HORTICULTURAL WORK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20304, 11 July 1929, Page 9

HORTICULTURAL WORK.

ACTIVITIES OF INSTITUTE,

DOMINION CONFERENCE. LARGER MEMBERSHIP NEEDED. Tho seventh annual conference of tho New Zealand Institute of Horticulture ns held in tlio University Collego llall yesterday. Tho president, Mr. F. J. Nathan, of Falmerslon North, presided over a gathering of delegates from district councils of the institute, kindred bodies, and Government experts. Tho gathering included tho director of horticulture, Mr. J. A. Campbell, tho orchard instructor, Mr. W. H. Rice, and the director of parks and reserves, Wellington City, Mr. J. G. MacKenzio.

On behalf of tho Auckland District Council, Professor 11. Corbin extended a welcome to tho delegates.

Tho deputy-mayor, Mr. A. J. Etifrican, in tho absence of the Mayor, welcomed the visitors on behalf of the city. He spoke of the importance of the work carried on by the institute, and mentioned tho importation of dried and canned fruits as a matter calling for its attention.

Sir Georgo Fowlds referred to the functions of the Massey Agricultural College. He hoped that in the near future the authorities would bo able to do something effective in tho way of agricultural education. Actually tho power had been given them, but funds for this purpose were very limited. Returning thanks for tho welcome, Mr. F. J. Nathan said the work of the Auckland Council, and tho interest it had shown in horticulture, had influenced the institute in coining to Auckland for tho conference.

Quo of the objects of Ihc institute was, ho said, to inculcate int-crcst iu tlio younger generation. Auckland had very great advantages in regard to parks, Init be thought tho fullest advantage had not been taken of them. The cause of this was, as with every other centre, a lack of funds. Citizens were apt to regard expenditure on parks as luxuries. ihe speaker expressed his appreciation and thanks to the secretary, Mr. A. •Stone, and to tho members of the executive, acting under Air. J. A. Campbell, during the chairman's absence abroad. The varied activities of the executive were dealt with in their report, which was adopted. They had been active in educational work, and such work as the preservation of native bush. iour challenge cups were imported during tho year, and two had been given to the Auckland and Wellington Societies for competition. The other two were being held for use in the near future. Tho institute was in a satisfactory financial position. The Government had again made £ grant of £IOO to tho institute. This assistance enabled the institute to do a largo amount of work. Membership was increasing, but a vigorous campaign was still needed in this direction, and this would aid the institute's finances. Further district councils had been set up during the year. Reports indicating progress were received from a number of sub-committees, and also from _ the district councils, and tho examining board of the institute. A lengthy list of remits from district councils was dealt with during the afteinoon, and the majority were approved by the conference. ' Officers were elected as follows President, Mr. F. J: Nathan (re-elected); vice-presidents, Messrs. D. A. Black. W. D. Sherratt, J. G. Mackenzie A. M. Robertson, R. A. Anderson, Dr.' Kasterfield, Hon. T. K. Siciey, and Mr C E. Foweraker; executive committee, Professor 11. 13. Kirk. Messrs, J. ,\. Campbell, T. Waugh, H. Bailhe, R. B. Hammond. W. R. B. Oliver, F. S Pope, W. C. Hvde, W. T. Goodwin, W S Mason. C. A. L. Treadwell, Hislop, G. A. Green, and Mr. Mawson, director of town planning; secretary, Mr. A. R- Stone; auditor, Mr. L. A. Jones,

LACK OF PUBLIC SUPPORT.

POSITION AT HAMILTON

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN* CORRESPONDENT.] HAMILTON, Wednesday. A small credit balance is disclosed in the financial statement presented to the annuai meeting of tho Hamilton Horticul* tural Society held this evening. Tho committee expressed regret that the amount of interest shown in tho society was out of proportion to tho amount of work entailed in staging the three shows held by the society during the year. Tho committee felt that it could not emphasise too strongly tho difficulties under which the society had carried on for the last few years. Although the numbers of entries in the various class.es had been fairly weli maintained the numbers of exhibitors had been disappointingly few. Fewer still were the numbers of those on whom fell the work of preparing for tho shows and clearing up after them It was felt that the society was not getting a fair measure of public support An appeal for better support was "lilr.' W. Tudhope presided over a small attendance at tho meeting. It was resolved, in view of the little interest shown, to adjourn until Monday evening, when tho question of proceeding with the work of the society or winding up tho organisation would bo considered.