NATIONAL SHOW

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 105, 27 January 1933, Page 11

NATIONAL SHOW

Summer Blooms Displayed FINE COLOUR VARIETY Big Event in Town Hall RICH ARRAY OF FLOWERS Midsummer flowers of extraordinary beauty are being displayed in rich profusion at the National Flower Show, 4933, in the Town Hall. The show is being held in conjunction with the national conference of horticulture, and it was officially opened yesterday afternoon by the Mayor, Mr. T. C. A; Hislop, in the presence of a large gathering of peonle. Amateur gardeners, who no doubt made up the greater part of the attendance, are notoriously envious people; and there was nianj a superb bloom to trouble them; but for most of them, probably envy was lost in sheer admiration of an exceptionally fine display- The begonias, gladioli, dahlias, and hydrangeas should certainly be missed by no one. The exhibition will continue to-day, and it is a national venture held under the combined auspices of the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, the New Zealand Horticultural Trades’ Association, the Horticultural Seedsmen s Association of New Zealand; the Association of Directors of Parks and Reserves, and the Hutt Valley and Wellington Horticultural Societies. With these bodies all directly concerned, something special might have been expected, and has, indeed,-been achieved. Not for many years—perhaps never before —has such a display been arranged in Wellington. For one seeking to describe the appearance of the main hall, a riot of colour is an obvious figure. It is also a true one, as all who visit the show will discover. Features of Exhibition. Here, in the main hall, where many excellent exhibits are on view, the available 6-pace vras packed with visitors throughout yesterday afternoon. . The varl °“S exhibits were arranged right round the walls, as well as in the centre, and in front of the stage were the larger ones of pot plants and hydrangeas. Most ot the trade displays were in the big hall. The begonias, pansies and dahlias, attraded a great deal of attention, and some beautiful varieties in these sections were displayed. A. J. Shailer and Sons, won the open class display for a vase.of dahlias arranged for effect, this being greatly admired, as were the begonias grown by Mr. K. H. Johnston, at Karon. Jlis first prize in the trade display was a fine exhibit. The champion bloom for begonias, exhibited by Mr. H. A. Fox, elicited keen admiration. , . , , ... „ Colourful pansies arranged by Miss Murray, were particularly dainty, and those neatly presented in baskets looked most effective. c Pot plants shown by H. Toole and k.oik> and native plants grown in pots by 1. Waugh and Sons, also Were greatly adjust outside the door of the main hall was a display of New Zealand hemp from Massey Agricultural College. Attractive Fruit Display. On one side of the stage the New Zealand Fruitgrowers’ Federation has an attractive display of Dominion mark fruit, including peaches, apricots, plums, and nectarines, as well as Gravenstein apples, and on the other side is the display of New Zealand-grown citrus fruits oranges, lemons, and grapefruit—with a number of young grbwing trees. . Upstairs in the Concert Chamber the decorative classes make a strikingly beautiful display. Professional and amateur florists have excelled themselves in adding by their skill to the natural beauty ot the flowers. It is a case, indeed, where the lily has been successfully gilded. At one end of the Concert Chamber is a large collection of water-colour paintings by Mrs. 0. M. Tonkin of New Zealand flowers and