GARDEN FETE.

Evening Star, Issue 15432, 4 March 1914, Page 4

GARDEN FETE.

A RECORD DISPLAY AND mCELIiJNT PROSPECTS. The Dunedin citizens' third annual Garden Fete was opened to the public this afternoon in cirourastances never previously equalled as regards arrangements, conditions overhead and underfoot, and general attractiveness. To begin with, the main Garden has never been prettier than it is at present. The glorious weather since the longest day last year has given great heart to the annuals, which provide a record display of color. The masses of asters, dahlias, sweet peas, and dianthus arc magnificent, and are in themselves worth the jprice of admission to the carnival. Then the lawns are perfect, carpeted with short-cropped grass over absolutely dry ground—as comfortable to sit, on, almost, as an easy chair hi the best room. The distribution of the stalls reflects credit on .the superintendent of reserves (Mr D. Tannock), who has minimised the risk of damage to the ' beautiful flowor plots by simply placing the stands and tentts—and there are many—in open spaces behind the parterres, which at night will be almost under electric light. There can excuse for destruction "of growing things. The distribution- of stands and the lighting of the grounds are excellent. It is impossible to find space for a detailed description of the, varied stalls. One can onlv say"that Dunedin is fortunate in its leisured ladies, and admire their handiwork in decoration. The tea stalls are comfortable bivouacs in the tented grounds. The Early Settlers' Association have excelled their previous efforts and have provided a great marquee, under which 200 people can have tea- in comfort. There are stalls to attract children (who should always be first in such pleasures), lads and lasses, women and men-Jfollies, fruit, toys, chocolate, fancy work, flowers, and (for men particularly) soft drinks and tobacco. Ample provision is made for amusement. Muscular Youths may test their strength and Weight; boys may try to hit the bull'seve'at the'end of fluming; Aunt Sally will nod her head at straight throwers, and will come up again serenely if knocked down; Punch and Judy will q'uarrel dreadfully, as of old; athletic men and youths may compete at cricket and football; ladies may learn, on the golf and bowling greens, something of the fascination that makes men forget tea-time—ay, and wife and children—when the eve is cool. For the auld folk who cannot romp there will t be miich pleasure in seeing children dancing '"in so grand a way." In the evening the following bands will make the Garden a gladsome place:.—Fourth Regimental, Kaikorai, St. Kilda, and Caver sham. The mavpole dance and other cansthen io displays will take place on a charming lawn, amidst trees and flowers —an ideal position. The flower stall nhould prove especially attractive. It is well stocked with cut flowers, pot plants, bulbs, and seeds. The specimens of maidenhair fern, asparagus, geranium, fuchsia, and begonias are excellent. All are potted to grow undisturbed till next season. Repotting will not be necessary lor a long time. There is a goodly stock olreal Scotch heather, which Mr Tannock prows " brawly." Altogether the arrangements have been carried out well, and deserve success. Let credit go to the workers for their efforts in a good cause. Last rear the inonev derived from tho let© was allocated for the purpose ot improving the City reserves. Some kiW* was allocated for top-dressing the Oval, which is not an ideal recreation ground; £IOO went to the making of a recreation ground at Opoho; £oo tor a similar purpose at Roslyn; £IOO tor a new band rotunda (which is still to be erected) : and £SO for rhododendrons, which are almost ready for planting out. Other sums were spent on permanently lighting the Gardens and in providing open-air pleasure places tor children. . T Much more requires to be done. In addition to finishing the Oval which, work should receive earlf consideration, more equipment is required for tne children's playgrounds in different parts of the City. " Remembering the needs of the children and the young folk, who will be kept from mischievous ways it there are fine recreation grounds to attract them, the citizens should make an effort this evening-to exceed the good results of the prist. Given continuance of the excellent weather, there will be no place more charming alter sunset than the Botanical Gardens.