National Flower Show

Evening Star, Issue 21934, 22 January 1935, Page 12

National Flower Show

Glorious Display in Town Hall Leading Growers In Competition Striking Exhibits From All Parts Nature’s mosaics to-day tessellate the expansive floor of Dunedin’s Town Hall, into which a budding world has been transported from, every part of New Zealand for the National Horticultural Show. A bewildering mass; of colour, as vivid and varied as the : spectrum, the display is magnificent. Only superlatives can describe the horticultural wonders. Here, in the Town Hall, is a show of flowers equalling in its riot of colour the treasured pictures in the minds of all gardeners formed by views of the world-famed Chelsea show. From the floor to the balcony level, great masses of colour arise., Dunedin has never seen so prolific or so gorgeous a display.

The National Horticultural Society holds an annual exhibition, and this i« the first time Dunedin has been honoured with staging the show, and the horticulturists here have made a bold bid to set a new standard. Although the date—a fixed one—for holding the show was not suitable to South Island growers, being a month in advance of the season when their flowers are at their best, they set themselves out to prove that Dunedin’s claims to a fixture were warranted. Their efforts have met with the highest success. Before the closing of entries the demand from all parts of New 1 Zealand for space _ was so heavy that numerous exhibits could nob be accepted. Throughout yesterday and last night blooms arrived by train, road, and aeroplane, and it seemed early this morning that order could not possibly arise from the confusion. Every inch of space was crowded with delicate plants and flowers, and the hundreds of men and women staging the exhibits seemed to have no room in which to turn. But, to the uninitiate in flower shows the confusion is always present; and by noon, when the judging commenced, the Town Hall was arranged to perfection. The metamorphosis from apparently hopeless confusion to the methodical orderliness of an expertly kept conservatory was striking a triumph of co-operation and direction. THE EXHIBITS Evcrv available foot of space in the Town llail, the Concert Chamber, and the.annexes and corridors is occupied with exhibits, many of which are built up high, in pyramids or banks,_ so that the interior is thoroughly disguised, and a visitor might imagine himself in a modern Eden. A Dunedin horticulturist whose joy in life is to journey round the dominion to see the latest and best that is grown says he doubts whether there was ever such a wonderful gardening display in New Zealand. To fairly view it one would need the aid of a guide. This morning, when our reporters attended to gather some particulars, they found the staging still going on, so that many of the pictorial displays were incomplete, and the most that could be written for this issue was to give an idea as to the general effect.

The display by Messrs Duncan and Davies (New Plymouth) was of rare and beautiful flowering plants and shrubs, including choice banksias, ericas, gums, dryandras, and foliage plants. in the Town hall The platform iu front of the organ is artistically decorated with palms from the Dunedin Bo.tauic Gardens, and choice specimens of gladioli, it is a simple but highly picturesque front to an amazing group of attractions. Nearby is the huge four-cornered pedestal erected by the Dunedin Horticultural Society under the direction of Mr E. Page. It is made up of tiers of pot plants with a skirting of olearia dotted with flowers. Gladioli are prominent. There is not a weak flower visible, and the building up of the structure very happily shows off art and nature without allowing one to spoil t tie other. The pyramid of four-square formation that lies next on the floor is the display of the Dunedin Gardening Club. It is Bft high. Tho feature flowers are lilies and gladioli. Thought has been expended on the designing, and the result is to make a brave massed display that does not hide the individual flower. Mrs Orr Campbell was helped in the making of this very attractive exhibit by Messrs Passmore, John Roy, and P. Nelson.

