HAPPENINGS IN THE CAPITAL.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2068, 30 November 1906, Page 5

HAPPENINGS IN THE CAPITAL.

(By Penelope.) OUR NEW ATTORNEY-GENERAL. I)r Findlay on Friday evening was invested at Government House with this portfolio, and also that of Colonial Secretary. He is an important figure in Wellington, for he is not only a most successful lawyer but a man of letters, with a pen, had he only time to use it, both graceful and humorous. His clever articles on the Midland Railway Commissioners' trip are still remembered with enjoyment, and his keen sense of the amusing, and his marvellous memory for quotation makes him a brilliant conversationalist and eloquent public speaker. He has a splendid library, which he is constantly adding to, which narrowly escaped destruction in the late lire. In appearance, the new AttorneyGeneral is middle-aged, slight and dark, with heavy moustache and silver grey hair. His wife shares his love' for motorine and music—Dr Findlay plays the cello, or rather did play when his life was not so arduous—and she herself sings well. They have three boys, the eldest about 13. Dr Findlay's brother is a member of the firm, as is also }lr Dalziel, who has been on his wedding trip home with his bride, Miss Grace, and will shortly arrive in Wellington. ROSES AND CARNATIONS.

A very good spring show of these flowers was opened this week by Mrs T. C. Williams, who has herself one of the few large gardens in Wellington. Dr Izard is the President of the Rose and Carnation Show, and grows himself fine carnations in the small plot of ground behind his house. Among the exhibits, the new single briers—copper, pink, white, and crimson—were much admired, while a fleshtinted bloom, Lady Roberts, received a perfect ovation. The best carnation was a deep pink Malmarson, and -the best rose a Mildred Grant. The bouquets and tables were disappointing—the former too crowded, the latter wanting in artistic simplicity. Silver vases, lace centres, silk embroideries, and painted chiffons ought not to enter into a table decoration at all, or at least the judges should be able to ■ disassociate these from the flower arrangements, which is by no means easy. Mrs H. M. Gore carried off first prize with crimson sweet peas and grasses, and the second table—in mauve and pink sweet peas in silver vases set among arabesques of the same-tinted ribbon was delicately pretty. It is a wonder no one utilises the native flowers in such a competition. At present the dainty scented white creeper some call the New Zealand vine is in full bloom,, and would blend exquisitively with the tinted beech leaves.

A curious exhibit was a vivid yellow orchid, like tiny clustering jonquils on a distorted stem. This was grown by Poole, who gained first prize for pot plants, the second prize falling to Mr Hamilton Gilmer, who owns very fine grounds on.the crest of the Terrace. Of course the amateur gardeners came in crowds to compare, admire and criticise, and give orders to the various nurseries for plants. One enthus astic rose-lover bought 64 roses in a few minutes, and it is.very evident such a show is the very best means of advertising.