ROSES & SWEET PEAS

Evening Post, Volume XCIV, Issue 135, 5 December 1917, Page 8

ROSES & SWEET PEAS

FINE DISPLAY AT LOWER HUTT

Temporarily, the Lower Hufct Drill Hall has been transformed into a veritable flowery fairyland, the occasion being the Rose, Sweet Pea and Carnation Show of the Hutt Valley Horticultural Society. The Hutt Valley has often been termed Wellington's vegetable garden, but it has also proved beyond doubt on numerous occasions that it is as famous for flowers as it is- for vegetables. It. has a rare climate and excellent soil, both, of which are conducive to the production of the very best of blooms. This is evidenced by the show which opened this afternoon, and lovers of the really beautiful and artistic will be more than repaid by a visit to Lower Hutt this evening. Seldom has the display been equalled, even at Hutt, and never have the exhibits been so numerous. In fact, in point of number they constitute a record. All have been artistically arranged, reflecting high credit on the "society and growers alike. It is a classic display of flowers, containing many unique varieties. The sweet peas area feature of the show. Delicately-shaded, graceful blooms there are, covering long tables —a galaxy of beauty. The whole display was most favourably commented upon by the judges, who had an unenviable task iii awarding the prizes. Carnations are not well represented, as it is rather early in the season: On the other hand, it is jU6t a little latefor roses; but nevertheless . this display. of these beautiful flowers leaves little to cavil'at. Numerous private exhibitions by professional horticulturists add greatly to the beauty of the show. Another feature worthy of special mention is the decorated tables. /In this claea there are 15 entries in all, and it is evident that the exhibitors' went to great ,pains to make their exhibite as attractive as possible. iAll the profits derived from the show are in aid of the wounded soldiers fund. There is a well-stocked stall for the sale, of flowers in charge of Mrs. M/Dougall a nd Mrs. Trevethick, and an energetic committee of ladies under Mrs. and Miss Hayward ha 6 charge of the tea room.- The secretary is Mr. B. H. Parker, whose general arrangements for the show were excellent. '

Following are some of the chief awards

Champion rose, Mr. H. Poole. Champion vase of sweet-peas, Mr.'C.-H. Izard. Fomts prize,. opeii class for roses, Mr. H. Poole. Mr. Poole was awarded a silver rose howl, which he has now won •outright. Points prize, amateur class for roses. Col. J. R. Purdy. Mr. WV L. Meek's trophy for roses, was won by Col. J. jJ. Purdv. - ■

The Royal Horticultural Society's silver medal was awarded to Mr. *C H. Trevethick for sweet-peas, and the bronze medals to Mr. C. Wangh for roses and Mr.,W. B. Hardy for cut flowers. .