Mr B. T. Mansfield, superintendent of tho Invercargill reserves, is in charge of the worthy contribution from Southland. It also is of pyramidal shape, massive, but made liglxt and fairy-like by towers of carnations and gypsophilla. Its measurement, 15ft by 7ft 6in, enables a comprehensive range of general garden plants to be placed on view. One face of the pyramid is devoted to choice tropical and sub-tropical growths, another to a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, and a third to a representative collection of Now Zealand natives. Southland has done well. So has North Otago. Its display, consisting of choice things gathered from the whole district, has been created by Mrs A. Douglas and Mr J. Tait, curator of the Oamaru Gardens. The main lines are pot plants, cut flowers, fruit, and vegetables. Towards tho assembly of this representative assortment the Oamaru Horticultural Society has aided on a liberal scale. The begonias, larkspurs, hydrangeas, gladioli, dahlias, and African marigolds are really of very

high quality, and it is noted with pleasure that the containing: bowls are so separated ns to permit of each item being properly seen. The Timaru Horticultural. Society has adopted with success the plan of setting out its exhibits individually, not in mass formation. But every dish is so neatly shown as to be a study, and in the whole of the 200 vases of new and rare plants collected from all over the world not one is duplicated. Moreover, all are labelled. Dwarf campanulas, heleniums, gladiuoli, and some very choice rock plants are features of this remarkably good display. A peculiarly interesting contribution is that which’ comes from Waimate, organised and controlled by Mr A. White, curator of the Victoria Park. The exhibit is in two sections, and the staging unique in that one half is devoted to vegetables and fruit and the other half to flowers. The peas, beans, and scarlet runners are probably the most prominent of tho vegetables, and amongst the fruit the loganberries and the latest kind of raspberry are much admired by gardeners. Of the flowers the carnations and the sweet peas arc very much above the average. THE FOYER The space in this part of the Town Hall accommodates a varied collection. Mr F. A. Smith makes a worthy display of perennials, alpines, pansies, and violas. The pansies are amongst the best seen here. Hogg and Company stage a varied display of garden apparatus, tools, and other appliances. Perritt and Marshall, who have been growing in conjunction with A. Yates, of Auckland, have brought forward attractive novelties in zinnias, asters, poppies, and other plants that are in favour, E. Oswald Heilly lets the publie know that he is still an expert in choice gladioli, and his exhibit of those flowers is made very attractive by the admixture of pohutakawa and rowan blooms. H. Bennett and Sons, ot Broadacres, North-east Valley, _ well known as leaders in the propagation of natives, have hero a space _ of fifty square feet fully occupied with those plants, and round this collection many visiting experts gather to inquire as to the manner in which the natives are grown. A. J. Shailer and Sons, of Palmerston North, are the contributors who brought down as far as Christchurch by ’plane a notable collection of modern dahlias. There are fifty sorts in this collection, not ono of them the least weak or undesirable in any way. It is certainly one of the features of the show. J. Grainger, of Timaru, is