ATTENTION DRAWN TO GISBORNE BY THELMA STEWART TOP CARNATION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22851, 22 January 1949, Page 8

ATTENTION DRAWN TO GISBORNE BY THELMA STEWART TOP CARNATION

The high quality of flowers grown in Gisborne lias been plainly evident at horticultural shows in this district. 11 is seldom that our blooms have been exhibited in competition with outside growers in shows beyond our district. However, it has been of particular interest to Gisborne growers that at the New Zealand carnation show in Palmerston North last month two Gisborne exhibitors. Mrs. R. P. Baigent and Mr. J. R. Beckett, were awarded first prizes, and one of Mr. Beckett's blooms. Thelma Stewart, was selected as champion of champions and judged best in the show. They were in competition against exhibitors from all over New Zealand. It is understood that it is the first time such high honour has come to Gisborne from outside. What has made the achiovment more interesting to Gisborne growers and Gisborne people generally is the fact that this particular carnation is a seedling raised by Mr. W. Stewart at Wainui Beach, and that it was its first time of showing. Gisborne flower growers should be encouraged in the future by the fact that a flower raised in Gisborne and grown and flowered to perfection by a Gisborne gardener should win the highest award possible in its class. The judge. Mr. A. C. Munro, Auckland, himself a grower with a Domin-ion-wide reputation, described the Gisborne bloom as outstanding. It is a perpetual with a white ground, edged and striped maroon.