MR. REED: We could also see the Botanical Garden and the collection of large trees.
THE PRESIDENT: I think the sentiment is in favor of the western meeting.
We can easily get to Mr. Riehl's place from St. Louis.
MR. REED: It is 22 miles from St. Louis to Alton, and there you can change and go to Mr. Riehl's. I think it best to go to St. Louis for the convention and to take a day at Mr. Riehl's place.
THE SECRETARY: As to the date we would not be able to decide upon that without first consulting Mr. Riehl and learning the time convenient for him. However, we should express our opinion as to the best time, approximately.
MR. REED: I believe it would be to the advantage of the organization to go there at a time when the nuts are on the trees. We have seen the species and varieties in bearing, but we have not seen a paying orchard ready for harvest. I believe we should have the meeting about September 10, or a little later.
THE PRESIDENT: Then we will move that the convention next year be held at St. Louis on September 10, or a little later as may be decided by the Executive Committee after consultation with Mr. Riehl.
(Motion put, voted and carried).
DR. MORRIS: Another important matter is in regard to publicity. For this meeting I have sent notes to about 15 different publications, expecting that they would give us notices. Not a single one of them gave us notices. This morning one of the reporters called me and said he was sorry he could not be here as he had an important meeting to attend. He wanted to know what the Northern Nut Growers' Association was like, if it was something like the Tree Planting Association. The fact is that people do not understand, as yet, the meaning of this association or its purpose. They do not realize that California sends 25,000 tons of walnuts to market, worth millions of dollars, and 10,000 tons of almonds this year. They don't realize that down in Georgia, in the poor, puny pinewoods where men had a hard time to make a living at one time, they are now riding around in limousines because they are growing nuts. They do not realize the enormous social and economic importance and consequence of work of the nut growers of today in the part that they play in the agriculture of the world for tomorrow. The newspapers would rather send some representative to see a prince fall down with his horse. But I know from mutual acquaintances that the Prince would rather be with us here today at this meeting than to be listening to a thousand and one nonentities and taking part in conversations with no future meaning. I believe that if I had thought about inviting him in time I should have had him out here. I have had experience with members of royalty before and I know what serious-minded people they are.
The next subject discussed was that of dropping members who are not in general good standing. After the discussion the decision stood that no action could be taken unless specific charges against the member were presented and proven true.
Another matter discussed was that of compensation to Mrs. Gahn for doing secretarial work for the association. It was voted by those present that she should be compensated, but the amount of compensation should be left to the decision of the Executive Committee.