HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 277, 3 April 1869, Page 2

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The annual general meeting of member ■was held in the Town Hall side-room at half past seven o'clock last evening, Mr Duncai presiding. The Chairman explained that the presiden i of the society had informed him that it wa very probable that he could not attend th meeting. He (Mr Duncan) had now to cal i on the Secretary, Mr Greenaway, to read th annual report. Mr Greenaway read the report as fol ; lows: — : " Your committee has great pleasure i ; laying before the members of this society th . seventh annual report, shewing an extendinj ; influence in promoting and fostering horti p cultural pursuits in this province. At th ■ two exhibitions, held during the past seasor I there was a manifest improvement in th quality of many of the productions enters . for competition, as compared with previou [ years ; the second show, more especially • though somewhat deficient in cut blooms ■ was remarkable for the general excellence o > its pot plants, fruits, and vegetables. Th attendance of visitors at the first exhibitioi . was considerably smaller than at tli : corresponding show of the previou . season. . This fact caused you I committee some anxiety as to the measure o . success that was likely to attend the last ex i hibition, and after careful consideration,} t was resolved to keep it open during the even i ing — a measure which proved highly success t f ul, and greatly to the benefit of the society' - -fund, showing a largely increased attendanc : as compared with the second show of laß , year. Your committee desires also to brin ; I to your notice the very gratifying fact of th -v, : '-- ■■>■>. -■ :-;;; r. . !

largely increased number of competitors a,t the last exhibition, being at. least. one^iSid more than on any previous occasion': Another pleasing feature of the past season has been the very liberal sums given through the society by members themselves as extra prizes, and your committee trusts that the coming season may show a largely increased list under this head. In conclusion, your committee desires to congratulate the members on the improved position of the society since the last annnal general meeting, and is of opinion that the prospects of the society were never brighter or more encouraging than at the present time." The adoption of the report was carried on the motion of Mr Milne, seconded by Mr Briscoe. The Chairman called upon the treasurer to read the statement of accounts. From this, it appeared that the expenditure during the past season was £111 is 4d, and the income £184 6s Bd, leaving a credit balance of £73 5s 4d, which some items of probable assets go to increase to £95 11s 4d. The liabilities of the society amounted to £83 13s 6d, and this amount deducted from £95 11s 4d would leave a credit to the society, after paying all its debts, of £11 17s 10d, as nearly as it could be ascertained. He thought the society had every cause for congratulation at the state in which its affairs stood at the present time. The Chairman said that the Horticultural Society was the only one in Canterbury that had a balance to its credit. Both at home and here, the gardeners, although not by any means financiers, had invariably managed to conduct their affairs in a satisfactory manner; and he thought that the members of the sbeiety had every reason to congratulate themselves. Mr Briscoe moved, and Mr Macfarlane seconded, the adoption of the treasurer's statement. The motion was agreed to. Mr Gibbs moved — " That the thanks of the society be recorded to the president, vicepresident, and other officers of the society for the very able manner in which they have discharged the onerous duties of their office during the past year." Mr Macfarlane seconded the motion, which was carried. A vote of thanks was also passed to the retiring committee, and the chairman bore testimony to the constant exertions rendered in behalf of the society by Mr Gordon and Mr Greenaway. Mr Nairn moved the re election of Mr William Wilson as president of the society for the ensuing twelve months. The motion was unanimously carried, Messrs J. G. Hawkes and George Gould were unanimously re-elected vice-presidents of the society for the ensuing twelve months ; Mr George Gordon, treasurer; and Mr Greenaway, secretary. The following gentlemen were appointed a committee of management for the ensuing year: — Messrs A. Duncan, Steward, Norman, Nairn, ■ McKay, Macfarlaue, senr., Macfarlane, junr., St. Quentin, Milne, Abbott West, Compton, Spicer, Ashton, Gibbs, Lord, Crooks, and Hennah. The Chairman read a letter from the Secretary of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, with respect to the possibility of holding a. flower show on the same day, and on the ground of the Association at their next exhibition. No charge would be made for a site. The society would not participate in the gate-money, but should make their own charge, and retain the same for entrance to the tent containing the flowers, fruits, and vegetables. The date of show to be between the 9th and 20th November, as may be arranged. Mr Nairn, on the suggestion of the Chairman, moved '• That the consideration of the letter be deferred for a month, and that a special general meeting be called for that purpose." Mr Hislop seconded the motion, which was agreed to. The meeting shortly afterwards adjourned.