plants, and these paintings are attracting a great deal of attention. At the other end is the collection of gladioli grown by school children. The hydrangeas are a particularly rich feature of the decorative classes. The bannisters of the stairway leading tip to the Concert Chamber. are covered with greenery, and on the first landing, at each side, is the display ot basketware, including garden furniture, made at Auckland by inmates of the Jubilee Institue for the Blind. Collections of vegetables are in the corridor at the head of the stairs, and further round the corridor are the superlative displays of gladioli and sweet, peas. Exhibits of New Zealand woods and New Zealandgrown tobacco are at the extreme end of the corridor. Opening Ceremony. The official opening ceremony was performed yesterday at 3 p.ra. by the Mayor, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop. The chairman wgs Mr. F. J. Nathan, president of the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, and those on the stage were Mrs. Hislop, Mrs. Knox Gilmer, president of the Wellington society, Mr. N; Gibbons, president of the Lower Hutt society, Mr. J. A. Campbell, of the Department of Agriculture, and Mrs. Campbel). Before introducing the mayor, Mr. F. J. Nathan, president of the Institute of Horticulture, said that the show compared more than favourably with the national shows that had been held in New Zealand previously. “I don’t wish to make comparisons.” Mr Nathan said, “but one is moved especially to admiration of the displays of begonias in this hall to-day. Those of us who have had the privilege of seeing exhibitions of this flower in other parts of the world can say without exaggeration that they have not seen a finer display of that particular flower anywhere than the display here to-day. You have also a very wonderful collection of hydrangeas, dahlias, and gladioli, and there is also the Loder Cup competition, to which 1 would draw special attention. "Those of us who are interested in horticulture in New Zealand have deplored the fact in the past that insufficient attentioii has been paid to the native flora and flowering shrubs in New Zealand and too much attention has been paid to the growing and importation of flowers from other countries. There has always seemed to me to be a want of thought and consideration of lhe wonderful plants we have growing in New Zealand and are neglecting. The Loder Cup has certainly evoked a greater interest in them.” In his concluding remarks, .Mr. Nathan congratulated the Wellington Society on the work it had done to make the show a success. The Mayor’s Remarks. The Mayor, before declaring the show open, said : “The functions of a mayor are many and varied, but among them perhaps some of the most pleasant arc those occasions which from time to time give him the opportunity of opening a flower show and seeing many varied and beautiful exhibits that upon these occasions are to be seen. It is indeed a contrast to a very different type of meeting at which I was present this morning where we were in an atmosphere not sb calm and with minds not devoted to the beauties of nature, but were hammering out our own views on that difficult national problem of exchange and inflation. “It ts a pleasant contrast to be present at an occasion such as this to-day. I often wonder why it is necessary for exhibitions like this one to require an official opening, because, after all, what you nil desire, and what Tdesire. is to have as much time free as we can have for the purpose of looking nt the exhibits which are being displayed.” Mr. TUMon commented upon the most

