HORTICULTURE

Southland Times, Issue 21002, 7 February 1930, Page 3

HORTICULTURE

SOUTHLAND BRANCH. MEETING OF EXECUTIVE. A meeting of the executive of the Southland branch of the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture was held last evening, when Mr C. S. Longuet presided over a full attendance of members. Copies of the minutes of northern provincial councils were received and routine correspondence was dealt with. Two very fine cups, donated by Messrs Skenes, one for competition among horticultural societies and the other for schools, were received from England, and as soon as they are engraved will be offered for competition. The shield for agricultural clubs, donated by Messrs Thomas Bros., is now in the process of manufacture and it is expected to come to hand in the near future. Replies from those gentlemen willing to become honorary rangers were received and the matter of their appointments, now being finalized, their names will be forwarded to the Minister to be Gazetted in due course. A long discussion on the introduction of useful and economic plants ensued and it was decided that steps be taken to get funds for this purpose. Several bodies interested will be approached. It was explained that the climatic condition at present obtaining in Southland were admirably suited to the growth of certain crops not at present grown in the district. A suggestion was put forth that an experiment in the growing of peppermint for the extraction of its essential oil, used for medicinal and other purposes, be one of the first plants tried. It was also decided to collaborate with schools and any persons interested to ascertain whether these experiments could be brought to a successful issue in other parts of the province. The next quarterly meeting of all members was fixed for the first or second Thursday in March, when Mr J. ‘McPherson will deliver a lecture on “New species of hardy trees and shrubs.” This -meeting will be open to the public.