LYTTELTON AND PORT VICTORIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 431, 1 October 1869, Page 3

LYTTELTON AND PORT VICTORIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The annual meeting of the members took place in the Colonists' Hall, on Thursday evening. There was a good attendance. Mr J. T. Rouse, president, occupied the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by the secretary (Mr J. Carder), and confirmed. Mr Woledge, treasurer, read the balance-sheet for the past year, shewing that a balance remained to the society's credit at the bank. The President read the following report:— " In laying before the subscribers the report for the past year, your committee have much pleasure in stating, first, that the society has been able to pay its way, and to possess at the years end a small balance with which to commence the next. Although the amount to the society's credit is but insignificant, there remains in stock a great quantity of that which caused the heaviest drain upon our funds, viz., stationery. Of this, there is oa hand enough to render but small outlay in that item necessary during the ensuing year, excepting for advertisements. The first show of the season was very successful in spite of adverse weather. This was in great measure owing to the ready co-opera-tion of the florists and nurserymen of Christchurch up on that occasion. Had the second been equally well supported, your committee would have had to report a much better state of the. finances, but certain difficulties came in the way on that occasion of our friends on the other side sending in their productions, one of which was the nearness of the time to that of the Christchurch society's exhibition. " Your committee hope that this year arrangements may be made, so that tl\c exhibitors of the two societies shall not interfere with each other,"und-that we may ensure the presence in Lyttelton of many of those ornamental plants which require that constant care and culture which can only be bestowed by the professed gardener or more wealthy amateur. " Your committee have also to suggest that a more full attendance of the subscribers at the monthly meetings would be very desirable, and that those meetings might, by the reading of papers, the exhibition of specimens, and the discussion of points connected with horticulture, be made the means of passing many pleasant and profitable evenings, and of disseminating much useful knowledge respecting the science. This especially would be of advantage to those whose time and opportunities for studying such matters are limited, but who still take an interest in j the cultivation of a few choice plants in the garden and window, or in raising a supply of early vegetables or of fruit. " Your committee trust that they will be supported during the coming year, both by the personal subscriptions of members and by their united and individual efforts to secure prosperity." Mr H. It. Webb moved, «• That the treasurer's balance-sheet be received and adopted." Mr J. Webb seconded the motion, which ■was carried unanimously. The election of officers and committee next took place, with the following result: —President, Mr J. T. Rouse ; vice-presidents, Messrs .W. Donald and H. R. Webb; treasurer, Mr C. W. H. Woledge; secretary, Mr J. Carder; Council, Messrs Willcox, DOyly, Graham, Wilkin,- Ellisdon, Cuff, J. Webb, C. Tayler, Rev F. Kuowles, and Captain Gibson. Mr J. Webb exhibited some specimens Of ranunculus in bloom. '■" The Council resolved to offer a prize for the best made Canterbury flower-pots. It ;was also resolved to offer a prize for dairy produce at the first show, and that the lower rooms of the hall be open for Canterbury exhibits. ' Thefifstshowof the season will take place on, November 16. -