now well known in Dunedin ns an expert in dahlias, and that reputation is not likely to be lowered by his display on this occasion. It is sufficient to say that his hydrangeas - are of very nearly equal quality. C. H. Moir, of Christchurch, has a representative collection of gladioli of the newest kind. W. R. Toon, also of Christchurch, gives another collection of gladioli of which the outstanding feature is the now famous Miss New Zealand. Moncrieff and Stewart make a display worthy of their reputation with gladioli, dahlias, hydrangeas, and begonias. A corner in the foyer is given up to the ‘ Evening Star ’ Company for its cardboard boxes and pots, and another little space is reserved for G. Strachan, of Roxburgh, for his improved fruit crates. A contribution from Auckland that is attracting much attention is of the citrus fruits grown in that district, including five varieties of lemons, four varieties of sweet oranges, and New Zealand grapefruit. The exhibit is fortified by contributions from the Citrus Association of Taurauga, the Citrus Distributors, of Auckland, and Turner and Growers, of Auckland. Central Otago and Roxburgh are well represented with a stand of very choice stone fruit—apricots, peaches, cherries, and plums—and early apples and pears are also exhibited. The New- Zealand Fruiterers’ Federation has helped with this display. IH THE CONCERT CHAMBER Here again a're some wonderful exhibits. The principal, without doubt, is that of the Christchurch Horticultural Society, with a display of _ tropical plants, cut flowers, and decorative work, also fruit and vegetables that occupies the whole of the platform, built up as a big bank. Bennett and Sons’ very high hydrangeas are much admired. P. I, Haisted has a big table full of tuberous begonias, palms, and maiden-hair fern, all in excellent condition. Tho Breeze Manufacturing Co. has made use of dahlias grown by J. C, Budgm to show off the value of its pots. Winter Taine is the creator of a very neat little rock garden in which gentians, campanulas, and other exhibits are vigorously alive. 6. and J. Manson make a display of gardening tools and appliances. The soldier inmates of the Montecillo Homo show their skill in handcraft in an exhibition of leather work, etc. Last, but not least, is Miss Cargill’s very fine collection of fuchsias and begonias, grown to perfection. The supper room is devoted to the display of decorative floral work of a very high type. THE AWARDS The following were the awards available up to the time the ‘ Star ’ went to press:— PROVINCIAL DISPLAYS. Judges: Messrs C. W. Corner, E. Mutt, 11. Black, T. G. M'Keuzie. Comprehensive horticultural display, open to provinces, districts, societies, clubs, institutions, or individuals. Display may include everything of horticultural or garden interest, space not to exceed JOO square feet;— North Otago (Oamani) 1 Southland Province 2 Waimate Horticultural Society J Highly commended.—Timaru and Dunedin Horticultural Societies. Waimate won the gold medal for vegetables. Display of hydrangeas in pots.—Bennett and Sons ]. Display of dahlias, growing or cut.— I. Granger (recommended for first prize). Collection of New Zealand native plants in pots.—Bennett and Sons (recommended for first prize). Best display from suburban or district horticultural society.—Dunedin Gardening Club. Group of pot plants, staged for effect. —Miss F. M. Cargill (recommended for first prize). FRUIT. Judge: Mr 1. 11. MTudoe. OPEN. Case of tomatoes, 121 b.—T. Y. Turner 1 and 2. Market tray of apricots.—ll. Kiunaird 1. Market tray of peaches.—R. Kinnaird 1. Two varieties apples.—W. Clark 1. Five peaches.—ll. Kinnaird 1 and 2. Five apricots.—T. .11. Robertson 1, 11. Kinnaird 2.

