NORTH OTAGO HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8090, 7 January 1903, Page 1

NORTH OTAGO HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The monthly meeting of the Horticultural Soeietv was held last evening, when there were present—-Mrs Douglas, Miss Edwards, and Messrs Buzan, Clarke, Davis, ■Familtou, Grenfell, Mitchell, Ongloy, Williamson, and Main (hon. secretary). MiMitchell was voted to the chair. The minutes of the last regular meeting and a special meeting were read and confirmed.

A letter was read from the secretary to the National Horticultural Society of New Zealand notifying the establishment of that body, and inviting other Societies to affiliate with it.

On the motion of Mr Clarke, seconded by Mr Familton, it was resolved, after a short discussion, "That the. Society affiliate with the National 'Horticultural Society of New Zealand."

The next business was consideration of the complaint made against Mr A. Webster that the 18 and 12 roses exhibited by him at the late show were not his own growing. The letter written by the secretary to 'Mr Webster, notifying him of the appointment of a sub-committee to visit his garden to investigate the matter and asking him to render assistance, was read. The sub-committee reported having visited Mr Webster's residence, and that they had met with anything but a cordial reception. Mr Webster had ordered them off the premises, and declined to give them any information or explanation. On the contrary, lie had dealt out- abuse, and altogether behaved in a most extraordinary manner. Mr Clarke moved, "That Mr A. Webster's prize-money be forfeited under regulation 4, for having refused to permit a Committee of investigation to examine his garden in relation to an allegation that hfs exhibits of roses were not his bona- fide property as defined by the regulations; and that Mr Webster be notified that the Committee intend to consider the propriety of disqualifying him from exhibiting at future shows of the Society, and call upon him to show cause why such disqualification should not be proceeded with." He said that Mr Webster's conduct had apparently been anything but what it should have been. The Committee had had an unpleasant duty to perform, and should have been welcomed by Sir Webster, for their visit had been made in his interests, in the removal of a- stigma which had been cast on his name, as well as in defence of the interests of the Society. He desired to express h'is sympathy with the Committee in regard to the treatment they had received, and lie was pleased to know that even under considerable provocation they had fully maintained the dignity of themselves and the Society. Mr Davis seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. On the motion of 'Mr Clarke, seconded by Mr -Familtan, it was resolved that a copy of the resolution be forwarded to Mr Webster, and that he be informed that the Committee will deal with the question of disqualification at their next meeting, of which he will receive notice, and that he will be afforded a full opportunity of exculpating liimself. The secretary and treasurer gave rough statements of the receipts and expenditure in connection with the late show, and submitted accounts and the prize list, amounting altogether to about £46. It was mentioned that the actual, position could not be told until a full return was made of the members' tickets sold.

The accounts and prize list wore passed for payment, subject to their being checked by Messrs Mitchell and Ongley in conjunction with the secretary and treasurer, and the prize money was made payable at the treasurer's business place (Co-operative store) on and after Friday.

Votes of thanks were passed to the lady judges, Mr R. J. Meldrum and the string band, and the Garrison Band for services rendered at the show, and to Messrs Craig and Co. for the loan of timber. The sub-committee was authorised to bring up at next meeting suggestions as to the allocation of available special prizes. A vote of thanks to the chair terminated the meeting.