Horticultural Societies sprung up throughout the country, encouraging improvements in cultivation of flowers, fruits and vegetables.
The Motueka Horticultural Society held their first spring show on 2 December, 1880 in the Church of England’s old schoolroom, which underwent a transformation at the hands of the ladies and men who decorated it with fronds of the Nikau palm, tree ferns and floral displays. The room, divided into two, allowed for flowers to be shown in one and fruit and vegetables in the other. The response to the show was such that the Society quickly realised if they were to run a show the following year, they would need more space.
It was not surprising considering the district excelled in growing fruit and produce.
The numbers were increased by the paddle steamer Lady Barkly that made an excursion trip in the morning from Nelson to Motueka, bringing a good number of attendees with it, as well as some who entered exhibits, and the judges. Over 50 exhibitors took part in the show with many of them entering more than one exhibit. The show opened at 2pm, and as people entered, the visual effects of the decorations and the abundance of flowers, plants, fruit and vegetable, paired with the aroma of the flowers, truly set the scene. But to complete the ambience of the show, a piano, loaned by Mr H. Gilbert, was played throughout the afternoon.
Mrs H. P. Park won first prize for pot plants with a fuchsia, Dr Johansen for his cut flowers and for fruit with his monster gooseberries and Captain Ponsonby won first for vegetables with his lettuces. The show ran from 2pm to 5pm, and from 7pm to 9pm in the evening. The society was pleased with the results of their efforts, having taken some trouble to secure the success of the show.
Unfortunately, there is always someone ready to complain and “Fushia Fulgens”, while congratulating the Society on their success, intimated that Nelson gardeners helped to take away the prizes from the country amateurs, and recommended this should not be allowed to happen in future, as how could they compete against better gardeners.
There were many who put pen to paper to counteract the statements made.
“Fair Play” replied that an impudent slur of reproach on the gardener who won a prize of monetary value was out of line and had he/she bothered to find out that the winner had given the prize back to the society to help it out. Letters continued to go back and forward between the two writers until the newspaper called an end to anymore correspondence on this particular affair.
The following year, the society held their second show which brought large crowds and numerous exhibitors and exhibits. Added to the exhibits was a category for grains, hops, jams, butters, preserved fruits and cheeses. The schoolrooms were used again but a large tent was adjoining to be devoted solely to the fruit and vegetable display.
Music was supplied by the Motueka Brass Band under the leadership of Mr Crawford. Motueka Horticultural Society had cemented its reputation for producing fine shows which continued for many years.
