OUGHT AUCKLAND TO HAVE A HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY?

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10454, 28 May 1897, Page 3

OUGHT AUCKLAND TO HAVE A HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY?

TO THE EDITOR. SIR,— towns in New Zealand, not only the other chief centres of population, but even smaller places, have long had their horticultural societies, and it is somewhat remarkable that Auckland has so long been without a society. It would be a mistake to suppose that the existence of si horticultural society is of no importance save to those who hope to gain prizes, Not only do horticultural shows provide a pleasaut hour's amusement, but, what is more important, they have a beneficial and stimulating effect upon gardening in the district in which they are held; they lead to the introduction of new and improved plants, gardens, both private and public, are thus rendered more beautiful. The surroundings of our every-day life become more attractive, whilst better vegetables and fruits are grown to sustain the toil of life. We can hardly pretend that Auckland is not a suitable place for the growth of flowers, vegetables, and fruit. On the contrary, there art few places where a greater variety of plants can be grown, or where they can more easily be raised. Nor can it be said that gardening is so eagerly and satisfactorily followed here as to need no stimulus and be incable of further improvement.

But if a society is to flourish it must receive public support —it is really the public who decide whether horticultural shows are wanted or not. A general meeting of the newly-formed Horticultural Society is to be held to-morrow afternoon (Friday), at aquarter past four p.m., and if the committee receive sufficient evidence of support from exhibitors and the general public, they will arrange to carry out a programme of three show" in the year: a show for daffodils and other spring flowers in September, a show in which roses will be a conspicuous feature, in November, and about February a show in which fruit will be an attractive feature. There is reason to hope that the Chrysanthemum Society will be in a position before long to amalgamate with the Horticultural Society, and we may then hope to see one strong society promoting the cause of all branches of horticulture, The meeting is placed at an hour convenient for buiiness men and others to attend—the business of the meeting will be very brief, but it is necessary for the committee to feel that they will have public support before embarking on so extensive an enterprise as i« contemplated.-I am, etc., A. P. W. Thomas. University College, May 27.