A MAORI FLOWER SHOW.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 8122, 19 March 1887, Page 2

A MAORI FLOWER SHOW.

On Thursday the Natives of the Kaiapoi pah held their annual Flower Show, which was attended by numerous Euro* peon friends and visitors from all parts of the district. In addition to this attraction Mr and Mrs Beeves gave a garden party, to which all were welcome. Lawn tennis and other games were provided, and a most enjoyable afternoon was spent. At 8 p.m. a concert was'given in the- schoolroom, which was densely crowded, many of the visitors being unable to gain admission. Most of the musical items ' were contributed by the Native scholars, who, tastefully dressed, were nicely arranged on a platform at one end of the room. Under the management of Mrs Beeves, who conducted, the children, some thirty in number, sang part songs, solos, nnd choruses, in a manner which reflected great credit on her teaching, and was much, enjoyed by the audience. Several items, instrumental and‘vocal, were' also contributed by lady visitors. . , : , In the interval the prizes were presented to the children by Judge Qresson,. who addressed to each happy recipient a few kind words. At the termination of this interesting ceremony, his Honor said the proceedings bad afforded him much pleasure. The singing and general behaviour of the children evinced careful teaching, and reflected great credit on the master ami mistress. To those children who had not obtained prizes he would say; "Do hot be discouraged, but try your best to qualify yourselves for one on another occasion. The successful, candidates. be would urge, to greateh efforts. Oh behalf of the visitors, he desired to thank Mr and Mrs Beeves for their kindness. . The Mayor of Kaiapoi also addressed the children, complimenting them on the manner in which they had carried out their part of the programme, and impressing upon them the necessity of regular attendance to school duties. After some other musical items, the concert concluded by the children singing the National Anthem. The pupils who obtained prizes were— Fourth Standard-Tiny Taituah, Bachel Mutu, Helena Beeves, Kitty Simeon, Leah Martin. Third Standard—Tipera Taituah.

THE FLOWBB show. After the concert an adjournment was made to the Native Mower Show, which was held in the Eunanga-house,'where a most tempting display of fruit, flowers, and vegetables were very tastefully arranged. The quality of the numerous exhibits reflected much credit on the Native gardeners, and in several instances the specimens were quite as fine as we have seen anywhere. Taking the show as a whole, it - was a decided success, and the best yet held at the pah. Subjoined is the list of prizetakert : Three distinct plants in bloom—Eev G. P. Mutu, 1; Wi Two specimen plants—Eev P, Mutu, 1. One ornamental foliage plant—Eev G. P. Mutu, 1; Thomas Green, 2. Pnschias—Thomas Green, 1 ; Wi Nahera, 2. Geraniums—Wi Nahera, 1; Thomas Green, 2. Geraniums (variegated)—Thomas Green, land 2. Hydrangea —Thomas Green, 1; Captain Cook, 2. Petunias—Thomas Green, 1; Eev G. P. Mutu, 2. Lilies—Eev G. P. Mutu, 1 j Wi Nahera, 2. Collection of cut flowers—Wi Nahera, 1. Collection of roses—Honi Uru, 1. Collection of dahlias—Wi Nahera, 1. Collection of asters—T. Green,, 1. Collection of zinnias—T. Green, 1. Collection of Eansiea —T. Green, 1. Collection of verenas—T. Green, 1. Collection of phlox drummondii—T. Green, 1. Collection of gladiolas—T. Green, 1. Table bouquet—■ Wi Nahera, 1; MissKuri, 2. Hand bouquet —Wi Nahera, 1; Miss Knri, 2. Fruit, six apples,dessert—Wi Nahera,!. Collection of potatoes—Honi Uru, 1; Miss Williams, 2. Kidney potatoes—Wi Nahera, 1; Honi Happi, 2. Sound potatoes —Wi Nahera, 1; Hora Uru, 2. Kidney beans—Honi Happi, 1. Carrots—T. Green, 1; Miss Williams, 2. Parsnips—T. Green, 1. Turnips—Mrs Taituah, 1 ; Te Huru, 2. Onions—Mrs Taituah, 1; C. Wi Tihoka, 2. Tomatoes —Honi Patterson, 1. Marrows—T. Green, 1. Pumpkins Honi Patterson, 1; Honi Happi, 2. Cabbages— Te Huru, 1; Honi Hum, 2. Collection of herbs —T. Green, 1. Collection of vegetables—T. Green, 1. Ehnbarb—Te Huru, 1; T. Green, 2. Indian corn—Mrs Taituah, 1. Special prize of ss, given by Mr Shields 1 ' for the best collection of vegetables— Thomas Green. Special prize of 7s 6d, given by the Mayor of Kaiapoi for the best collection of cut flowers—T. Green. Mr H. Blackett’s special prize, a cruet stand, for the highest number of points scored by a Native—Thomas Green. Mr B. E. Good’s special prize, a parasol value 10s, for the best fancy flax work—Mrs Charles Wi Tihoka. A prize of 10s, given by Mr Shields for the highest scorer in pot plants, Mr Thomas Green. Mr Turner’s ss, for the best collection of potatoes, Honi Huru. Mrs Dr Downes’ prize of ss, for the beat senior girl’s bouquet, Mias Mary Anne Wilson. As prizes for hand bouquets made by girls, books were given by Mrs Tnpeand Mr Good, and were awarded to the Misses Mary Kelly, Leah Martin, Mary Jane Taituah and Amelia Me Haka. . .. This closed the prize list. Beside fruit, flowers; and vegetables, there were on view an unique-collection of greenstone ornaments, merSs, and Native robes beautifully decorated with feathers, most of them' heirlooms. One mere was recommended to our especial attention as having taken an active part in settling several tribal differences. Happily for our Maori the days

of summary proceedings with war »lub« and meres are past, and their snpeiK finous energies are now better employed A the more peaceful art of rais:'mg flowers, fruit, and vegetables. In conclusion, we cannot give too much praise to Mr Beeves for his admirable management of the whole affair, which was a decided success.