Centenary caps unbroken history

THE society was inaugurated at a public meeting held in the Mechanics’ Hall on September 1, 1911 and was called the Pakenham and District Fruit and Horticultural Society.
Mr W. Close, the first president, held that office until 1913. Mr R. Clements was secretary and Mr J. R. Henty, treasurer.
Among well-known names noted on that first committee are Messrs H. Worship, S. B. Stephenson, J. Henry, W. H. Bloomfield, A. C. Prendergast, W. H. Carne, D. McAfee, H. J. Rix, A. Hillman, A. S. Dwyer, H. Kelly and T. Sandy.
At the first show, on March 30, 1912, prize money was limited to £50, and the profit was £49.
Mr J. R. Henty was president and Mr J. J. Ahern treasurer in 1913, when another well-known resident (Mr J. Wadsley, elected a life member in 1940) was elected to the committee.
The first three shows were very successful and at the annual meeting in 1914 the society had a credit balance of £110.
Following a suggestion by Mr H. Hogan, the society came to an agreement with the Recreation Reserve Committee and a pavilion was erected on the ground, each body bearing half cost.
The tender of Mr W. J. Stephenson was accepted, at a cost of £93 to the society. This was the beginning of a period of fruitful association between the two committees; it exists today.
Mr H. Gordon was president in 1915 and Dr O. O. White vice-president. A potato plot competition was launched.
In 1917, Mr J. J. Ahern was president. Mr A. C. Prendergast acted as secretary for a few months, then handed over that position to Mr W. H. Carne. Mr Prendergast took over the duties of auditor and continued in that office until 1949.
In 1922, he was elected a life member. It is interesting to note that in 1917 a proposal was made for the inclusion of stock classes, but was not proceeded with.
The name of the society was changed to Pakenham District Horticultural Society. Mr S. B. Stephenson was president in 1918 and Dr White in 1919. To swell the funds, a spring flower show was initiated and carried on successfully for some years. Presidents were: 1921, Mr A. Smart; 1922, Mr T. N. Ellis; 1923, Mr J. J. Ahern; 1925, Mr J. R. Henty; 1927, Dr Mackey; 1928 Mr A. Abercrombie; 1929 Mr F. Kennedy; 1930, Mr M. J. Bourke.
Mr A. E. Thomas was elected secretary in 1921, and held that office for 20 years, resigning in 1941.
The show, like other institutions, suffered greatly during the depression years, and but for the loyalty of a few stalwarts, the society would have ended. For instance, at one annual meeting only five were present. Only one show was abandoned – in 1931.
In 1933, stock exhibits were introduced, mainly as a result of the efforts of Mr B. Stephens, with a class for Young Farmers’ Clubs, and these classes have since been steadily expanded.
Mr M. J. Bourke resigned as president in 1939, after nine years’ splendid work, during most difficult years.
The Pakenham Show has had many generous supporters during its long history, and owes much to them; but the society desires to pay special tribute to two men – Cr Bourke and the late Mr A. E. Thomas – without whom there would be no show today.
The loyalty they displayed, their generosity and their willingness to work untiringly for the good of the society undoubtedly laid the foundation for the fine show Pakenham has today.
Both were elected life members, and in recognition of outstanding service, this honour was also conferred on Messrs A. Dwyer, W. Coutie, S. G. Muir, J. Seddon, W. J. Wing, J. Moody and J. J. Ahern.
Mr S. Muir was president in 1939 and Mr B. Stephens in 1940. In 1941, Mr P. B. Ronald commenced duty as president and Mr J. S. Thewlis as secretary.
Owing to the war, the show was abandoned in 1939, 1942 and 1943.
The 1944 show, when the name was changed to Pakenham and District Agricultural and Horticultural Society, was run for patriotic funds, which benefited to the extent of £329.
That was the beginning of a new era in the history of the society, with the president and secretary leading a great team, which has gone from success to success.