Impressions of a Convention

The 1983 convention of the Ontario Horticultural Association took place in Hamilton, June 15-17 inclusive. The theme was "Service is our Aim". Some 620 registered delegates represented 147 societies.

We arrive at the downtown Holiday Inn in the afternoon of June 15th. The weather was very hot, with industrial smog very evident It remained so throughout the three days. Registration was quick, reflecting the experience and organizational abilities of the OHA staff. The evening entertainment provided by District No. 6 (Brant, Halton, Norfolk and Westworth) featured the Dofasco Choir. It was excellent and well received by a good turnout of delegates.

On June 16th we got down to business at 9 a.m. The delegates were greeted by Robert Merrill, Mayor of Hamilton, Peter Fleming, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and John Simkins, Director of District No. 6. All were sincere and impressive.

Bryce Japp, in his president's address, voiced support of the move to Guelph and the Horticultural Societies coming under the Rural Organizations and Services Branch.

Resolutions presented to the members included a request to put the study of horticulture back into the schools, a request to upgrade the Agriculture School facilities at Guelph and an expression of concern with provincial sales tax now being applied to purchases of horticultural items.

The theme address was by Dennis R. Timbrell, Minister of Agriculture and Food. He stressed that some $50,000 has been earmarked for the school system and horticultural courses. The move to join the Rural Organizations Branch at Guelph was supported as being cost effective and beneficial to providing improved service. If funding is needed for special projects, societies were encouraged to approach other groups, such as service clubs, with funds to spend or fund raising expertise. Regarding sales tax on horticultural items, Mr. Timbrell asked his audience what other taxes should be levied or increased to replace lost

revenues. He doubted the 7% tax would prevent purchases of horticultural supplies. He went on to praise the efforts of his government in keeping its budget within reasonable limits. In all Mr. Timbrell was an impressive speaker, in control of the situation and looking very youthful. All attributes of a successful politician.

Russ Gomme, a favourite of the perennial delegates, made his farewell address as secretary of the OHA, after 24 years of such service.

The afternoon work session included a study of "How is your Constitution". Harvy Fraser of Pembroke, a former OHA president, was a familiar face on the panel. Discussion ranged from a very detailed constitution which included all by-laws to a very short "bare bones" style which would leave the local directors with much room to maneuver and meet changing times.

At the banquet that night, Russ Gomme was presented an oil painting and a cash tribute. Typical of Russ, he said he would use the money to visit individual societies to renew and keep alive his many friendships gained over his many years with the OHA.

On Friday, the resolutions were approved, the new president was installed and our Maurice Marshall moved up to First Vice-President of the OHA.

The morning work session was a discussion of "Horticultural Societies of the Future". The moderator Tony Hogervorst, suggested a "sheep dog" approach to members-"Round 'em up and point 'em in the right direction". Panelist Chuck Jacobs discussed changing times, the average age and general knowledge of members increasing and effective use to be made of extra leisure time. Peter Fleming referred to many more farm gardens coming into use. Amber Gibbons stressed communication needs, suggesting short informative meetings and the use of brief newsletters to reach and inform members. All panel members were former 4-H club members, perhaps a sign of the new set up under the Rural Organizations and Services Branch. Also, they were young and enthusiastic.

The 1984 convention will be held at Laurentian University, Sudbury, June 13th to 15th. Maurice Marshall will then be installed as president of the parent organization. If you would like an interesting few days with fellow horticulturalists learning how to grow societies, plan to attend.

J. J. SAUNDERS.

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