QUEEN OF FLOWERS

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 123, 20 November 1935, Page 13

QUEEN OF FLOWERS

TODAY'S KOSE SHOW

BEAUTIFUL EXHIBITS

The Wellington Horticultural Society is holding its annual rose show in the-Town Hall today. Despite the unfavourable weather experienced during the last four weeks the show benches are well filled and the exhibits include many fine specimens of the "Queen of Flowers." The colours range from purest white through yellows and pinks to the richest reds and crimsons. The red shades predominate, giving the large hall a brilliant appearance. Many of the blooms are beautifuly formed and the petals have that sheen upon them which gives the final touch to their loveliness.

The rose is easily the most popular of flowers not only in English-speaking countries but throughout Europe and practically the whole of Asia. Its popularity is at least as long-standing as the written history of mankind. The phrase "a bed of roses" is said to have originated with the Egyptians, and it is recorded that Cleopatra expended the equivalent of two hundred sovereigns to decorate a single banquet hall with roses. Homer speaks of the "rosy-fingered dawn," and from those long past days to the present it has held a pre-eminent place both in classical writing and folklore. We do not know whether the white or the red rose has the most ancient lineage, but the Greeks have a pretty story that the white rose originated from the tears of Venus. One day the Goddess of Beauty, having been apprised of the death of her lover Adonis, was hastening through the forest when she pricked her toe upon a thorn. Some of the drops of blood fell on the petals of a white rose which ever thereafter assumed a rich red colour. Among our own poets Gay refers to the flower "which royal honour craves," and Burns, the most spontaneous and passionate of lyrists, wrote, "My love is like a red, red rose." If she was indeed comparable in grace of form and delicacy of colour to the red roses being exhibited today it is no wonder she inspired the most perfect love-song in our language. Pansies and violas take pride of place among the miscellaneous exhibits. The various classes are well represented by splendidly grown blooms. The modern tendency towards more bizarre markings is very noticeable, but old favourites like "Miss Hudson" are still to be seen. It is early yet for sweet peas and carnations, but some nice blooms have been staged. Other attractive exhibits include anemones, ranunculus, lupins, irises, azaleas, rhododendrons, and pot plants. The cut flowers cover a wide range, and many of them are superb blooms. A large stand is filled with artistic specimens of the ladies' decorative work. Vases, baskets, bowls, and bouquets in almost infinite variety combine to make a most beautiful and pleasing display. The skill and taste shown by the exhibitors has achieved a most charming effect. There are also a number of decorated tables arranged with grace and delicacy. SOME FINE DISPLAYS. On her novel stand Mrs. Charles Haines has arranged a collection of rare and beautiful flowers gathered from all parts of New-Zealand and as far afield as California. The centre piece is a symmetrical specimen of the "Crown of Thorns," which is covered with delicate pink flowers. In a circular bowl a garland of flowers which consists of several hundreds of miniature blooms exquisitely arranged by Mrs. Haines is a model of this class of decorative work. Nearby is an example of a floral valentine popular in the days of Queen Victoria. Chinese bog primulas, seedling irises, a new variety of the valotta lily, and uncommon types of pansies are some of the gems. The pansies were grown by Mr. Arthur White, of Otago. There is also a spray of flowers from the Imperial Tree of Japan (Paulownia). .Examples of calochortus, a miniature treasure, from California, were grown by Mr. F. J. Shanks. The whole arrangement of this stand is very refined and harmonious. Mrs. E.J. Righton-is exhibiting a collection of flowers and foliage artistically arranged in a large bowl. The rich golden-yellow flowers of the fan palm have been cleverly used 'in achieving a delightful effect. The whole of the front of the larger hall stage is occupied with a stand on which the reserves department of the City Council is making a brilliant display of early summer flowers. Roses, gerbera, rhododendrons, begonias, and dazzling Oriental poppies are only few of the kinds that go to make up a delightful display. There is also a fine show of roses from the Zoological Gardens. The flower stall is in charge of the society's president, Mrs. Knox Gilmer, and several assistants. Messrs. T. Waugh and Son are exhibiting a splendid lot of hydrangeas. The many varieties include Paris, Deutchland, and Baroness Schrader. The central piece is a fine specimen of the rare palm Phoenix Robelina, and a border of delicate maidenhair ferns completes an artistic stand. Mr. R. H. Johnson, of Karori, has an exhibit comprising over two hundred varieties of rock plants, including several new species. This is a very good collection, and- will repay inspection by those interested in this popular form of gardening. Wheat-ley's Nurseries, of Lower Hult, have staged an exceptionally wellgrown lot of hydrangeas. About two hundred specimens are staged, including all the latest varieties. These beautiful plants were grown under the supervision of Mr. W. H. Vickery. Mr. A. McMillan, of Lower Hutt, is making a large display of various choice flowers and shrubs. A new pink pyrethum named "Eileen May Robinson" is striking and attractive. Calmias and new varieties of brooms are included. Messrs. H. Poole and son are exhibiting many excellent hydrangeas and varieties of the gorgeous amaryllis. A selection of ferns sets off this stand attractively. Mr. W. H. Kent, of Trentham, has an exhibit of popular flowers in which pansies predominate. Lupins, geraniums, and oriental poppies are among other sought-after garden varieties. Messrs. Evans and Sawyer, of Manakau, arc showing rock and alpine plants, cacti, and herbacious flowers. The exhibits are well grouped and effectively displayed. National Magazines are1 displaying literature of special interest to horticulturists. The tea rooms are under the management of Mesdames Nicoll and Clarice, who have a band of willing workers. The show, which was opened this afternoon by Sir Charles Statham, will remain open for this afternoon and evening only.

Thomas Patrick McGuirc, a labourer, aged 44. was convicted by Mr. E. D. Mosley, S.M.. in the Magistrate's Court today of .stealing a motor tire, rim, and tube, and a cushion, valued at £1, and ordered to come up for sentence if called ui)on within six months.