prominent features of the show, and concluded by congratulating all the various bodies which make up the New Zealand Horticultural Institute on their original initiative three years ago in forming the society and on the work they had done since.’making it possible to hold the very beautiful, extensive, and comprehensive exhibition now before them. lie then declared the show oflicially opn. List of Awards. The list of awards is as follows: — Trade Display. Pot plants, space 10ft. by 10ft. H. Poole and Son, 1. _ T _ Space 10ft. by sft. (against wall)—K. H. Johnston, 1: '4J* & Bllby, 2. Begonias.—Open Class. Six tuberous begonias, distinct varieties, doubles (in pots)—R. H. Johnston, 1. Three tuberous begonias, distinct varieties; 'doubles—H. A. Fox, 1 and 2. Three tuberous begonias, distinct varieties—H. A. Fox, 1; J. Michie, 2. Begonias. —Amateur Class. Four tuberous begonias, any varieties, doubles—J. C. Webb, 1. Two tuberous begonias, any varieties — E. Cook. 1. Begonia Blooms. —Open Class. Twelve blooms. distinct -varieties, doubles —H. A. Fox, 1. Six blooms, distinct varieties, doubles — H. A. Fox, 1. - „ . Three blooms, distinct varieties—H. A. Fox, 1 and 2. Amateur Class. , Six blooms, any varieties, doubles—J. w. Sinclair, 1. . ■ , Three blooms, any varieties, doubles — E. Cook, 1; W. Watts, 2. Three blooms, any varieties —E. Cook, 1; J. W. Sinclair, 2. „ _ Champion bloom selected from all above classes —H. A. Fox. Carnations. —Open Class. Display, arranged for effect—H. Jones and H. V. Mountfort. Six vases, three in a vase, any varieties — H. Jones, .1. Cut Flowers.—Open Class. Nine vases, distinct kinds—’ft . H. P. Barber, 1: Mrs. R. H. Johnston, 2. Dahlias. —Open Class. Display, arranged for effect, to cover not more than 100 sq. ft. —A* J. Shailer and Son. 1. ' , T Twenty-four blooms, one In a vase—a. j. Shailer and Son, 1. Entries of ptber competitors were not on six-inch stalls as required. Dahlias.—Amateur Class. Display, arranged for effect, to cover not more than 30 sq. ft—F. J. Burrell, 1; H. Jones, 2. ' _ _ Twelve blooms, one in a vase —a. J. Burrell, 1; H. Jones, 2. Six blooms, one in a vase —F. J. Burrc-u, 1; Mrs. H. IV. Keisley, 2. Hydrangeas.—Open Class. Display, grown in pots—C. F. Pilcher and Son, 1. Display of cut flowers —Anstis and Son. Ferns. —Open Class. Display of established ferns—C. F. Pilcher and Son, 1; C. F. Pilcher and' Son, o. Decorative.—Amateur Class. Decorated . basket, large—Mrs. A. J. du Pont, 1: Mrs. H. D. Bennett, 2. Decorated basket, medium size—Mrs. J. M. Nicholson. 1; Miss E. Korsley, 2; Mrs. W. Jenkins, h.c. , _ . Decorated basket, small—Mrs. A. J. du Pont. 1: Miss E. A. Beagley, 2. Receptacle of roses—Mrs. H. D. Bennett, 1; MISS N. Tarr. 2. Dish garden—Mrs, V. Whittington, 1; Miss Neyton. 2; Mrs. Jervis, h.c. • Small table showing “still life study, to include flowers—Mrs. Charles Haines, 1; Mi S 3 N. Tarr, 2. Bowl of flowers, any foliage—Miss E. A. Beagley, 1; Mrs. Herbert, 2. Bowl of hydrangeas—Mrs. A. J. du Pont. 1; Miss D. Findlay, 2; Miss E. A. Beagley, Bowl of gladioli—Mrs. H. D. Bennett, 1; Mrs. W. Jenkins, 2. Low bowl Ot flowers, suitable for diningroom table—Mrs. J. M. Nicholson, 1; Miss N. Tarr 2. Bowl of sweet peas—Miss E. A. Beagley, 1; Miss E. Kersley, 2. Vase of flowers, arranged for effect—Miss E. A. Beagley. 1: Mrs. K. M. Arlow. 2. Presentation ot bouquet—Mrs. J. M. Nicholson. 1; Mrs. E, O. Wahren 2 Early Victorian posy—Mrs. J. M. Nicholson. 1; Miss Baillie, 2. Ladv’s dav posy—Miss E. A. Beagley, 1. Mrs. V. Whittington, 2. Lady’s shoulder spray, for evening wear —Miss E. A. Beagley, 1; Mrs. V. Whittington, 2.•• Gladioli—Open Class. Collection of gladioli to cover not more than 50 sq. ft., arranged for effect—T .C. Bi Twelve spikes gladioli, distinct varieties, one in a vase —11. E. Edwards, 1 and champion; A. J. Jackson. 2;'A. Soanes, 3; S. H. D. Perryman, b.c. ■ Six spikes, distinct varieties, one in a vase—Griffiths and Jenkins, 1; A. J. Jackson, 2; H. E. Edwards, 3. Three spikes gladioli, distinct varieties, one In a vase—A. J. Jackson, 1; H. E. Edwards, 2; A. goanes, 3. ' Six varieties, primulinus hybrids, three spikes each, three in a vase—T. C. Bilby, 1; A., Soanes. 2; S. H. D. Peryman. 3. Three varieties primulinus hybrids, three spikes each, three in a vase—A. Soanes, 1. , Gladioli.—Amateur Claus. . Six spikes gladioli, distinct varieties, one in a vase—G. Packwood, 1; A. H. Mclnnes, 2; L. Pointon, 3. • . .. Three spikes gladioli, any varieties, one in a vase—L. Pointon. 1 and champion; A. H. Mclnnes. 2. Champion blooms—Open classes. H. Edwards; amateur classes, L. Pointon. Native Plants. —Open Class. Twenty-four native plants, grown In pots—T. Waugh and Son. 1.

