Wairarapa Standard Published Tri-weekly, Price 1d. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20,1886. The Greytown Horticultural Society.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XIX, Issue 1891, 20 October 1886, Page 2

Wairarapa Standard Published Tri-weekly, Price Id. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20,1886. The Greytown Horticultural Society.

Fou i long time past we have felt that the Greytown Horticultural Society has not been so well supported as it ought to be. This remark may to many persons appear absurd when it is remembered that on the night of the exhibition the Town Hall is always crowded with visitors. This is all very well, but there is no use shutting one’s eyes to the fact that the whole of the work in connection with these periodical shows is carried out by a lew energetic individuals for the sake of the township, and in order that the Jove of gardening shall be cultured. It is a fact that beyond putting in exhibits, some of our best horticulturists never attend a meeting, and therefore the suggestions and advice of such persons are of no avail to the Society. This is not as it should be, and a little reflection on the part of out flower and fruit growers will lead them to pass judgment upon themselves for flheir lnke»warmnesa. Why should a few energetic individuals, whose occupations are not in the horticultural line, bo the backbone of the Society, when there are good practical men—men who have bed years of experience in this district and know everything necessary with regard to climate and soil as well os to plants. These are the men who should come forward and make the Show a success, and we hope the few words we have spoken will have the effect of warming their interests in our horticultural and industrial shows. We are not depreciating the efforts of those who have been so dillgent in keeping np the interests of these Shows in the past; all honor to them for the part they have taken, and may they long continue to do so. Again, we most complain of tire apathy of the public in providing special prizes. There has been very little liberality in this matter save by a few, and we have wondered at it. Gentlemen who have enough of this world’s goods and to spare, could do much to foster the growing interest in | horticultural matters by offering special prizes, and we hope there will be a liberal response to the appeal to be made on behalf of the coming Show. We trust also that private individuals will not be backward in sending in exhibits when the day arrives. In fruit, flowers, vegetables, produce, bee culture, &c., there have been seme splendid specimens exhibited in the past, and we hope that this year will see a healthy emulation on all sides. If our practical gardeners will give the Society a little more of their experience and attention ; if those who can afford it will come down handsomely with special prizes, and the public generally feel that the Show is theirs and will send in exhibits, the Spring Show of 1886 will be a decided success, and be an earnest of better things in the future.