BOTANIC GARDENS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16119, 25 January 1918, Page 9

BOTANIC GARDENS.

VISITED BY NURSERYMEN

A pleasant two hours were spoilt by the delegates, attending the annual (loniVrenc-t- of the Now Zealand Nur«.eryinen\» Association yesterday afternoon in the Botanic Gardens. I'rac-tu-nlly all the delegates were present, r.nd Akssrs F. Pope, oi Agriculture, 1". 'W. Kirk, I)ircotor ol Horticulture, and J. A. Campbell. Assistant Director, were also of the party. Menfbcrs assembled at the Museum gate of the Uardeus. they were met by Mr James Young, the curator, and Mr Robert Nairn (presideiu of the Christchurch Council oi the Nurserymen's Association).

Tho party -neat. via the archery ground, to the rosery. which drew iorth many expressions of praise lrom the visiting delegates, who wore alf" 1 impressed by the business-like methods of the women gardeners they met with during their progress through the Gardens. The native section was ne\t visited, and the completeness of the collection, and the excellent growth shown, were very lavonrably commented upoii. It was stated by delegates qualified to speak with authority that in no other city of the Dominion -was there such a fino collection of native trees and shrubs. The Winter Garden was next visited, and afterwards the visitors had afternoon tea at the Tea Kiosk.

Mr T. AYaugh. the president of the Association, speaking at the afternoon tea. and in moving a vote, of thanks to Mr Young I'm- the pleasant afternoon he had given the delegates, said that there was a number of practical men present, end ho could assure Mr Young that it had been a real pleasure to them to inspect the gardens. One thing that he (Mr TYaugh) envied Mr Young, was the good old Knglisli trees in the gardens. "I don't think that if you _';o anywhere in the world," added Mr AVaugh, "you would see a finer 10l than there is to he found here. I can assure you that we have been quite interested in what we have seen."' Tho vote of thanks was accorded unanimously and by acclamation. Sir Young, in acknowledging, said that it gave him great pleasure to see so many professional nurserymen present. He ivas informed that it ivas one of the largest gatherings of nurserymen that there had ever been in New Zealand, and he was gratified with the kind remarks that had been n-ade about the beautiful trees and the grounds. He hoped to see the delegates back in Christchurch on another occasion. Aftor a visit to the United Bowling Club's greens, the propagating houses were s-een, and the visit concluded.