NELSON FERN SOCIETY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 3 December 1940, Page 6

NELSON FERN SOCIETY

END OF A SUCCESSFUL YEAR The final meting of the year of the Nelson Fern Society was held recently when there was the usual good attendance, 50 being present. The competition for the evening was for the best Aspidiiim, any variety, and resulted: Mrs Harman 1, Mrs Holbrook 2, G. G. Wearing 3. The trophy awarded for most points gained at monthly meetings throughout the year was won by G. G. Wearing with 14 points, Mrs Harman being a close second with 13 points. These monthly competitions have been ; very keen and considerable interest has been shown throughout. A very fine lot of ferns were on display by members, embracing a very wide range of varieties, and were most interesting. A request from the Rotary Club for help on Victory Day at the Botanies on Saturday, 7th December, was received and it was unanimously decided to assist with a stall for the sale of ferns. Members were very enthusiastic and a good response was assured. A great number of ferns in containers, and also ready for planting was promised so members of the public will have an opportunity of securing specimens correctly named with which to start a fernery or to supplement their present collection. Members will be willing to give any advice required regarding planting, etc. After the business a short social was provided and much enjoyed. Musical and elocutionary items were contributed by Miss B. Aydon, Miss M. Barltrop, Mr D. Bishop, Miss Keighley and Masters S. Aydon and A. Bell, and the thanks of the society are extended for the items provided, all of which were much appreciated. An interesting exhibit during the evening was a competition for the best collection of mosses. There were five entries, and some wonderful displays were put forward, both for variety and artistic arrangement. Mrs Holbrook was the winner with a splendid lot collected from the Lewis Pass.

The year has been a very successful one from the society’s point of view. The attendances have been well maintained throughout and the monthly competitions have been well supported and most interesting. During the year the members have had several outings and have assisted considerably with material for the Municipal Fernery which is now beginning to take definite shape, and in a few years’ time will be one of the sights of Nelson. Satisfaction was freely expressed regarding the splendid work of Mr White, the City Reserves Superintendent, for the wonderful start he has made with the Fernery, and it was decided to assure him of all the assistance possible. The society will go into recess until March when it is proposed to hold another show on similar lines to the very successful one held 18 months ago, the proceeds of which will as usual go to the Municipal Fernery.