AUCKLAND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5633, 5 December 1879, Page 6

AUCKLAND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

A meeting of gentlemen interested in the formation of a horticultural society was held yesterday at the Museum Buildings, Princesstreet. Present: Mr. R. C. Barstow, R.M., in the chair ; Messrs. S. Morrin, A. Isaacs, T. Macffarlane, J. M. Lennox, A. Mackcchnie, G. T. Chapman, J. Lamb, G. Aickin, F. Larkins, and Dr. Purchas. The CIIAIKM AN said they were all acquainted with the object of the meeting. It was to form a horticultural society. They had one some years ago, but from certain causes it became disintegrated. Many of tliem could call to mind when they had really considerable shows. What they wanted was to stimulate horticulture; and, even if their exhibits were inferior to those which took prize?, they might have some features in which they would surpass the prize-takers ; and, now that they had so many wealthy gentlemen and good gardens they should have no difficulty in makiDg a good show. It only rerequired a person to ride round the district to see the fine gardens which existed, and surely none was so poor that he could not contribute to the success of the society. Mr. Mackechnie moved, "That His Excellency the Governor be requsted to be patron of the Society." Mr. Mokrin seconded the motion. Mr. Macffarlane suggested that the proper step would be to affirm the desirability of forming the society. Mr. Mackechnie proposed a motion, to the effect that it was desirable to form a society to be called the Auckland florticul. tural Society. This motion was seconded by Mr. Lamb, and adopted, after which the first motion waa put, and unanimously agreed to. Mr. Mackeciinie then moved "That Sir George Grey be requested to be president of the society." He had taken great interest in the other society, and had sent exhibits to the show. Mr. Chapman seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously. On the motions of Messrs. Lamb and Aickin, Mr. Justice Gillies and the Hon. F. Whitaker were nominated vice-presidents of the society. On the question of electing a committee, Mr. Lamb proposed "That they be elected for three years, one-third to retire annually, and be eligible for re-election." This suggestion was adopted, and on the motion of Mr. Aickin, the nnmber of members was fixed at nine. The names of the subscribers, 140 in number, were read over, by the acting-secretary (Mr. Cheeseman), to enable the meeting to make a selection. The committee were elected by ballot—that is to say, by each of those present writing out a list of nine names on a slip of papor, and handing it to the chairman, who declared the result as follows :—Messrs. Barstow, Palmer, S. Morrin, Macffarlane, Mackechnie, D. Purchas, A. Clark, and W. J. Marks. Mr. Cheeseman was appointed secretary ; Mr. Mackechnie, treasurer ; and Mr. MacDailane, auditor. Mr. Mackechnie waß about to propose the names of 20 honorary director?, but this was opposed by the chairman and others on the ground that it would be making invidious distinctions. They might make such appointments afterwards, when it was ascertained who was entitled to the honour from the amount of support given to the society. Messrs. Mackechnie, Macfarlane, and the secretary were appointed to prepare rules to be submitted to the next meeting. It was also agreed that tho first show should be held about the Ist March, the exact dato to be fixed by the committee. The chairman and Messrs. Cheeseman, Macffarlane, and Mackechnie were appointed to draw up a schedule of prizes.

A vote of thanks was accorded to tbo chairman, and the meeting adjourned to Wednesday next, when the commiteea will bring up their reports.