HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19231, 21 January 1926, Page 10

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

A YEAR *OF PROGRESS.

CITY COUNCIL'S CO-OPERATION.

The annual meeting of the Auckland Horticultural Society was held last evening, Mr. George Baildon, Mayor of Auckland, presiding. The annual report showed that the work of the society in all branches was progressing. The membership had increased materially, standing at 254. Three shows had been held during last year, and had all proved highly successful. The Governor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson, and Lady Fergusson, had attended the autumn show and had shown their interest in the work of the society by the donation of a handsome silver cup. The shows were not exceptionally well attended, but the displays of blooms had been of a very good standard and competition had been well maintained.

A programme of lectures and practical addresses delivered during the course of the year proved of considerable educational value

Mention was made of the desirability of obtaining an experimental plot. The City Council could establish it, and it. would be invaluable for trying out new species of flowers,

The balance-sheet showed a credit balance of £4O.

The chairman, in commenting on the re■port, said the City Council would always be willirfg to help the society in any progressive policy. He pointed out the good work of the council in providing beauty spots throughout the city and suburbs, and stated that the formation of others was in view. The society could co-operate with the council in this respect. He favoured the idea of the establishment of an • experimental plot and said the proposal would receive his support. Mr. W. J. Wernham, chairman of the executive of the society, said they had passed through a very trying time, but, due to the fine work of some of the members, the outlook was now more favourable. He stressed the importance of fostering the educational side of the society's activities. In this it did its best work. A horticultural hall and an experimental plot were both urgently needed. Mr. Wernham agreed with the Mayor in respect to the fine work being done by the City Council in the beautification of Auckland.

Congratulations to Sir Henry Brett, the president of the society, on his elevation to knighthood, were moved by Mr. G. W. Wright. Sir Henry was, he stated, probably the oldest horticulturist in the Dominion.

The prizes won during the year were presented by the chairman. The following officers were elected: Patron, the Governor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson; vice-patron, the Mayor of Auckland, Mr. G. W. Baildon; president, Sir Henry Brett: vice-presidents, Sir Edwin Mitchelson, Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, Messrs. H, T. Goldie. E. Yates, H. B. J Bull, N. A. Duthie, W. W. Bruce; hon. secretary, Mr. F. R. Callaghan; hon. treasurer, Mr. D. A. Hay; hon. auditor, Mr. P R. Fraser; hon. solicitor, Mr. F. J. Williamson; hon. auctioneer, Mr. E. Turner; executive, Messrs. W. J. Wernham, G. W. Wright, J. R. Crosby. I). A. Hay, A. H. Finer, A. McKenzie, G. Hunt.