UNEXCELLED

Evening Post, Volume c, Issue 54, 5 March 1934, Page 11

UNEXCELLED

NEW ZEALAND DAHLIAS

HIS EXCELLENCY'S ADVICE

Tho important influence on life which a knowledge of trees and shrubs may exercise was pointed out by his Excellency tho Governor-General, Lord Blcdhiloe, in the course of an address at the opening of tho Auckland Horticultural Society's dahlia show in the Town Hall (the "Star" reports). "I am particularly gratified at being asked to open so magnificent a display of flowers by that veteran and distinguished horticulturist, Sir Edwin Mitcholson," said Lord Bledisloe. "I doubt, if anyone throughout the Dominion has given a greater stimulus to the art and science of horticulture, or has mado moro bountiful horticultural gifts, than your fellow-townsman Sir Edwin Mitchelsou. "Sir Edwin Mitchelson has said that this is the best display of dahlias that he has seen at any show. That accords with tho high standard of what I have seen. It is no exaggeration to Say that probably your;dahlias are unexcelled in beauty and size anywhere in the world. There are only two flowers, with possibly a third—but I will mention tliat next year—that are better, handsomer, larger and more brilliant in this country than in Britain. I refer to the hydrangea, particularly the blue variety, and' tho dahlia. I am glad to havo the opportunity to say that your cult of the dahlia is well, worth pursuing, because obviously the soil and climate of New Zealand, and particularly of the Auckland Province, are particularly suitable for the culture of large and beautiful dahlias. "HOW MANY OF. YOU KNOW?" "Beautiful things should not necessarily be- put into a watertight compartment, so to speak, and be separated from the vocational and other activities of life; they should be broughtinto line with all things human and divine and into harmony with our individual^ vocations, whatever they may be. We have been four years among you, and I think I may begin to be a little bit frank. How many of you in this hall know the names of all- the trees and shrubs in your inimitable native bush? I venture to say, very few. Now, I appeal to you to give your children a chance to gain this knowledge.: By doing so they will make their eyes more useful and so will win one of the best gifts in life. Our lives should not be lived in compartments, putting the imaginative, aesthetic, and beautiful apart from the things which make for economic prosperity. ' ... "You believe in the destiny of this country; you may even justifiably believe that you can make Neiy Zealand the greatest country in the Empire, but certainly it will be the Empire's flower garden. I wish all you keen horticulturists success in your efforts to beautify your environment and indirectly the lives of all those who live about you."