AUCKLAND CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10416, 14 April 1897, Page 6

AUCKLAND CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY.

ANNUAL SHOW. The eighth annual show of the Auckland Chrysanthemum Society was opened yesterday afternoon in the Drill Hall, and when we say that, taken altogether, the exhibition is one of the best ever held in the colouy, there is no exaggeration. For some years the Society has been in a languishing condition, but this year it seems to have taken a new lease of life, and bids fair to resume its old position as the premier society of the colony. This gratifying condition of tilings has been brought about by the energetic manner in which the committee have attended to their duties, and to the exertions of the secretary, Mr. Fred. Pilciier, The interior of the hall presented a pleasing appearance. In the centre is a foliage temple and a fountain; in one corner is a splendid collection ot pot plants from Messrs. D. Hay and Sons, and at the opposite corner a fernery, in which another fountain is at play. From the ferns, moss, and foliage with which the hall is decorated, hang China lanterns and fairy lamps, which, when lighted in the evening, produce a magnificent effect The entries show a large increase in number, the figures being 1600 as against 1100 last year, a fact which testifies better than words to the marked advance made by the society. Messrs. Wells, Ward, and Shaw judged tho open classes; Messrs. Hayward and Whitely the amateurs ; Mrs. Theo. Kissliug, Miss Street, and Mr. Bennett, the ladies; and Messrs. Wells and Shaw the professional classes. The most prominent exhibitors are Messrs. Alfred Taylor, who is represented with over 200 blooms, and Mr. T. Wells, of Cambridge (one of the society's most consistent supporters), who shows about 50 less than the first mentioned. In the competition for best 36 Japanese (in which great interest was taken) Mr. Taylor showed a splendid collection, and after a lengthy deliberation the judges awarded him first honours. Among the collection were several new varieties, prominent among them being Souvenir de Petite Amie, Mrs. B. G. Wills, Madame Carnot, Ivanhoe, Madame Chatin, Primrose League, Mons. Panckoucke, and Mutual Friend. In Mr. Wells' collection, several new varieties—Madame Caruot, Wakeley, Mrs. T. C. Williams and Panckoucke — attracted attention, but several of the blooms suffered in comparison with the first prize-takers. In the amateur class, 12 varieties Japanese, Mr. Wells showed a magnificent collection, being closely followed by Mr. Taylor. Messrs. D. Hay and Son were well represented in the class for 36 varieties, professionals, the most prominent being handsome specimens of Madame Carnot, H. L. Sunderbruck, and Mrs. A. V. Horton varieties. Somewhat of a surprise was effected in the judging of six blooms (open class), in which Miss Carruth, who showed some lovely flowers known as Colonel W. B. Smith, beat Mr. Wells, who was a close second with six Madame Caruots. Mr. T. S. Jacka, showed 18 splendid varieties in the amateur clas3, his flowers being better grown than those of Mr. T. G. Ho3king, who, however, ran him veryclo3e. Among the newexhibitor3 Mr. A. Hoskiug (Mount Eden) undoubtedly had the best collection, but most of the others were of a quality which reflected credit on the growers. In twenty-four varieties Japanese there was very link- to choose between the first and second prizetakers, and for amateurs the collection was of a quality rarely seen iu the colony. In six varieties Japanese in the same division, Mr. C. A. Grindrod, of MouutEden, was first with a well-selected assortment, of which the variety known as International was by far the best. In collections of cut flowers, 24 varieties, special mention should be made ot Mrs. H. Campbell's stand, which includes a lovely crimson and gold canna; Mrs. E. W. Wright's collection of 12 varieties is undoubtedly the best of the five; among the first prize double dahlias the La Rebubliqne, and Majestic Improved varieties are prominent; while Mr. Hay's cactus dahlias, which include handsome specimens of the Matchless, Mrs. Chss, Turner, and Gloriosa varieties, were well deserving of first prize. The table decorations which are to be judged by popular vote, number 13, and reflect the highest credit on the exhibitors. The result of the voting will be announced this evening. The bridal bouquets, hand bouquets, baskets, and sprays are well worthy of inspection. Mrs. Boyd exhibits some handsome specimens of Oannell and Sons' begonias; the floral designs of Mesdames J. D. Webster and F. A. Crawford are tastefully arranged; Mrs. Kissliug a uice fern basket, while Messrs. Hay and Sons and J. Russell exhibit a nice collection of dahlias.

Iu the certificate classes Mr. Alfred Taylor secured the National Association's certificate in the amateur division; Messrs. Hay and Sons beini: successful in the professional. For the championship (which carries with it the National Association Jubilee medal) Mr. A. T&ylnr was first with 31 points, Mr. T. Wells 12 points, Messrs. D. Hay and Sons 5 points.

