14 THE BOOK OF THE FLOWER SHOW 



of the Society. To keep the books, records, and minutes of all 

 such meetings, and conduct the correspondence of the Society, 

 other than the Foreign and Colonial correspondence (unless 

 required}. To attend and remain present during the whole 

 duration of the Society's various Shows, and to assist at the 

 same as may be reasonably required by the Committee of the 

 Society. To perform the 'whole of the clerical 'work of the 

 Society, and to negotiate and make all necessary arrangements 

 for and in connection with the Society s Shows. To collect and 

 receive all moneys due to the Society, and pay the same into 

 the Society's bankers forthwith, and give official printed 

 receipts for the same. Subject to the directions of the Com- 

 mittee, to have the custody and preserve the books, papers, and 

 general effects of the Society, and deliver up the same to the 

 Executive Committee at the end of his engagement. He shall 

 also in all things carry out such duties as are specified in the 

 rules and regulations of the Society, where applicable, and 

 carry out the reasonable directions of the Committee whenever 

 called upon so to do. 



Here is a much simpler Rule that will be suitable for 

 several Societies : The Secretary for the time being shall 

 take charge of all the books, papers, etc., belonging to 

 the Society, and it shall be his duty to convene all 

 meetings, and conduct the correspondence. All moneys 

 shall be paid over to the Treasurer as soon as received, 

 who shall make payment only by cheque signed by him- 

 self, Chairman, and Secretary. 



The extended Rule is more especially applicable in 

 the case of a paid Secretary, but it may be modified to 

 suit any Society, whether the Secretary is an honorary or 

 a paid official. 



There is no doubt whatever that the Secretary is the 

 most important officer in a Horticultural Society. He 

 may make or mar the success of the Society, not merely 

 by the work he does, or fails to do, but by his manner. 



