Palmerston North Garden And Flower Circle Meets

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 222, 22 September 1934, Page 6

Palmerston North Garden And Flower Circle Meets

MR G. A. AGGETT THE SPEAKER

The monthly meeting of tho Palmerston North Garden and Flower Circle, held in the Baptist schoolroom last evening, drew the usual appreciative attendance. Mr H. L. Hartog, who presided, extended a hearty welcome to those present. A warm welcome was also extended the following new members: Mrs Bowi'er "Watson, Mr and Mrs A. W. Goodman (Awahuri), Mr P. Shipton, Mrs R. 11. Crosier, Mr A. J. Yule and Mr G. Robins. Apologies for"absence were tendered on behalf of Mr C. Dallis and Mr B. \V. Doig. Mr F. J. Nathan, who had sent flowers for exhibition, was accorded acclamation, the hope being expressed that his health would soon improve sufficiently to enable him to attend the meetings. Mr G. A. Aggett, of Rongotca, who spoke on "Vegetable Culture,” was keenly followed throughout his address. There was no more striking change in horticulture in recent y cars than that in vegetable culture, said Mr Aggett. No real rule for guidance could be given 'the would-be successful vegetable grower, continued the speaker, but it was essential that tho grower should concentrate time and attention on tho plants, paying particular notice to detail. Deep working and trenching were essential to proper production of vegetables, and manuring was also an important factor, the speaker stating his preference for natural manures, pointing out that artificial manures were only substitutes. The question of drainage must not be overlooked, Mr Aggett also stressing the necessity for choosing the site carefully, and avoiding overcrowding. The gardener should also be careful to tend his plants only if weather conditions were favourable. Soil attention, contended Mr Aggett, was most important, and sucii details as staking, hoeing, etc., should not be overlooked. A careful watch should be kept for pests and diseases. The importance of rotation was further entered into, and valuable information given in this direction. Methods to be employed for the growing of the various vegetables were explained by Mr Aggett, the inviting of questions bringing about an interesting discussion. The vote of thanks moved to the speaker by Mr D. S. Robinson, and his appreciative remarks of the address, were heartily endorsed by those present. The- competition for the best vase of flowers (any one species), decided by popular vote, resulted as follows? Mr T. H. Stockdalc 1, Mr K. Wiggins 2, Mr A. L. Mills 3. It was decided to hold the next meeting on October 25, when Mr A. W. Hudson, of the Riant Research Station, Palmerston North, will lecture on

"The Uses and Abuses of Manure.” In view of daylight saving, meeting.’ would in future commence at eight o ’clock.