Horticultural Society.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5279, 8 June 1895, Page 6

Horticultural Society.

The annual meeting of the Christohuroh' Horticultural Society was held last even-, ing at the roomß of the Agricultural and' Pastoral Association. Mr H. R. Webb,' President, occupied the chair, and there, were seventeen members present.

The committee, in presenting the thirty*, third annual report, regretted that it could not congratulate the society on the success of its operations during, the pastyear, a' result which waa due to counter-; attractions at the time of holding the first three shows, and to the lack of interest, shown hy the publio. The report referred to tbe shows held during the year and to the quality and number of the exhibits.. The thanks of the society were due to those non-competitors who had Bent in such excellent exhibits to the various shows, especially to Messra T. Abbott, W. E. Tvory, Nairn and Son and Bobs and' Leighton. The sooiety was also indebted to the donors of speoial prizes, to the f officers at the Bhowe, to tho Ashburton,' New Brighton, Mount Pee), Nelson, 1 Oamaru, Prebbleton, Bangiora and Timaru exhibitors and to the local Press. In conclusion, the committed urged upon ita succeueorß the desirableness of devising some meana to induce the public to take' a greater interest in all branches of horticulture.

The balance-sheet showed that the receipts had been £236 18s 4d. This included subscriptions 1894-5. £74 15s ; bulb show receipt-, £7 15s 6d ; summer and rose show, £16 3s ; Rose Society, £9 16s 6d ; autumn show, £5 7a 6d ; chrysanthemum show, £73 l3s; Chrysanthemum Club, £9 13s. The expenditure had been £225 17s 3d, including bulb show expenses £9 6s 6d, prizes £9 Os 6d, summer and rose show expenses £16 2s, prizes £37 Is 6d, autumn show expenses £16 8s 7d, prizes £25 15a 6d, chrysanthemum Bhow expenses £19 lis 3d, prizes £42 10a. Thia left a balance of £11 ls Id.

The Chairman moved tbe adoption of the report and balance-sheet. He referred to the secession of the Chrysanthemum Club, and regretted that a division of interest should have arisen.

Mr W. Baker seconded the motion

Mr W. Jones, who spoke at some length, expressed regret at the apathy and lack of enthusiasm shown in the. society's work, and at the neglect of educational work.

The Hon E. C. J. Stevens said he re-' gretted that no indication had been given of the views of the committee as to the means to be taken to increase public' interest in the varions branches of horticulture.

The Chairman said he was not aware that the committee had any recommendations to make. Apathy had been ehown by horticulturists generally, and; the' society had also lost a number of its best-' supporters.

The report and balance-sheet were then adopted.

The election of officers resulted aa follows :— President, Mr H. R. Webb'; vice-presidents, Messrs A. Carrick, t\ Cunningham, J. M. Batham, M. Murphy, Hon J. T. Peacock and his Honor Mi Justice Denniston (subject to their consent) ; honorary treasurer, Mr J. Donald ; committee, Messrs T. Allen, __• • Clarke, D. Craw, J. Gun-rip, A. Fraser, R. E. MEvans, S. B.Wilson, D. H. Lawrence, T,\ Palmer, P. C. East, G. B. Gundry and W A. Carpenter; secretary, Mr T. Gordon; auditors, Messrs A. Carrick and £. E. M Evans.

Mr H. Clarke moved for the amendment of Rule 17 so sb to make it read—" Thai all members' and school childrenß' exhibit, be admitted free, and that for non-memben a fee of 6d for each exhibit be charged." .

Mr T. Allen seconded the motion, whioh was carried.

A vote of thanks was accorded to tbi officers of the past year, and to the Chair-* man, and the meeting closed..

The Rev H. R. Haweis.— The Rev H. _SL Haweis, who closed his season of leotures. at the Theatre Royal laßt evening, will. preach st St John's Church at 7 o'olock this evening, when a special service will be held. The anthem " Holy, Holy. I Holy !" will be rendered by the choir. Ths | reverend gentleman will leave for Welling' | ton after the service. PREBBYTERIAN CHURCH, PaPANOT,— The annual tea and concert in eonneotion with I this church was held on Thursday evening in the Town Hall. The attendance numbered about three hundred. The provisions were contributed by Mesdames Craw, Borgfield and Campbell, Misses M'Fadden, Reid, Gibbs, Donald and Munro. After, the tea, a concert was held, songs being contributed by Misses Linßay, Moir, Ballantyne, Fraser and Hetty Moir, and Mesars Smart, Ballantyne, Malcolm, jun., Ross and Master Morgan. A violin solo waa played by Mr Seatree, and the Misses Cresswell and Blumekoy were the accom-' panists. Mr Scorgie addressed the meeting on vatiouo matters in connection with the church. On the motion of Mr Malcolm, seconded by the Rev R. Irwin, a hoarty vote of thanks was accorded to tho ladies and gentlemen who had provided the tea and had helped in the entertainment.