SPRING FLOWERS

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 74, 24 September 1936, Page 18

SPRING FLOWERS

A DELIGHTFUL SHOW

One of the happiest occasions in the year' at the Town Hall is the Spring Flower Show, for, following on winter weather, the blooms are a great pleasure, and the somewhat dreary hall looks transformed with a borrowed

beauty.

Yesterday the long stands of lovely narcissi were specially remarkable, while the masses of cherry blossom were admired by all, so generous has Nature been to these delightful trees this year. The polyanthus species was specially well represented also, and the tables of mixed blooms were immensely popular. Among the most crowded areas each year are the tables with native flowers—showing that the people do love their home productions and take an interest in them, even if the careless and uneducated at times drag them from their native surroundings with rough hands to decorate cars or to be given to the children to play with, finally throwing them on the dust heap instead of remaining hi the bush as a joy for a long period. However, education, for • which the energetic president of the Horticultural Society (Mrs. Knox Gilmer) and her committee are largely responsible, is making headway, and better things seem to be coming. A very dainty exhibit in this section was a bowl of pure kauri gum with a stand of puriiji

wood, filled with tiny native flowers. There was. then a punga bowl filled with pink «nd blue forget-me-nots whi,ch also came in for much admiration. A basket of native flowers from a Wadestowri garden was delightful, as also was the section from Eastbourne. Some peculiar fungus, like immense .oyster shells, was shown from Ak'atarawa—quite a'curiosity. A delightful little wine-coloured periwinkle was displayed, which has a legend attached to it which says: "If thou hast this with thee thou hast prosperity always." This was brought from afar by a Wellington lady, and she may well be wished prosperity for bringing anything so dainty. Marion Cran, the well-known garden enthusiast, was the discoverer of this plant. A magnificent waratah attracted much attention, being quite nine inches across. Then there was a very large delicately-tinted manuka, "Lepton permum," which was discovered by a young naval officer in the north of Auckland. A charming pale lemontinted eucalyptus came from Wanganui. The Chilean fire-tree, and a dryandra, shaded pink and yellow' with an oak leaf, were charming strangers, this latter being the wild tulip of Crete. On the same stand were the '.'golden Tainui," the Chatham Island lily, and many other charming things, most of these being shown by members of the Pioneer Club garden circle who can be congratulated on their good work. The.charming little "bowl gardens" were surrounded, as usual, though only two were shown, but these were particularly good. The decorated tables were but few. It seems a pity that some of the Wellington hostesses who adorn such lovely tables for the pleasure of their friends do not seek to give pleasure to a larger circle. Some good taste was shown in the colouring of those which were arranged, though there was not anything outstanding. There were some very special baskets of flowers, however, those of the canoe shape being delightful with the most lovely flowers. The buttonholes and sprays were delicately arranged, and other floral emblems showed good taste and clever artistry. Two circular floor stands of flowers from private gardens were also greatly admired. The show was opened by his Excellency the Governor-General, who was accompanied by Lady Galway, Sir Stan dish Roche accompanying them. They were met by the president (Mrs. Knox Gilmer) and her Excellency was handed a charming bouquet of pinktinted flowers by a dainty little girl, Louise Williams, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Williams. Peter and Paul, Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Levin's twin sons, handed buttonholes to his Excellency. Tea was served under the gallery, a great many people being the guests of Mrs. Knox Gilmer. Those invited to the official tea were Mrs; French, Mrs. P Fraser Mrs. Semple, Mrs. T. C. A. Hislop, Captain and Mrs. Olphert, Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Wright, Mrs Chapman, Mr Atmore, Mr. A. J. Nicholls, Mr. W Nash, Captain and Mrs. Holm, Mr. and Mrs H. H. Miller, Mr. J. G. MacKenzie, Mrs. J. A. Campbell, Mr. G. S. Nicoll, and Mr. H. A. Fox.