A SUCCESSFUL MEETING

Waipa Post, Volume 48, Issue 3480, 16 June 1934, Page 5

A SUCCESSFUL MEETING

ST. JOHN’S HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. ANNUAL MEETING HELD. The annual meeting of St. John’s Horticultural Society, held in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Thursday evening, was presided over by the president, Mr A. J. Shepherd. There was a fair attendance of members, including most of the executive. Mrs H. Y. Collins tendered her resignation as hon. treasurer of the Society, and in doing so expressed her keen appreciation of the great help accorded her over a term of years by all imembers of the executive. Especially did she thank the business people for their ready support to the Society, mentioning that they had contributed toward the cosj; of issuing the last schedule, £l4 10s, almost sufficient to defray the whole cost. The chairman paid a tribute to the splendid work done by Mrs Collins. Her resignation would leave a gap that would be exceedingly hard to fill; she had been a very efficient and conscientious official, and was an example to all others interested in horticulture, and the beautifying of the- town. On behalf of the Society he asked Mrs Colling to accept a gold-mounted Schaefer fountain pen (suitably engraved) as a small token of a very high regard and as ian appreciation of very valued services. The resignation was received with regret, coupled with a vote of thanks for splendid help over a term of years. —The vote was carried by acclamation, and several members expressed their personal congratulations regarding Mrs Collins’ work, as treasurer.

Mrs Collins indicated, in expressing thanks for the gift and the sentiments accompanying it, that she would not lose her interest in the work of the Society, but she felt that she could not continue longer as treasurer. Mi Shepherd then intimated that he also would no!; be able to accept nomination for re-election. He would not retire from the Society, nor lose his interest; but he did think the vicepresidents should be honoured by promotion. Oftentimes, he added, fresh ideas would be forthcoming, for the good of the Society by a change in leadership, and this was a factor in guiding him to the decision indicated. The Society had done a great deal of valuable work, and he trusted it Would continue to do so. The chairman presented his annual report o<s follows: —J have pleasure in reporting another successful year not patjhaps financially so much as horticulturally—if there be such a word. The two shews in spring and autumn, again proved notable exhibitions anu attracted an increased number of exhibitors, though not of the general public. Both locally and in surrounding districts interest has been well maintained in our shows, and we are much indebted to those who came forward and provided the arrays of beautiful exbihits, which filled the Town Hall to overflowing. It is good news that at last the building is to be enlarged. Financially, the Society can show a credit balance, and has considerable asseijs, but this year* has had to draw on its reserves. A very pleasing feature has been the increase in entry m(oney for exhibits, but the lie-introduction of the home industries section in the Autumn Show resulted in a large increase in prize money, while our membership has declined somewhat. I wish to thank all who have assisted the Society in any way, particularly the secretary and treasurer, judges, stewards, and those enthusiastic members of the .committee, as well a|s others not on it, who, at every show, have given valuable and devoted service. As your president, I know that the smooth and successful running of the Society has been made possible only by the generous and willing assistance given in work, in interest and time and also by contributions toward the prize list. It is \yith much regret that your committee has to record the retirement of Mrs "H. Y. Collins from the position of treasurer. No one has given mote generously of time and to the well-being of the Society than she has, and the way she has managed our finances and presented her statements of accounts has filled us with admiration.. In conclusion 1 wish to thank you all for the very loyal support you havie accorded me during my yeans of office, and needlessly I aim confident, ask that the same will be extended to my successor, so that our Society may continue to prosper. The statement of finances shewed that the year commenced with a credit of £32 12s 3d, and ended with a credit of £23 7s Id. The principal items of expenditure were: Printing and advertising £26 11s 6d, prize money £SO iar 3d, telephone £lO 7s 6d, Borough Council £9 2s 3d, picture screen £3 19s Bd. luncheons £3 15s, cartage £2 2s Gd, Rickit and Sens £2 3s 9d, and engraving for trophies £1 ss. Receipts included: Donations £6 14s 6d, members £22 13s, advertisements £l4 10s, stalls £l6 Is lid, door receipts £26 7s 9d, and entries £lB 10s sd. The assets were valued at £SO 4s, and liabilities nil. The election of officers for the new term resulted: —.Patron, Mr C. G. Downes, re-elected; president, Mr H. C. Rainey; Vice-presidents. Mrs A. H. Storey (Hairini and Te Rahu), Mrs L. Eyne (Kihikihi), Mrs H. Y. Collins, and Mr M'. H. Williams; treasurer, Mr A. J. Shepherd; secretary, Mr W. H. Davis (re-elected); assistant secretary. Mi'f, Davis; auditor, Mr G. O. Jourdain (re-elected); general committee, Mesdames R. Dawson, C. G. Downes, H. de L. Peake, J. Oliphant, S. R, Wareing, W. P. Locke. J. P. O’Sullivan, W. Jeffery, E. Wilkenning, J. F. Brooks, A. J. Coster D. McArthur W. Melville F. Ryourn, J. Bent, Misses Bockett, Empson, No'ith, and Rybuirn, and Messrs N. McAlister, W. J. Melville, J. Oliphant, O. S. West, F. Mason, J. R. Brown, E. Findsen, D. Bockett, A. St. P. Jordan, G. Reynolds, IjL Sexton, J. A. Marquiss, W. Shaw, A. Todd and Rev. S. R. Wareing. Mr Shepherd advocated an alteration in the rule bearing on entry fees, to provide for a special entlvy fee for classes where special prizes are offered. He pointed out that at present the entry fee for each class is 3d for members and 6d for non-mem-bers. He thought also that holders of one of the principal cups for a year should receive a miniature or replica. Other .members spoke in support, and Mr Rainey also advocated providing a special cup for the chrysanthe-

mum section. Fun drs. may not warrant making this provision at once, but he hoped the executive would try and make provision for this as soon as possible. Mr Shepherd also urged provision for prizes and points in clauses where only one exhibit is made, but which is of good quality. At present the rule provides that no award is made where there is no competition. A judge could decide as to quality. The president accepted several other suggestions for consideration when the schedules are being prepared.