N.Z. ALPINE AND ROCK GARDEN SOCIETY.

Hutt News, Volume 3, Issue 22, 23 October 1930, Page 5

N.Z. ALPINE AND ROCK GARDEN SOCIETY.

i The valuable w-ork being carried out I ' by the N.Z. Alpine and Rock Gardeo ] {Society in Biddiford Park, is evidently attracting the attention of the puibli« whicfc it so richly deserves. This was $ully- demonstrated on Saturday 11th inst., when the Society held its second public Arbor Day. About a hundred people were present, all keenly interested in the work of rock gardening >nd of creating another beauty spot within the borough. An invitation had been extended to all to bring plants of interest and to plant them among the': rocks as their contribution to the great j work of beautification and education is alpine .horticulture. This invitation *waa responded to by a very large number of the visitors and member* and not a little profit was gained by ■those who delight to dißou^s thje ch&rm* of out alpine and other flora. Mr. J. G. Hilyar, vice president of th« Society, apologised for the unavoidable absence of the presideat, Mr. Hope B. Gibbons and on behalf of the society, welcomed the visitors and members. He was pleased to see such a large attend- i • ance and predicted thait rock gardening would become a most fascinating study, not only in New Zealand, but throughout the whole world, largely through the activities of the N.Z. Kock Gardes j Society. The members of the Society, no started, were generally speaking, what might be termed philanthropic borticulfruralists, because their great object is n'pit only the disseminate of the knowledge of rock gardening, but of the free distribution of plants and "seeds to members, collected by the So- ■ cioty 's; honorary collec-tors and corresr ppnden'ts in all parts of the world, NuS. "flora being a very important part Of ; these collections. Members of the Society enjoy many advantages, not t»he leaßt of Which is the "privilege of joining ttio exciiTßiona ax ranged to various places of interest for the purpose of studying and collecting alpines. The first of these excursions was held last tlaster, when the members and their friends enjoyed a delightful picnic at Orongoronga, as the guests'of Mr. E. B. Riddiford. Mr. Helyar announced that - arrangements Were beirtg. made to hold I the next excursion at Akatarawa mountains on LabouT Day, 27t.i inst. -AU memibers who are interested in this outihg; and wish to make arrangements for transport, are asked to communicate with the Director as early as possible. The success of the outing is assured, as a large member have already expressed their intention of joining. The Director, Mr. T. W. Attwood said that New Zealand was not neglecting the advantages of rock-gardening, as great interest was being taken in it all over the country. Although the Society was only two years old, it had the distinction of being t&e firs* incorporated Society of its kind in the British ihn--1 pire. There had been a large increase of memihers since last year but he wanted still more support as the society was dependent upon its member■liip to enable it to extend the rockeries and bo spread the good influence of its work by educating the public in the beauties and glories, not only of the natives of this cou-ntry, but of all , parts of the world. i By the kindness of Mrs. Howard Edwards and a number of other ladies, afternoon tea was served under a marepUee In the garden. -