HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 2055, 5 September 1868, Page 3

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The annual general meeting of the Horticultural Society of Otago was held on Wednesday at the Atheraeoiii Chambers. Mr

George Matthews in the chair. The Secre tary Mr Allen, read the following report, which was adopted:—"ln presenting you with this year's report of the Horticultural Society of Otago, the Committee have cause to congratulate you upon the Society's success, and they feel confident that, with the exercise of prudence in conducting its affairs, it may still be kept the most flourishing Society of its kind in Otago. From previous exhibitions, it waa very evident' that the cultivation of vegetables had been more attended to than of flowers and fruits. This, however, was not the case this season' as the show of flowers at both exhibitions wa3 decidedly fine; and, considering the ungenial season, the same may be said of fruits. Many amateurs, who before were not known as florists, having shown themselves conspicuously in pot specimens, cut specimens, and designs, some of which were very neatly executed, and also in collections of Native plants ; and your Committee now tender their sincere thanks to those who so exerted themselves in assisting the exhibitions. On the gardeners' tables were also some very tasteful designs, especially one miniature flower garden, executed by Mr G. H. Douglas, at no little expense and trouble; and your Committee feel sorry that from the limited means then at their dis' posal, they were not able to. give the acknowledgment it deserved. They trust however, as the Society is fairly reco°nise<L that proper remuneration will be given to such exhibits in future. Yeur Committee feel sorry that the expe-.se for advertising and pnntmg were so heavy this season. The printing, however, will not require to be so heavy this season, as many cards and other articles are still in possession ; and the misunderstanding between your Secretary and the Reporter of the DaUy Times: on the occasion of the March Show, necessitated an outlay of L 3 3s, which the rimes charged in addition to its very heavy advertising account for advertising the prize list, and which tfaim was oriy, after much debate in Committee, passed for payment. The two shows held last season, both in the large halV of the New Post Office, kindly granted by the Honorable John Hyde Harris, Solicitor-General, with the permission of the contractors, Messrs M'Kay and broodfellow, were well attended by visitors more especially the former, which wae the best, in a pecuniary point, held in Dunedin • and your Committee now tender their thacksto the contractors, as also to the members of the Dunedin Volunteer Band, who played some fine airs, enlivening the HaU during the evening Your Committee ll!r^ rt? **"?* the JudSeß for th«r prompt attention m coming forward, and the fair and impartial manner they awarded prizes to deserving articles. Your Commit, tee, after paying all demands made upon them in connection with both shows, have now the sum of L 56 18s 6d in Bank, and L 7 lOs.xu hand, as also L 3 10s uncollected subscriptions, making in all L6l 18s 8d In conclusion, your Committee would impress on all the members the desirability of exerting themselves in furthering tho interests of the Society, by obtaining new members, and devoting their leisure moments to that most healthful and pleasant recreation, the study of Horticulture. On surrendering their charge, they would only add that they have discharged the duties of their office to the best of their ability, and hope they will have given satisfaction to all the members of the Society." Mr Matthews was elected President; Mr Purdie, Vice-President; and Mr Allen, Secretary for the ensuing year, lhe following gentlemen were chosen as Committee for the same period:— Gardeners — Messrs Bromley, Carter, Gebbie, Draper Smith, MKeDzie, Douglas, and Kichardson; Amateurs—Messrs M'Gregor. Thompson, Lambton, C. Smith, and Shury.