Twelve dessert plums.—ll. Kmnaird 1. AMATEUR, Five dessert apples.—A. L. Shepherd Five cook) hr apples.—A. Wilson 1, W. Clark 2, Miss A. Cable 3. Twelve plums.—'W. Dunn 1. DAHLIAS, ETC. Judge: Mr T. Waugh. OPEN. Six varieties decorative.—J. E. Granger 1, Airs C. Hart 2. _ ■ Three varieties decorative.—J. E. Granger 1. AMATEUII. Nine varieties decorative. —F. Archer Six varieties decorative. —F. Archer 1, D. Bourke 2. Six varieties cactus. —F. Archer 1. One variety collarette. —W. Pickard 2. OPEN OR AMATEUR. Six varieties decorative (John S. Hunger ford Memorial). —F. Archer 1, V. Hamel 2. Premier yellow decorative. —V, Hamel (Dunedin), Marmion. Premier white decorative. —F. Archer (Dunedin), Menin. Premier pink decorative. —F. Archer. Premier scarlet or flame decorative. — V. Hamel, Mistophilous. Premier decorative, any other colour. —F. Archer, W. D. Cartwright. Decorative, champion of champions.— F. Archer, W. D. Cartwright, Premier cactus.—F. Archer, Paul Pfitzer. FLOWERING AND FOLIAGE PLANTS. Judge: Mr B. P. Mansfield. OPEN. Three greenhouse plants, distinct kinds.—Miss F. M. Cargill 1, Laura M. Purdie 2. ...... Two foliage plants, distinct kinds.— Mrs J. R. Brown 1. One specimen plant.—Miss T. M. Cargill 1, Laura M. Purdie 2. Four ferns or ferns and hycopods.— Laura M. Purdie 1. Three tuberous-rooted begonias.—G. Attwood 1. . . Collection of begonias, 12 varieties. — G. Attwood 1. * AMATEUR. Three greenhouse plants.—A. Wilson 1 and 2, E. E. F. Young 3. Two' foliage plants, distinct’ kinds.— E. E. F. Young 1. Three ferns.—A. Wilson 1, E. E, F. Young 2 and 3. One aspidistra.—A. Wilson 1, E. E. F. Young 2. Two tuberous-rooted begonias.—A. Wilson 1 and 2. One tuberous-rooted begonia. A. Wilson 1. SWEET PEAS. Judge; Mr G, Attwood. CHAMPION. Twelve varieties (championship).—C. T. W. Semple (Abbotsford) 1, He wins the trophy outright, having won previously in .1933 and 1934. Six varieties. —C. T. W. Semple 1, V. Hamel 2. Three varieties, novelties not exhibited previous to December, 1930. C. T. W. Semple 1, V. Hamel 2. Three varieties. —C. T. W. Semple 1, V. Hamel 2. Pink.—C. T. W. Semple 1, V. Hamel 2. Crimson. —C. T. W. Semple 2. Scarlet or scarlet cerise.—C. T. W. Semple 1. White.—V. Hamel 1. Cream, bulf, or ivory.— C. T. W. Semple 2. Lavender.—V. Hamel 1, O. T. W. Semple 2. Salmon or orange.—C. T. W. Semple 1. Cerise.—o. T. W. Semple 2. Picotee.—C. T. W. Semple 1. Mauve.—C. T. W. Semple 1. Any other colour.—C. T. W. Semple 1. AMATEUR. Twelve varieties (amateur championship).—Fred Moir (Christchurch) 1, A. H. Skelton 2. Dir Moir wins (he trophy, having won in 1933 and 1934. Six varieties.—A. H. Skelton 1. Three varieties.—A. H. Skelton 1, Ivan Warren 2. Pink.—A. H. Skelton 1, E. IT. Shepherd 2. Crimson.—A. H. Skelton 1, E. H. Shepherd 2. ' Scarlet or scarlet cerise.—A. IT. Skelton 2, E. H. Shepherd 3. White.—A. U. Skelton 1. Cream, huff, or ivory.—A, H. Skelton 1, E. H. Shepherd 3. Lavender. —E. H. Shepherd 1, W. M. Farr 3 Hlue.—Mrs M. Wilson 3. Purple.—Airs M. Wilson 3. Salmon or orange. —Fred Moir 3. Cerise. —A. H. Skelton 1. Picotee. —A. Tl. Skelton I, Fred Moir 2. Qn'inine. —W. M. Furr 2.