The Show will remain open until to-morrow evening, and we can cordially recommend the exhibition to our readers as being one of the best yet held in the colony. Hunter's strong band, which contributed excellent music last night, will be in attendance. Today afternoon tea will be presided over by Mesdamea Lewis, Hugh Campbell, Theo. Kissling, Ruck, Howard Grecnwuy, and other ladies, and is expected to bo one of the most successful social functions ever initiated by the Society. PRIZE LIST. Following are details of the prize list OPEN CLASS. Thirty-six Japanese, one each variety; first prize, N.C.S. silver medal (presented by the president) ami £2 ins; Alfred Taylor 1, Thus, Wells 2. Twelve Japanese cut blooms, with any foliage : Miss Carruth 1. Six blooms Japanese, one variety : Miss Carruth I, Thus Wells 2. Six blooms incurved one variety: Alfred Taylor 1, T. G. Hosking 1 six blooms Japanese (hirsute), three varieties: Thus. Wells 1, W. Ilati.llsy 2. Pot Plants.—Group of any flowering and foliage, plants '■ D. Hay and Son 1. One Adiantum fern: Miss Ada Jack* 1. Three ferns, distinct varie ties : D. Hay and Son 1. Six tuberous begonias in pots • G. W. Wright 1. Collection of Cut Flowers.— distinct varieties other thin chrysanthemums: Mrs. Hugh Campbell 1, I). liny and Son i. Twelve distinct varieties other than chrysanthemums: G. W Wright 1, Mrs. Hugh Campbell 2. Twelve double dahlias, distinct varieties: W. Mclndoe 1, D. Hay and Son 2, Twelve cactus daliliss, not decorative ' six varieties : D. Hay and Son 1 and 2. Six varieties pompon dahlias ; D. Hay ami Son and 2. six varieties single dahlias ; W. Mclndoe 1, Mrs. F T Ward 2, PROFESSIONAL CLASS. Cut Blooms - Chrysanthemums. - Thirty-six varieties 12 incurved and 24 Japanese; first prize N.as silver medal and £1 is: D. Hay and Son 1 r. uteloy 2 Twelve varieties incurved :T. Whittle/1. Twenty-four varieties Japanese :D. Hay and Son 1 and 2. Twelve varieties Japanese: D. Hay and Soil:, E. Jones 2. AMATEUR CLASS. Cut Blooms—Chrysanthemums. —Division I.— Twelve varieties Japanese new chrysanthemums not previously exhibited in Auckland : Thus. Wells 1. Thirty-six varieties, 12 incurved and 24 Japanese; first prize, N.C.S. silver medal, and £1 • Alfred Taylor 1, Tims. Wells 2. Twenty-f mr blooms, incurved IS varieties - first prize, N.C.S. bronze medal : I hos! laylor l. I welve varieties i-icurved : Alfred Taylor 1 and 2. T.veuty-fotir varieties Japanese ; first prize, N, C. s. l>ron«j medal: Alfred >' lor 1 um?" , 5.? 2 'i ,T w ? lw v ' lt|,! Japanese : Tiios.' Wells 1, Alfred Taylor 2 and highly commended, T. S. Jacka highly commended. Division 11. (open to those who have never won a prize in Division I )- Eighteen varieties Japanese : T. S. Jacka 1. T. <; Husking 2, Twelve varieties incurved ' C. A Gnnrod 1. Hut varieties incurved: Mrs. Pitcher 1 rodi.TJs! Hoi'h,lT"" JmmS " : A Gtin<i ' New Exhibitors (for members who have not exhlbited before).-Twelve Varieties Japanese Mis Pllcher 1. six varieties incurved Mrs. Pilcher 1 Six varieties Japanese: Alfred floskinff 1, S C Barber 2. 8 ' ' Class for Children under 16. -Six vari»H« Japanese : W. 1,. Utndley l, Miss A L. Harvey 2. g°.W™. Baskets, and Table decorations -Bridal bouquet: Miss Thorpe I, Mi,, a. g' Kemptborne 2, Miss Linda Ueraus highly commended. Hand bouquet: Miss Linda litmus l, Miss Winifred Dudley 2. Hand basket, aoy flowers or foliage: Miss Dorothy Kenton 1, Miss F. Peirce 2 Mi Gertrude Tylden highly commended, Miss Churton highly commended, Miss Crawford highly commen ded. Three button-hole sprays: Miss France" deWri' '2, T "ijhly comrne" ueu. Dm jlon 11. (for those who hive never taken a prize for bouquots, except in children's class at previous exhibitions of this Society) _ Brifcl bouquet : Mrs. U. Ward l, Miss Campbell ' Thorpe 01 " 1 " 9 '' MbS Can:b(!U l, Miss Lilian FtMr D nT„,H !iD , ER „ 16 -T Hind bouquet: Miss Tml Ethel aVa'nd?,y2" aSket: E ' I "™