THE TAWHAI NATIVE NURSERY.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19154, 10 November 1927, Page 15

THE TAWHAI NATIVE NURSERY.

[Published bt Arrangement.]

WONDERFUL EXHIBIT BY J. M. BAXTER. An exhibit of unusual interest is that of Mr J. M. Baxter, of 421 Papanui road, who is the acknowledged pioneer of the South Island in native plants and shrubs, in which he is one of the best-known authorities. It is a well-known fact that Mr Baxter has done more to cultivate and popularise native plant life than any other nurseryman in New Zealand, and when ho set himself the task, some years ago, to introduce native shrubs into the laying out of fashionable homes a great deal of dbubt was evinced as. to whether he would succeed. This doubt has now been entirely removed, and when the visitors to his stand (next to the New Zealand Forestry League's log cabin) on the opening day of the show came to look about they were amazed at the varieties and beauty of bloom displayed. Some of the plants most noticeable are:—Native Cedar, Broad Leaf, Rata, Kauri, Ribbonwood (in five varieties), Beach (in four varieties), Flowering Broom (in six varieties), Kowhai (in four varieties), and a fine display of Veronicas in over 40 varieties. In support of this wonderful exhibit several photographs aro on view showing the various plants in bloom, as well as many of the most fashionably laid out homes in Christ-church and elsewhere, which alone is proof of the attractiveness of native shrubs and plants. • In answer to a Pbess representative Mr Baxter said that he had planted over 7000 native trees in a gully on the Mt. Pleasant Estate, and although he would not live to see the fruits of his labour, it would nevertheless be a garden of beauty to coming generations and a national asset to the country. For those in search of beautiful homes we strongly recommend that they first visit this wonderful exhibit at the Show. —6

"CATERPILLAR" TRACTORS. NO LIMITS TO ITS USES. The earliest known history of "Caterpillar" Tractors dates back as far as 1886, when the patent rights were acquired for a steam-propelled tractor, and although to-day that type of tractor is what may be termed as obsolete, it speaks volumes for the workmanship in their construction that some are still working, although over 25 years old."With the advent of the internal combustion engine the gasoline •'Caterpillars" were made in 1905, and were used principally in the soft soil of the deltas of several rivers of California, and on heavy lands where deep ploughing was necessary. ~*,., With the outbreak of war the Allied Nations saw the necessity for.a surefooted, powerful means of hauling their artillery and supplies through the mud and shell-ploughed battlefield. They therefore purchased "Caterpillar" Tractors in very large numbers. Nearly fivo years ago Messrs A. S. Paterson and "Co., who are so well known throughout New Zealand, imported one of these tractors, and put it to work on a farm, ploughing, discing, cultivating, drilling, etc., besides road grading for the local county. After three years' hard work they were so well pleased with the work done and the low cost of upkeep that thev have • taken the agency for the whole of New Zealand. Since then the New Zealand Government has purchased two "Caterpillar" Tractors, besides considerable numbers to farmers and flaxmill owners in both Islands, all of whom speak in the highest terms of praise, especially where used in swampy land and hilly country, even approaching slopes of one in one and a half, which proves beyond all doubt that there are no limits to its uses. There is a unique opportunity for all to see these "Caterpillars" at work at the Show Ground, at Messrs A. S Paterson and Oo.'s stand, in the implement section, facing the oval, between the grand stand and band stand. Or to those who cannot attend, catalogues and full specifications will be forwarded promptly on application to Messrs A. S. Paterson and Co., at any of their branches, viz., Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill, Wellington, and Auckland. The care of the "Caterpillar" Tractor, or, in fact, all farm machinery, is doubly assured in the use of Tractor Power Kerosene and Big Tree lubricants'. These are displayed to advantage at the same stand. Agents —Frew Bros., Amberley, W. E. Horrell, Raniora, G. Wilcox, Ashburton, Fairlie Motor-Co., Fairlie.

Of further interest to the farmer in these days of hydro-electricity is the World-Famous A.S.E.A. Electric Motor. Used by the Public Works Department, Railway Departments, Power Boards and practically every industry, they meet every possible need of the farm where reliable power is essential. They can be seen at the Show, or write any of the branches where complete stocks are carried, for full particulars and prices. —6

HELPING THE BLIND WICKER AND BASKETWARE ON SALE. The tent on the Show Grounds in which members of the Christchureh Rotary Club will have on sale to-day and to-morrow work done by the blind in the Auckland Institute for tha Blind, will be found at the back of the new stand, a few steps beyond the secretary's office. The tent will well repay a'visit by housewives. There will be on sale wicker and basketware of every description, the range in baskets being verv complete. The workmanship will delight all who examine rt. The members of the Christchureh Rotarv Club have set themselves the tas<; of disposing of the 375 articles sent from Auckland to be sold on behalf of the Institute for the Blind. The qualitv displaved in the different articles should assist greatly in their ready sale.