G. J. MACKAY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 89, 16 April 1901, Page 4 (Supplement)

G. J. MACKAY.

HORTICULTURE AND GARDENING. Gardening, one of the most ancient and honourable of occupations, is also one of the most beautiful. Flowers lend a charm to the most sordid or penurious surroundings, and give a touch of humanity to the moat vicious. The flora of New Zealand is diverse and lovely, ferns especially presenting a wonderful variety, while foreign plants grow luxuriantly. One of the most prominent seed and floral merchants in Auckland is Mr (1. J. Mackay, whose establishment in Queen-street, with its artistic and striking1 front window, speaks more eloquently than words of, the scope of the business and extent of its resources. Farm and garden seeds of every conceivable kind are kept in stock, flower and vegetable seedlings are raised and supplied from the propagating boxes ready for the flower beds, bulbs of every known variety are always kept on hand, and nil classes of pot plants, including palms, ferns, etc., are raised. The large greenhouses may virtually be called a huge horticultural laboratory,, where all sorts of floral experiments are tried. Mr Mackay is a big importer of seeds, plants and" bulbs from all parts of the world, and as it is impossible to be sure just how the seeds are going to turn out until they are tested, a quanJ tit.v of each variety is planted and watched, so that customers may be assured that no mistake is made when they purchase. An expert is, at times, able to discriminate between the different quality of seeds, and in some few cases prognosticate us to their germinating, but it is impossible to be sure of the latter in every case, and consequently experiments are made in the interests of clients. There is a fashion in flowers as in all things, and at one time one type will be the prevailing favourite, while at another some other type will take its place in the public taste. We have all heard or read of the great tulip craze of the last century', when fanciers spent thousands of " pounds in growing- nnd developing different varieties, and the ancient town of Haarlem offered large money prizes to the successful growers. In later years the Orchid took the fancy of horticultural experts, and even at the present time in England wealthy amateurs spend fabulous amounts in cultivating this beautiful flower, the Earl of Roselfery arid the Hon. Jos. Chamberlain, amongst others being enthusiastic fanciers. -We may incidentally mention that Air Mackay has made n careful study of the growth of the Orchid onrable to its oultivation in rich vnriin New Zealand, and recognises that the natural conditions are very favourable, encourages its cultivation. Tn the horticultural world great interest is taken in plants and flowevs indigenous to New Zealand, and Mr Mackay does a large export business in seeds, bulbs, and plants, having correspondents and customers in the United States, England, and on the Continent, many of whom give him carte blanche for anything of a peculiar or beautiful type that will survive the rigours of a foreign climate. Of course experiments must be mode hero, by means of artificial temperatures, in I order to test whether transplanting will be successful. In addition to the horticultural business the department devoted to ordinary gardening is an important one. Vegetables of every description demand n largo share of attention, and the amateur or professional gardener is sure of funding everything he wants in Mr Mac-Lay's emporium, and if desirous can obtain instruction as to how each can be profitably and satisfactorily grown. Mr Mackay has repeatedly taken prizes at the various agricultural shows for exhibits nnd for floral work, having received chief prizes almost invariably. TJie floral work department is under the supervision of Mrs Mackay, a lady whose taste and experience is indisputable. Floral work has made rapid .strides in Auckland in recent years, and there is now a very large demand J'or wedding bouquets, funeral emblems and cut flowers of every (Inscription. Mr. Mackay has also paid considerable attention to the cultivation of chrysanthemums, and handles a splendid collection of these flowers— indeed, one of the finest in the North Island. He is the sole agent for Lippiatt, the champion rose grower, whose collection is by far the finest in Australasia. As the majority of smaller horticulturists find it more profitable to have their seedlings started for them, the propagating branch of the business is necessarily a large and important one, and some idea of the magnitude of the trade carried on by Mr Maakjiy may be gained from the statement that fully half a million plants arc propagated in the way mentioned for each season's trade, and these may be sent, by parcels post, rail, or steamer, to any part of Ihe country. They are so pac;lcod thai if: handled with any degree of care there is little or no chance of injury, however long the journey may be. The nursery branch is very large, and the stock extensive, including fruit trees, flowering shrubs, bedding plants and all other lines. Mr. Mackay, who is a native of Auckland, as a boy took great interest in flowers and gardening, and may be said to have almost grown up in the business. As a youth of twelve he began to apply himself to his profession. He spent 15 years in Australia in charge of a large seed and plant business in Adelaide, S.A., and about two and a half years ago returned to Auckland to establish his present, business. His clientele rapidly increases, and his general trade has grown to such an extent that he shortly contemplates adding largely to his greenhouses. Like all men who love flowers, and live in their atmosphere, Mr Mackay is of a genial and kindly disposition^ ...