MASTERTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVII, Issue 20, 15 May 1912, Page 41

MASTERTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

We are in receipt of a copy of the Mastertoil Horticultural .Society’s fourth annual report and balance-sheet, which were presented at the annual meeting held last week. According to the report, the experiment of holding a bulb exhibition proved most satisfactory—thanks to the kindness of Mr. Alfred Booth who provided a large and beautiful collection of blooms. The exhibition proved that there were some keen bulb enthusiasts in the society, and there is every reason to believe many more will take an interest in the culture for which there is so much scope. The rose and sweet pea show though not a financial success provided a magnificent display of roses. Sweet peas, unfortunately, were not up to usual good standard. Thanks to a number of sweet pea enthusiasts, a handsome silver challenge bowl has been provided for annual competition at this show. Mr. George Macfarlane, of Greytown, being the first winner. Mrs. W. H. Booth, of middle Run, holds the Dixon Rose bowl for the best rose in the show. The fourth autumn show —thanks to many donors towards the prize fundshowed a small profit, which, had the weather conditions been more favourable would have been considerably increased. The entries for this show nearly equalled those of the first show, al! the classes, with the exception of cut flowers, were well up to tlie standard. The cut flowers owing to several days’ heavy rain suffered severely. A great feature was the table decorations and -decorated mantlepieces, which made a most picturesque exhibit in the Town Hall. The champion tickets for the best dahlia in the show were awarded to Mrs. H. T. Wood; best aster to Mr. H. A. Bygum: best rose, Mr. G. C. Summerell. The Society has a substantial balance of assets, but in view of the possibility of wet weather, and consequent decrease, in entries and attendance, it is essential that the membership should be considerably increased, with a view to avoiding canvassing for donations. A matter to which the committee have given considerable attention is the definition of those eligible to compete at the Society’s shows. The committee are of opinion that it is in the best interests of the Society that the "Open Class” should be open to all, so that members and the public can have the advantage of viewing the results of the nurserymen's labours against those who are prepared to compete with them. The Amateur definition and class will still remain. The statement of accounts shows the total receipts to have been £76 1/5, the expenditure leaving a credit balance of £2O 17/6.