The Akaroa Mail. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1903 HORTICULTURAL SHOW.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume LIII, Issue 2805, 18 September 1903, Page 2

The Akaroa Mail. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1903 HORTICULTURAL SHOW.

The Spring Show of the Peninsula Horticultural Society will take place in the Oddfellows' Hall on Thursday, October Bth. This date was fixed at the annual meeting of the Association a.n4 aeema late; but it was deemed

best to hold it on a Thursday, and Oct. Ist being the monthly S.M. Court day, there were difficulties in the way, and consequently it will take place on the Bth,

In some years this would be an exceedingly late date; but it is not so this year, for the season is all behind. The principal blooms at this Show—the Narcissii—are only just coming into bloom in their full perfection, and if we do not have a .spell of hot dry weather there should be a good show of them on October Bth, though perhaps they will be & little on the down grade. The hyacinths and violets will, we expect, be far past their best, if not altogether finished, and, on their account, it seems a pity to be so late. On the other hand, anemones, polyanthus and primroses will be at their best, some of the iris tribe should be in bloom, and we quite expect a good show of tulips. This is the first time there has been a chance of exhibiting this beautiful flower in Akaroa, and we trust full advantage will be taken of it. Camelias, auriculas and panseys, and even verbenas should also be fit for exhibition, and the ranunculi should be very forward We do hope that every rasident who has anything to exhibit will go a little out of the way to do so. It is the number and variety of exhibits that make a Show beautiful, and anyone who has anything at all to show is acting as a friend to the commnnity by doing so.

The experiment of holding a Cat Show was so successsul last year that it is to be repeated, and no doubt there will be even larger entries than on the last occasion. With our beautiful French blue, gigantic tabby, jet black and Manx cats, we should be able to fill all the classes to the delight of the juniors that visit the exhibition.

The Committee are certainly to be praised for having included in the schedule butter, ham, home-made bread, scones, cakes, etc., besides jams and pickles. This is the time of year to show the two latter, as they must have passed the ordeal of a few months keeping, and proved themselves good keepers. Our country housewives, as well as town residents, have attained great heights in the production of appetising viands, and will, no doubt, greatly enjoy another friendly struggle for supremacy.

Of all seasons this is the best for the decoration of tables, and we trust many members of the fair sex will take advantage of the opportunity. The delicate hues of the early Spring flowers are specially suited to this class of decoration, and we hope to see some beautiful effects.

We have every faith, and hope in the success of this Spring Show. There are not, of course, so many llowers in bloom at this early season, and vegetables are not yeb ready, but there is a promise and a beauty in the Spring flowers, a delicacy of scent, a

modesty of bearing, that is wanting in their gaudier sisters that flaunt their brighter and bolder hues under a hotter sun, and we dearly love to see them gathered together in exquisite con'tfas't and ever varying sweetness*