THE CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW.

Evening Post, Volume XLIX, Issue 97, 25 April 1895, Page 2

THE CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW.

Tho Cbrysanthomnm Show openod in tho Skating Bink thiß afternoon, and may at once be said to be the bsat the looal Sojiety haa yet held, affording an excellent example of the advance whioh lias been made of late years ia the cultivation of these beautiful autumn flowers. A few years ago comparatively little attention was paid to the propogation of tbe plant and cultivation of the flower. To-day it has become a science. New varieties are sought after and obtained every year, whilo all sorts of experiments are being made lo aohievo -that long looked for triumph — a blue chrysanthemum It ia said that Japanese experts have solved tho problem, but, it bo, the outside world has not been let into the seorot, and a fortune awaits the lucky horticulturalist who first introduces such a bloom into the European market. The capacious interior of the Skating Bink presents a pretty picture to-diy, and will win admiration from all vi-itora. The Committee iv much indebted to Mr. M'Kay, of the Government House conservatories, for Bending a choice evergreen trophy which ornaments the centre of the hall, and to Mrs M. S. Grace, Mrs. Daniels, and Mrs. Burne for a handsome collection of pot plants for decorative purposes. The chrysanthemum exhibitors includo Mr. J. M'l.eod, gardener to Mrs. Randall, Napior. and Messrs. liolton Bros , Nelson. Mr. M'Leod's collection, which includes some new varieties shown for the first time here, is not seen to tbe best advantage, for the reason that the blooms wore cut a fortnight ago, and since that time have withstood au exhibition at Napier and the trip to Wellington. We had the pleasnre of seeing them on their arrival some days ago ; and there were then many blooma which wonld not have disgraced an b nglish show. There is an exoollcnt, collection of new seedlingß, grown principally by Mr. J. Earland, gardner to alra. T. C Williams, who had the misfortune to lose moat of his show blooma in tbe recent gale ; several good stands of pot plants, and a lot of handsome bonquets. A stand of dahlias, ia also well worth its place. The fruit and vegetab'o eection surpasses expectations, especially the fruit, of which Meßsrs. M'Nab, A. Luff, and T. Mason (Lower Hutt), Grapes (Paraparaumn), Blomqvist (Carterton), and Williamaon (Pate*), show collections. There is also an exhibit of fruit bottled by Mr. W. H. Stevens, of Oriental Bay. 1 he Ladies' Committee have taken possession of the stage used in connection with the Operatic Bazaar, and here afternoon tea tables have been set out, and visitors may procure tea and refreshments. Miaa Cooper takea first prizea in the open class for hand and bridal bouquets and for dressed flowerstand, and Miss K. West firtt prizes in the amateur class for hand and bridal bouquets, Misa IJ. Crease taking second in tbe former. In tho special class, Miss Daisy M'Neill has been awarded first prize for the bridal bouquet, and Walter Williams second for hand bouquet ('here being no first award), whilo Mrs. Frank Wills takes Mrs. F. Grady'a special prize with a handsomely. arranged basket of chrysanthemums. The school children's prizea for beat or. ranged bouquets have been awarded as follows -.—Girls, 9 years and under, E. May 1 ; 12 years and under, V. Beach 1, N. Weat 2 ; 15 years and under, V Wills 1, L. West 2. Boys, 9 years and under, H. Williama 1, S. Hutcben 2 ; 12 yeara and under, Major Willa 1, H. Wilton 2; 15 years aad under, F. Boberta 1, W. Wilkinson 2. Special for best bouquet from all girlB 1 schools, Violet Wills j for beat from boys' achools, Major Wills ; special given by Mr. Phillips to girls under 14 attending Thorndon fctato Subool, Mabel Roberta, 1 ; Ethel Parsons, 2 This evening there will bo rauaio by Minifio's String Band. The remainder of the prize-list will appear to-morrow.