HORTICULTURE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22607, 26 June 1935, Page 5

HORTICULTURE

DUNEDIN SOCIETY ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the Dunedin Horticultural Society was held last night m the Y.M.C.A. The president (Mr James Nelson) occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance of members. The chairman expressed pleasure at the large attendance, which, he eaid, showed a keen interest in horticultural affairs. This, he was sure, would be of great benefit to horticulture not only in Dunedin, but throughout the Dominion. ANNUAL REPORT Moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet, the chairman said it was pleasing to note another year of steady progress in the life of the society. The membership was strong, and lhe finances were in a satisfactory state.. Four shows had been held during the year, and on the whole the quality of the exhibits had been well maintanied. The autumn show had been abandoned in favour of the national show, which, had been held in Dunedin in January. This show had certainly been a notable one. Members of the executive of the society had assisted in carrying it out, and after many months of steady and systematic organising work it had resulted ■in one of the most magnificent horticultural displays ever seen in the Dominion. Among cut flowers, gladioli had been outstanding, and it was satisfactory to note that in these sections local exhibitors had held their own against strong outeide competition. Speaking generally, the shows held during the year had been well up to standard, and an improvement had been made in the display of fruit. Although the decorative and floral work had been a feature of the first three shows, it had, owing to unforeseen circumstances, scarcely been up to the mark at the winter show. The Dunedin Gardening Club continued to do good work, and for its beautiful display at the national show had been awarded a bronze medal. It was gratifying that local seedling raisers were maintaining their high standards, and the future held bright prospects for those who were carrying on the fascinating work of hybridising. The motion for the adoption of the report was seconded by Mr E. A. Hamel, who paid a tribute to the work done by Mr H. Bennett in connection with the national show. The motion was carried unanimously. The adoption of the balance sheet was carried on the motion of Mr P. 0. Vallange, who said the society was £3l ahead of last year, and had its best balance sheet for over 15 years. OFFICE-BEARERS The election of office-bearers resulted ao follows:—President, Mr H. Hungerford (who was received with musical honours); vice-presidents—Messrs H. Bennett, J. Black, A. Rigby, J. Nelson, and H. T. Trevena; treasurer, Mr P. 0. Vallange; auditor, Mr A. Watson; committee— Messrs J. White, W. Thorns C. Semple, C. De Berry, J. Ironside, W. D. Hanlin, E. A. Hamel, J. E. Ryan, M. Scott, J. Milburn, G. Attwood, J. Mahoney, J. A. Hollows, J. S. M'Cartney. D. S. Fleming. S. D. Macdonald, J. B. Downes, and the Rev. W. W. Avery; Ladies' Committee— Mesdames Goodger, Kirk, M'Cartney, and Jones, and Misses Cable and Rigby. It was decided to ask the GovernorGeneral (Lord Galway) to become the patron of the society. The appointment of vice-patrons was left to the incoming committee. A motion appreciative of the services the retiring president (Mr Nelson) had rendered during his term of office was carried with musical honours. GENERAL Approval was given to a recommendation from a committee meeting that various flower show organisations should be given the opportunity of affiliating with the society and participating in privileges as a result. It was reported that there was a movement on foot to raise sufficient money to purchase a challenge trophy to commemorate the association with horticulture of the late Mr F. H. Hollingworth, and this was commended to members for their support. The president of the Dunedin Gardening Club (Mr J. Passmore) was presented' on behalf of the club with a cup and medal that had been won by the club at shows during the year. On the motion of the Rev. W. W. Avery it was decided to recommend the inauguration of a South Island amateur daffodil championship to be held annually at the South Island Daffodil Society's show.