. W. Shacklock, the table of pot plants and decorative work by Messrs Pofrett and Marshall and the seedling single chrysanthemums brought down b v klr A .K, Wilson, of Oannru, who acted as judge .for the chrysanthemum section at this show. The Gardening Club again had a most successfin session, lectures and demonstrations being held fortnightly for many months. Tho various certifying committees met from time to lime as occasion required,, and they made the following awards: Daffodil, “ Lady Fenwick,” submitted by Sir George Fenwick, first-class certificate; single yellow decorative chrysanthemum, raised by Mr E. A. Hamel, award of merit; single chrysanthemum, white—• “ Mary Jamieson Irvine,” shell pink—- “ May Kirk,” pink-—“ Jock Reid,” bronze, with yellow disc— ‘‘ E. L. Macassey,” light pink, with white disc—“ Sunset,” henna shade—“ Margaret Wilson,” cinnabar red—“ Enfield,” lemon primrose—- " Miss Joan Reid.” .and pink—“ Mrs Stewart Holmes,” awards of merit. The membership stood at 504, a loss of four for the year. Tho receipts exceeded tho expenditure by £7 16s 10d. The committee wished to thank the judge, exhibitors, donors, and the Press for their kind assistance. PREST DENT’S REM A RKS.

Referring to tho balance-sheet, the President .said the finances of the society were; most satisfactory. The credit balance was piling up, which might be necessary in view of tho possibility of a lean year. Ho though!, however, that it might be necessary to put their money to better advantage. In view of the forthcoming New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition the society might find it necessary to make somclliing in the way of a big splash. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, Mr Tannook said the society had provided excellent shows and had come out on tho right side of tlie ledger. TIo was convinced that until iho society got a more suitable hall (or the holding of its shows many attractions would be lacking, and this included music. Mr Tannoek referred to the increased number of exhibits. Ho knew that Dunedin people were sending to London for many of their plants, and the conditions here were eminently suitable for plant propagation. The local nurserymen were not doing themselves justice in refraining from taking » more prominent part in their exhibitions. When at Homo he found that the greatest interest in shows was taken in now varieties and novelties. Referring to the forthcoming Exhibition at Logan Park, it would bo necessary next year to prepare a comprehensive schedule. He considered that tho society was particularly fortunate in having in its secretary Mr A. D. Miller. He had been more than a secretary ; bo was a general manager. Mr Tannoek also spoke in eulogistic terms of the magnificent effort of the Ladies’ Committee with regard to tea rooms.

Mr T. Scott seconded tho motion for the adoption of the rejiort and balance-sheet, and eulogised the work of tho retiring president.

Messrs If. W. hxler. IT. T. Trevcna, ami (!. J. lirrington supported the motion, which was carried. ELECTION 1 OF OFFICERS.

The following officers were elected for the ensuing year Patron, flis Excellency Viscount Jellicoc; president, Mr fl. T. Trcvena; vice-presidents—Sir George Fenwick, Messrs D. Tannock, T. Scott, F. If. llollingworth, a.nd E. I. Haisled; committee —Messrs P. W. Exler, J. Gault, M. Thomson, R. Fountain, G. J. Errington, T. Y. Turner, J. H. Vickers, B. S. Irwin, A. Doodeward, E. A. Hamel, D. Lamach, J. Nelson, J. MTntyre, R. Nichol, E. L. Macasscy, J. Roy, L. Page, and 11. R, Ifungerford; Indies’ Committee —M osdames Jones, Roger, Campbell, and Misses R. .Anderson and M'Tntyrc; lion, treasurer, Air P. Nelson; lion, audilor, Mr W. G. Pickard. j GENERAL. Motions of appreciation of Mr Tannock’s services as president were passed, and votes of thanks were accorded the Press and the secretary (Air A, 1). Miller). ;