Loder Cup Competition. Display of New Zealaud plants—l. Waugh and Sou. 1. ■

Roses. —Open Class. Display, arranged for effect, on space not exceeding 20 sq. ft.-C. F. Pilcher and Son. . . Twelve blooms, any varieties, one in a vase—S.' H. D. Peryman. Six blooms, any varieties, one in a vase— Mrs. Macarthy pejd. Three blooms, any varieties, one in a vase—Mrs. Macarthy Reid. Twelve sprays, dwarf polyantba roses, anv varieties—Anstis and Son. . Six sprays, dwarf polyantba roses, any varieties—Anstis and Son, 1. Twelve polyantba roses (grown in pots), any varieties—T. Waugh and Son. Sweet Peas.—Open Class. Twelve vases, distinct varieties, six stems of each variety—F. Westbury, 1; ' Six vases, distinct varieties, six stems of each variety—D. Wall, 1; D. R. Forsyth, 2; F. Westbury, 3. Sweet Feas.—Amateur Class. Six vases, distinct varieties, six stems of each variety.—D. R. Forsyth, 1; A. Edmunds, 2. Three rases, distinct varieties, six stems of each variety—H. J. Creely, 1; A. Smart, Champion vase, selected from all above classes—F. Westbury. - Fruit.—Open Class. Lemons (cured), one tray—J. C. Hardy, 1; J. C. Hardy, 2. Vegetables.—Open Class. Collection of vegetables—W. Chambers, 1; H. Urquhart, 2. Children's Competition. Open to children in city and suburban schools, including Hutt. Valley. Senior—S. Henderson, Petone, 1: M. Forbes, Kilbirnle, 2; Joan Collins, Kflblrnie. 3. Junior.—Peggy Lawless, Lower Hutt. 1; James Roberts, Milton Street, 2; Constance ■lnstone, Lower Hutt, 3. Non-competitive Classes. In the non-competitive classes, awards of merit were granted the following:— Miss Farey and Miss A. Gray (florists’ display). F. Cooper. Ltd. (seedsmen’s display), G. Cooper (hydrangeas), Forestry Department (timber).

PRIZE HYDRANGEAS

There is no more satisfactory garden flower to-day than the hydrangea. Easy to cultivate, a quick response to treatment, a long period of bloom, and pleasing colours all combine to make it a general garden favourite. Messrs. C. P. Pilcher and son, the Waiwetu Nurseries, Lower Hutt, have been extending their holding of hydrangeas for some years, until to-day they carry an extensive stock of the most favoured varieties. Their display of plants at the National Flower Show won for them the well-merited first prize in tlie open section. So many and varied are the modern hydrangeas that each variety has its particular charm. Among the newer introductions which are particularly attractive are Ajasi, the lilacflowered Japanese variety, which Is 4

quite distinctive, and Hlrdirdce, an unusual pink of Japanese origin. Elmar, Goliath, La Marne, My Ideal, Sensation, Lancelot, and Mrs. J. J. Jones are extremely popular with gardeners, and embrace all the most pleasing shades of blues and pinks. Messrs. Pilcher and Sou also specialise in ferns, their collections at the Town Hall gaining for them a first and a- second award.—P.B.A. UNIQUE FLOWER PAINTINGS It is a regrettable fact that most of us will never see some of New Zealand’s most remarkable plants. Mrs. Tonkin, of Auckland, who is not only a lover of our native flora, but a gifted artist as well, has made it possible for us to enjoy at least some of the charms of our shy natives in our own homes. With painstaking care, she has located a large number of our native plants and painted them when at their best. The result is one of the most interesting exhibits at the National Flower Show. Mrs. Tonkin has greatly enhanced the charm of her pictures by supplying .with each a little note detailing the habitat, flowering season, and general characteristics of the subject it represents. —P.B.A. PLEASING FLORAL EFFECTS

One of the outstanding exhibits in the Concert Chamber is the “Farey Bower,” by Miss A. Farcy, Floriste, of the Burlington Arcade, Cuba Street. The display takes the form of a pleasant garden, enclosed by a rustic fence. Exquisite colour combinations mark many of the dainty posies and bouquets. Beautiful wreaths qre also to be seen, and considerable interest was shown yesterday in the true lovers’ knot, cunningly evolved from hydrangea and other blooms. A table set for dinner, beatififully decorated with flowers, is probably the high-note in a most effective display. Miss Farey specialises in floral decoration of every description. AH designs can be executed at very short, notice. Telephone (shop) 54 —489, am] (after hours or holidays) 50—343.—P.8.A.