CHRISTMAS SPIRIT AT THE ROSE SHOW

Press, Volume C, Issue 29679, 24 November 1961, Page 2

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT AT THE ROSE SHOW

The spirit of Christmas was caught by exhibitors at the combined National Rose Society’s Show and the Canterbury Horticultural Rose and Cut Flower Show yesterday. Imaginative and beautiful floral arrangements, some with holy statues and cribs as accessories, depicted the beauty of Christmas in its finest meaning. A painted church wall with stained glass windows formed the background of the winning entry, submitted by Mrs R. Elcock. The floral piece, in white and green, was complemented by a statue of the Virgin, and a pine crib, all set on deep blue satin. White candles completed the picture. The second prize was a huge, massed arrangement in a pedestal bowl. This was white, with a gold focal point. Delicate white and gold drapes surrounded the piece, which was completed with a holy statue and a miniature crib made of moss. This was the work of Mrs N. G. Mitchell. A traditional Christmas scene was made with a win-dow-effect. This gave the impression of lookmg through a window onto a brightly-painted snow-cover-ed village. The table in front

of the window was set with a bowl of red, white and gold roses on a gold cloth, and a pile of Christmas cards as a writer might have left them for a moment. White satin curtains, tied with gold cord, completed the picture.

A note of gaiety was introduced with one arrangement of holly, ivy, and Christmas lilies. A lantern and a carolbook has been used as accessories.

Women took a prominent part in yesterday's show, a great many winning prizes. More than 100 had come from many parts of the Dominion for the convention, and took a keen interest in the show. A woman judge was included on the panel in the National Rose Society's Show. She is Mrs J. C. Mayo, president of the Hutt Valley and East Harbour Rose Society, and a member of the national executive. The only woman judge in the national section, Mrs Mayo judged, the decora.V.