SPLENDID BLOOMS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 68, 17 February 1939, Page 8

SPLENDID BLOOMS

NATIONAL DAHLIA SHOW. A MAGNIFICENT DISPLAY. Signally honoured by being chosen as the venue of the first National Dahlia Show to be held in the Dominion, Palmerston North to-day witnessed a magnificent display of autumnal tints when the fixture was opened in conjunction with the Palmerston North Horticultural Society’s Dahlia Show. Blooms from as far north as Hamilton, and from across Cook Strait—a fine entry has been made from Christchurch —came before the judges, and the entertainment hall at the Showgrounds was a riot of colour. Probably the most striking display of the floral art that has ever been staged in the city, the exhibition presents a panorama of gorgeous shades. No effort has been spared to present the autumn flowers to their best advantage, and the symphony _of soft shades and atmosphere of elusive scents are a source of delight. The past season has, throughout the Dominion, been one of the worst ever experienced from the aspect of flower culture, but in spite of the setback exhibitors have succeeded in assembling a magnificent display. In the National Society’s classes there arc over sixty entries, while the local society has attracted in the vicinity of 350. ATTRACTIVE LAYOUT. In the experienced hands of Mr A. J. Shailer a most attractive. layout has been achieved in the big hall, along the entire wall of which, oil one side, are the blooms in the national classes, which arc also accommodated on another long table. A pyramidal assembly of blooms of all shades in the centre of the hall is the hub from which radiate rows of tables carrying tlie brilliant blooms in the cut-flower classes, while along the other main wall massed banks of flowers reflect the enthusiasm and industry of Momen’s Institutes and other exhibitors. The whole presents a delightful picture, with no particular species predominating, but with all blending into a colourful harmony. It is notable that, for the firs! time in Palmerston North, a municipal display has been staged. Arranged under the experienced direction of Mr P. Black, curator of parks and reserves, it embraces begonias, orchids, and palms, and is indeed an attractive feature that deserves to be emulated at succeeding shows. The industry and originality typified in the exhibit reflect very creditably on all concerned. . . Visitors will find much of their interest centred in the very fine displays by 'Women’s Institutes and the Townswomen’s Guild. No fewer than seven institutes —Opiki, Aokautere, Milson, Whakarongo, Kairanga, Tititnn. and Linton —have responded to the encouragement of Mr Shailer, who has addressed them on dahlia culture since last October, and the excellent displays in this competitive section speak volumes for the enthusiasm of members. Not confined to dahlias, but open to cut blooms, fruit and vegetables as well, these stalls present a mass of colour that in itself constitutes a splendid show. Trade displays offer attractions of no less interest and afford a source of pleasure to flower-lovers. ‘ ENTHUSIASTIC ORGANISATION.

It is probable that the National Show will not return to Palmerston North within a decade—Hawke’s Bay or "Wellington will probably have it next year—and the honour that has been accorded the city has been appreciated to the full by those responsibel for the organisation. In conversation with a representative this morning, Mr A. W. Just, president of the Palmerston North Horticultural Society, _ paid a warm tribute to the enthusiasm of committee members and others interested in the show, stating that no time or effort had been spared to ensure that an outstanding display would be made. It was now evident that that aim had been accomplished, and that the present show would rank among the finest ever held in the Dominion. Particular praise was due to Mr J. Galland, the painstaking secretary, who had performed an arduous task with his accustomed diligence, while every member of the society had co-operated to a splendid degree. A word of praise was also due to the ladies in charge of the tearoom, under the direction of Mesdames A. J. Shailer, J. Downing and A. W. Just, with many helpers. This afternoon the show was declared open by Mrs Knox Gilmer, the patroness of the Dahlia Society of New Zealand, who travelled from Wellington earlier in the dav to perform the ceremony. This morning was occupied with the staging of exhibits, and a commenoouvr 1 wrs ‘'lso made with ho judging. The judges are as follow: Dahlias, Mr E. Hutt, Lower Hutt; cut blooms, Mr C. Evans, Manakau; vegetables. Mr T. Webb, Palmerston North ; decorative, Mrs J. Barltrop, Feilding. A busy visitor was Mr 0. ML B. Anderson, of Christchurch, the secretary of the National Society, who expressed to the “Standard” appreciation of the excellent organisation that had made possible the striking display. Tt had been unfortunate that •throughout New Zealand the weather had been unkind to flower growers, but a notable exhibition had been secured notwithstanding the handicap.