TROPHY AWARD

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 11, 13 July 1931, Page 11

TROPHY AWARD

FOR NATIVE GARDEN

LORD BLEDISLOE'S INTEREST

"More iiiitivc than tho natives," Uis Excellency the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, has taken a very real interest in New Zealand's natural resources anil especially in her native flora.- His concern in places like Wilton's Bush (now the Otari Native Plant Museum, with the Greslcy Lukin Alpine Garden) is deep and practical, and he has also followed the native plant into the private garden by presenting a handsome challenge trophy for competition among those \gardcncrs who depend for their embellishment on New Zealand vegetation. The Wellington Horticultural Society announces that this competition has recently been judged, and that the winner is Mr. C. H. Trcadwell. Mr. Treadwcll, as his garden shows, is a collector over many years. . He took a pride in cultivating the indigenous at a. time when few people bothered to do so. Even if wider recognition has been tardy, his industry will now find some reward not only in the prize but in the growing pppularity of native plants for garden, rockery, hill slope, creek-side, and swamp. Their wonderful adaptability has boon explained in lectures and articles by Mr. B, C. Aston and other nature lovers.

Side by side with, .the rising fortunes |oi! native plant cultivation, bodies like the Wellington Horticultural Society are strengthening their position, and with increasing membership arc making, a wider appeal. The Wellington. Horticultural Society, which a, few years ago was financially weak, now budgets over £.500 a year, and aspires to still bigger things. The yearly report to- be presented at tho annual meeting in the Dominion.'Farmers' Conference Hall tomorrow evening, records that during the year was held the first.National Horticultural Show ever held in the Dominion. It was "run by this society in conjunction with tho National Conference) of Horticulture. This show, while showing a small loss on the actual takings, was a great .display, and it is anticipated that it will form an annual event in connection with the Horticultural Conference. The holding of this combined conference and show may be said to be the outstanding event of the year in tho horticultural world of this Dominion. Tho lecture, at,.the annual meeting by Mr. B. C. Aston on tho garden use of New Zealand plants and flowers, stimulated interest in the native flora. ' The Govcrnor-Genoral, Lord Bledisloe, who was present at that'meeting, spoke in appreciative terms of tho; work of tho society, and has sincfo presented a handsome challenge trophy for competition between those gardeners'depcndiug for their embellishment on New Zealand flora. ■

"This year four shows have been held in the Town Hall. Thanks arc- due to the lion. Mr. Murdoch who performed tho opening ceremony at the Spring Show; the Hon. Mr. Cobbe,, who officiated at the Bose Show; and the GovernorGeneral and Lady Bledisloe at the Autumn Ghow. • The Bose Show was a splendid display, held on. a very stormy day. Congratulations are. due to the societies "winning the suburban trophies. This year these have all changed hands; the Wadestown Society being,successful at the Spring Show; ,the ICarori Society at the Boso Show; the Wellington South Society at the Aiitunin. Show. This competition loses none of its interest .with tho passing years, and has a very stimulating effect among the suburban societies. -Tlio Koscmary Trophy, competed for in the decorative classes over all Shows, for Lho first time has Ijpcu won by Mih. Fv. M. M.Donald and Mrs. A. J. ])u Pont with an equal number of points." ."To a limited extent" tho present financial depression.has affected tho door takings at tho shows, "and the •incoming committee arc recommended to consider the advisability of reverting to one-day .shows until things brighten up." Nevertheless, "tho .membership of the society shows a gratifying increase," and the society, at thirty years of age, is striking its roots'depeer than over. "Tho attendance at all functions has been good and there is an increased interest in horticulture. The balance-suect. shows, cash in hand and bank, £66 18s 6d; plant valued at £161 2s, and liabilities nil." The hon. secretary is Mr. J. G. MacKenzie (Director of City Reserves) and thehon. treasurer is Mr. H. A. Fox.

It is hoped'that the annual meeting to-morrow evening will be attended by His Excellency the. Governor-General; by Dr. L. Cockayne, C.M.G., F.R.S.; and by Dr. H. H. Allan (Botanist o<: tho Plant Research1 Station, Palraei-ston North). ,Dr. Arnold Izard, president,:<vill bo in the,chair.