Any other colour.—A. H. Skelton 1, E. H. Shepherd 2. OPEN OR AMATEUR. Collection of six varieties.—C. T. W. Semple 1. Best variety New Zealand-raised sweet pea.—Hamel Bros., seedling. Best novelty sweet pea in show.— C. T. W. Semple, Mandarin. Premier vase, white, cream, or ivory. —G. T. W. Semple, What Joy. Premier vase, pinks and pink shades. —V. Hamel, Novelty. Premier vase, crimson, scarlet, or cerise.—C. T. W. Semple, Welcome. Premier vase, lavender, mauve, or purple.—C. T. W. Semple, Ambition. Premier vase, salmon or orange.— C. T. W. Semple, Mandarin. Premier vase of sweet peas in show. —C. T. W. Semple, Welcome. GLADIOLI. Judge; Mr Bernard H. Teague. OPEN. Eighteen distinct varieties (championship^.—J. S. Miller (Broad Bay) I, John Black (Anderson’s Bay) 2, Dr M'Killop (Christchurch) 3. Twelve varieties.—Dr M'Killop 1, A. Hooper 2, John Black 3. Six varieties. —Dr M'Killop 1, John Black 2, C. H. Moir 3. Three varieties.—Dr M'Killop 1, Mr Coombs 2, C. H. Moir 3. Red, scarlet, or maroon.—Dr M'Killop 1. Mr Coombs 2, A. L. King 3. Pink, rose, or salmon.—Dr M'Killop 1, C. H. Moir 2, A. L. King 3. White, blotched, or pencilled.—S. D. MacDonald 1, John Black 2, Mr Coombs 3. Yellow or buff.—John Black 1, C. H. Moir 2, Dr M'Killop 3. Bine, purple, or lilac.—Dr M'Killop 1, S. D. MacDonald 2 and 3. Self colour.—C. H. Moir I, John Black 2, Dr M'Killop 3. Smoky.—Dr M'Killop 1, S. D. MacDonald 2, C. H. Moir 3. Any other shade.—Dr M'Killop 1, S. D. MacDonald 2, C. H. Moir 3. Six .-.varieties primulinus or primulinus hybrids.—J. S. Miller 1, A. L. King 2. Three varieties primulinus or primulinus hybrids.—A. L. King I and 2, C. H. Moir 3. OPEN OR AMATEUR. Nine distinct varieties (John Whyte Memorial). —J. S. Miller 1, John Black 2. Three large-flowered seedling, grown and raised by exhibitor.—S. D. MacDonald 1, J. S. Miller 2, Dr M'Killop 3. Seedling, raised and grown bv exhibitor.—J. S. Miller 1, Dr M'Killop 2. S. D. MacDonald 3. Premier large-flowered gladiolus.— Dr A. C. M'Killop, Miss New Zealand. Premier primulinus or priiuuliuus hybrid.—A. C. King, Queen of Orange. AMATEUR. Judge: Mr S. D. Macdonald. Six varieties (championship).—L. Blackler 1. A. H. Skelton 2. It. C. M'Robie 3. Four varieties large-flowered, New Zealand or Australian raised.—L. Blackler 1. Three varieties.—A. H. Skelton 1, R. C. M'Robie 2. Red, scarlet, or maroon.—A. H. Skelton 2. Pink. rose, or salmon.—R. C. M'Robie 1. White, blotched, or pencilled.—S. Higmaii 1, A. H. Skelton 2. Yellow or buff.—S. Higman 2. Blue, purple, or lilac.—A. H. Skelton 2. Any other shade.—W. Barrie J, Mrs E. 11. Ashton 2, A. 11. Skelton 3. Six varieties Gladioli (open to those who had not previously won a prize for gladioli).—S. M'Cready 1. W. E. M'Koich 3. CUT FLOWERS. Judge: Mr B. P. Mansfield. OPEN. Twelve varieties roses, H.P. or H.T. —R. Madden 1. Six varieties pansies in plate.—R. R. Cameron 1, F. A. Smith 2. T. Montgomery 3. Three varieties pansies in plate.—T. Montgomery 1, R. 11. Cameron 2, B. Burns 3. ■Four varieties violas on plates.—F. A. Smith 1 and 3, W. Choyce 2. Spike of lily.—Miss J. R. Nelson 2. Six kinds annuals.—Miss F. M. Cargill 1, Miss J. R. Nelson 2. One vase clematis.—Miss J. R. Nelson 1. Collection of cut flowers, nine distinct kinds. —E. A. Hamel 1, Miss J. R. Nelson 2. ' Collection of hardy shrubs, six distinct kinds.—Miss J. R. Nelson 1, F. A. Smith 2. OPEN OR AMATEUR. Collection of cut flowers, nine distinct kinds.— F. ‘ A. Smith 2. Collection of cut flowers, forty vases. —Miss F. M. Cargill 1. One variety perpetual-flowering carnations.—G. Attwood 1, F. G[. Asher 2.

