A GARDEN OF ROSES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15482, 13 December 1913, Page 9

A GARDEN OF ROSES.

MR. LIPPIATT'S EXHIBIT. For 25 centuries the rose lias been the Queen of Flowers, and she stands to-day absolutely without a rival. One of the most noted rosea rians in the Southern Hemisphere is Mr. W. K. Linpiatt, rf Otaliuhti, who has this year fully 250.000 roses in various stages of growth, including the very latest and rarest novelties. Mr. Lippiatt's court at the Exhibition is one of the great attractions, and' flower lovers will find much to delight them there. Roses, and practically nothing but roses, are to be found on Mr. W. E. Lippiatt's stall, which is conveniently placed in tho palace of industries. Before the stall is actually reached the exquisite scent of these blooms assails the nostrils, and expectation is more than realised when the blooms are seen. What with the brilliant and gorgeous shades of the hybrid perpotuals, and the delicate and varied hues of the teas with their delicious perfume, and the hybrid teas in all their infinite variety, with their huge blossoms, and the new pernettianas, or hybrid briars, with their exquisitely scented foliage as well as flowers, no one can fail to be charmed by a visit to this delightful stall. Mr. W. E. Lippiatt's name :s a household word with those who make a speciality of cultivating tlio rose. The ordinary individual, who thinks of .ill roses as much alike except in colour, will be astounded by a visit to this floral wonderland. The magnificent variety of blooms, combined with the blending of shades, makes a display which could hardly be surpassed. Just to stand and to look at the stall is a refreshing rest after the heat and turmoil of the Exhibition. Each morning before • the crowds begin to gather the display is renewed. Large- baskets containing • hundreds of

blooms from Mr. Lippiatt's rose gardens at Otahuhu arc unpacked. The flowers are carefully arranged and placed in damp moss, where, for some time they retain their, beauty and fragrance.- The larger plants, such,as ramblers, wichurianas, are placed on shelves in artistic vases, the whole display being remarkable '■ in its tasteful arrangement. '~ ' '

A PROGRESSIVE FIRM. LAIDLAW LEEDS EXHIBIT. Typical of the up-to-date- business methods of tho progressive wholesale linn of Laidlaw Leeds is the line exhibit arranged by those well-known merchants in the palace of industries. A more comprehensive display could hardly, be imagined, and it proves'that the firm is making no idle boast when it offers to supply anything in tho wide world at wholesale prices. The wonderful growth of the business of Laidlaw Leeds must 6iirely constitute a record. In four years it has sprung from an insignificant beginning, with two employees and premises consisting of two rooms, into one of the most important business concerns in tho Dominion. The extensive warehouse in Fort Street, which at present constitutes headquarters, is sufficient indication of the remarkable success of the venture, but even this lias proved totally inadequate for the ever-increasing business, and in April next the firm will enter into its magnificent new premises at tho corner of Hobson and Wyndham Streets, now in course of erection. With land and fittings the new home will entail an expenditure of £32,000. -It will have six storeys frontage to Wyndham Street, and five to Hob.sou Street, with a total cubic capacity of nearly 1,000,000 feet, about three time* the capacity of the present warehouse. Every inch will be occupied by the firm for its own premises. There will be three cart entrances to the first floor in Hobson Street, and two to the ground floor in Wyndham Street, three electric lifts and two restaurants in the top tloor for tho use of tho employees. The ventilation arrangements will be a feature of the building, and the latest appliances for tho economical and quick handling of the enormous output of the firm will ensure immediate attention to orders, and will make the warehouse" one of the most up-to-date in the Dominion. Such progress in the short period of four years is conclusive proof of the' success of the cash-with-order wholesale system adopted by the linn as against the retail credit system, a fact which over 30,000 farmers who are numbered amongst the customer? of Laidlaw Leeds have not been slow to appreciate. The many lines of goods in the fine exhibit substantiate the firm's claim to bo the farmers' general suppliers. Farm implements of every description are on view, a featuro being made of engines adapted to all kinds of farm work. Prominent amongst these is tho particularly useful lj-h.p. Laidlaw, junr. gasolene engine, whielr will be installed ready for use for £12 19s. Tools of every kind are to be seen in this fine display, all of which are to be secured at phenomenally low prices, and sporting guns and sporting requisites are a speciality; all descriptions of hardware are there, together with groceries, ciockery, drapery, clothing, furniture, house decorations, musical instruments, books, toys, in fact everything that forms the stock-in-trade of a universal provider. The furniture exhibit is in itself a display worth going a long way to see, including as it does a lino bedroom suite in v.bito enamel. Rugs, carpets, wall papers, *nd such necessary parts of furnishing are all exceptionally well provided for, and, in fact, anyone looking for anything whatever pertaining to furniture or miscellaneous embellishment could not do better than examino the exhibit of Laidlaw Leeds. An outstanding feature of the exhibit is the display of leatherwaro, which shows saddles of the latest type, bags, etc., and everything that pertain* to tho leather trade. With boots, clothing, and every kind of drapery imaginable, the exhibit is one which is worth spending some few minutes of inspection. The stand occupies a prominent position in tho central avenue, and hae been erected at an onormous cost. Thero are in addition, two attendants, who will supply any information required, and taking it all round, the exhibit is one which will at once occupy the attention of visitors, and prove to the utmost tho bona fides of one of the most progressive firms of the Dominion.

CAPTAIN SCOTT RELICS. The whole world was moved when news was received of the death of Captain Scott and his gallant band of comrades on their return journey from the South Pole. With eager avidity millions of people read 4 and re-read, the stirring talo of heroism and British pluck. Visitors to the Exhibition have the opportunity of having the story retold to them in a vivid manner by one of the actual party, and of seeing many interesting and unique relics of the expedition. These relics are exhibited in a stall placed on the western side of the machinery hall. No visitor to the Exhibition, young or old, should fail to visit this remarkable exhibit. Round the room are many interesting pictures and photographs of the members of the expedition, and of Antarctic scenes. Displayed in various cases are garments of all sorts actually worn by members of the Antarctic party. Amongst these are Petty-Officer Evans's hood, clothing worn by Captain Oatcs and Lieutenant Bowers. Captain Scott's gloves and goggles are shown among the relics, together with several articles which were found outside and within the ill-fated tent. Less tragio aro the memories evoked by some of the relics, such as a set of chessmen used to pass away the long winter hours. A book and a tin of sardines, which had been preserved in the ice for 30 and 5 years respectively, having boon left by previous expeditions, are the two most extraordinary exhibits in this wonderful collection.