NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE OF HORTICULTURE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19000, 24 October 1923, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE OF HORTICULTURE.

OTAGO SUPPORTS MOVEMENT. A joint mooting of the executive of the Horticulture Society mid the Council of Nurserymen met on Saturday to listen to an address on the aims and objects of the institute by Mr George A. Green, the honorary secretary. The chair was taken by Mr tl. Christie, who said he was plesaed <if. the representative nature of the gathering, considering the short notice. He introduced Mr Green, who spoke of the need for horticultural'education, both theoretical and practical, in Now Zealand. H e said the basis of the institute was similar to that of the Royal Horticulture Society of England, its first objects being identical—to encourage, foster, and advance every branch of horticulture, ornamental, as well as useful."’ Ho explained how the institute, as it developed, would ho able to secure the establishment of a school or schools of horticulture with experimental courses, and finally a chair or chairs in our university colleges. Plant nomenclature needed the assistance of experts acting under the direction of the institute. Plant acclimatisation was already receiving some attention, but more was needed, and when functioning the institute would bo in a position to keep, full records and issue reports on the work carried out. The improvement of standard varieties of fruit and flowers would bo a matter for consideration.

Bud selection on specialised lines was already being practised in New Zealand. The institute’s committee at Teviot (Roxburgh) had already selected and distributed no fewer than apricot buds for propagating purposes. The Fruitgrowers’ Federation, (ho Association of Nurseryman, the Farmers’ Union Executive, the C.awthron. Institute (Nelson), and the Department of Agriculture were all represented cm the .Executive Committee of the Institute, of which, the patron was the Hon. W. Noaworthv.

He hoped to see the various horticultural societies of the dominion linked in one federation, and, as a dominion organisation, take an active interest in the development of the institute. Such a federation would do a great deal for the individual horticultural societies, enabling the standardisation of judging rules and schedules for shows, and prevent the overlapping of show dates. It, would facilitate th© formation of a register of judges, annual 'judges'’ conferences, and in a hundred ways assist in developing a taste for the aesthetic and a love of the beautiful as a result of a higher standard in connection with the shows.

Mr Green urged that every welhvisher of the country should become a member of the institute either as an individual or as a member of an affiliated society.

Speaking of (he financial aspect, Mr Green said the dues of private members had been fixed at 10s per annum, while the affiliation fee for associations and societies was limited to £1 for each 50 members or portion of 60. It was expected that as the work of the institute became better known it would bo appreciated, and that donations and legacies (especially for educational purposes) would be made, thus enabling some of the more ambitions portions of the programme to materialise.

Mr Green urged that for the present concentrated effort should bo made to establish a school of horticulture and to secure the union of the horticultural societies of the dominion. As money was secured for definite work of a national character, it was reasonable to expect that tho Government would make substantial capitation grants to supplement the voluntarily raised funds. He commended the aims and objects of the institute to the hearty support of tho horticulturists present.—(Applause.)

Mr D. Tannock then addressed the meeting, speaking in support of tho claims of the institute for support. Ho dwelt ou the advantages to bo gained from a. union of the, horticultural societies of the dominion, and the urgent need for a school of horticulture to he established.

A general discussion followed, in which Messrs Nelson, Trevena, Errington, Cousins, and others took part. A number, of questions as to the machinery clauses of the rules wore asked. In reply, Mr Green rtated that while the final court, of appeal was a dominion council, provision was 'made for local autonomy on all matters affecting any particular districts by means of the provisions under which in each district local councils may bo set up with very extensive powers of local self-government. Mr D. Tannock then moved the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr Errington, and carried unanimously: “ That this joint conference between the Otago Nurserymen’s Council and the Executive of the Dunedin Horticultural Society supports the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture (Incorporated) in its efforts to secure for New Zealand a school of horticulture and the union of the horticultural societies of tho dominion.” On the motion of Messrs Christie and Tannock- a very hearty vote of thanks was jia-ssed to Mr Green. A vote of thanks to the chairman brought to a close one of the most important meetings ever hold in Dunedin, in connection with horticultural matters.