Six varieties perpetual-flowering carnations.—A. Wilson 1, F. G. Asner 2. French marigolds.—D. Bourke 1, Miss J. R. Nelson 2. African marigolds.—J. F. M'Cartney 1, Miss F. M. Cargill 2. Calendulas.—Miss F. M. Cargill 1, Miss Nancy Hanlin 2. Larkspur.—Miss J. R. Nelson 2. Clarkia.—D. S. Fleming 2. AMATEURS. Six varieties roses, H.P. or H.T.—T. Montgomery 2. Six varieties annuals.—Miss Nancy Hanlin 1. Antirxhinium.—D. Bourke 2. Stocks, double flowering.—A. H. Skelton 1, D. Bourke 2. Clematis.—Mrs Dowden. Collection of cut flowers, six distinct kinds.—E. Pilling 1, E. M. Harvey 2. Collection of hardy shrubs, six. distinct kinds.—W. Dunn 1, E. Pilliim 2. Six varieties pansies in plate.—W. Macdonald 2 and 3. Three varieties pansies in plate.—T. H. M'Kenzie 1, K. 0. Ramsay 2 and J. Violas.—Mrs W. M'Lauchlan 1. DECORATIVE AND FLORAL WORK. Judge; Mrs E. L. King. OPEN. Champion competition for tabic decoration.—Mrs P. M. Renton (Owaka) 1 and 3, Miss Doris Williams 2. Mrs Renton wins the trophy outright, having been first in 1932 and 1934. Vase of sweet peas.—Mrs Berry 1, Mrs P. A. Thomson 2, Miss Doris Williams 3. Bridesmaid’s bouquet.—Mabel Duncan 1, Mrs J. Faith 2. Decorated basket.—Mrs J. S. M'Cartney 1 and 2, Miss Doris Williams 3. Bowl of cut flowers.—Miss Burgess 1, Mrs Berry 2. Epergne of cut flowers.—Mrs Berry 1. Bowl of floating flowers.—Miss M. Howden 1, Mrs J. S. M'Cartney 2. Wedding breakfast table.—Miss Doris Williams 1, Miss A. M'lntyre 2, Mrs P. M. Renton 3. OPEN OR AMATEUR. Decorated table.—Miss Doris Williams 1, Miss A. M'lntyre 2. Decorated basket. large-flowered gladioli.—Mrs J. S. M'Cartney 1 and Floral design.—C. J. Stapleton 1. Floral cushion.—Mrs J. S. M'Cartney 1 and special mention. Presentation backet of fruit and flowers.—Miss A. M'lntyre 1, Miss A. C. Falconer 3. AMATEUR. Championship competition for tabic decoration.—May M'Cartney 1, Alma 'Troup 2. Decorated basket.—May .M'Cartney I. Mrs W. D. Hanlin 2. Mrs W. Paine 3. Bowl of dahlias.—Miss A. Cable, Mrs W. Payne, Way M'Cartney 3 Bow] of cut flowers.—Mrs W. Payne 1, Miss E. Curline 2. Mrs A. C. Falconer 3. ■ Vase of sweet peas.—Alma Traup I, Miss E Curline 3. Bowl of flouting (lowers.—C. J. Stapleton 1. Mrs M. Wilson 2. May M'Cartney 3. Epergne of cut flowers.—Miss E. Curline ], Miss A, Cable 2. May M'Cartnev 3 Table decoration, open to those who had not previously won a prize for the class.—Mrs W. D. Hanlin 1. Miss A. C. Falconer 2. CHILDREN’S COMPETITIONS. Judge: Mrs E. L. King. Sweet peas.—Muriel Hanvey 1. Hand bouquet.—Pat Nevin 1, Peggy Hanlin 2. Lady's spray.—Pat Nevin 1, Peggy Hanlin 2. Gentleman’s buttonhole. Peggy Hanlin I, Pat Nevin 2, Muriel Hanvov 3. Bowl of floating flowers.—Pat Nevin ], Patricia Stapleton 2. Muriel Hauvey 3. Bowl of flowers.—Peggy Hanlin 1. Small table decoration.—Pat Nevin I, Muriel H.nvey 2, Peggy Hanlin 3.