VALUABLE ORCHIDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21099, 5 February 1932, Page 10

VALUABLE ORCHIDS.

COLLECTION FOR DOMAIN. Gin- OF RACING CLUB. TRANSFER FROM ELLERSLIE. The offer to the city of the valuable collection of orchids at the Ellorslic Racecourse, together with tho orchid-growing house and equipment, for removal to the Auckland Domain, was made by the committee of tho Auckland Racing Club in a letter received by the City Council last evening. The only condition attached to the offer was that tho council should undertake tho cost of dismantling and removing the orchid house. The city engineer, Mr. J. Tyler, estimated that the cost of dismantling tho house and re-erecting it in tho Domain Gardens would be J1303. Tho Mayor, Mr. G. \V. Hutchison, moved that tho offer be accepted with thanks and that the Parks Committee make arrangements for tho transfer of the house and plants to a suitable site in tho Domain. He said the gift was a very generous one, as tiio plants alone wero worth , many thousands of pounds. He believed the house cost something like £15,000. There would be no difficulty in looking after tho collection at the Domain. It was probable that a site would be found in the propagation depa rtmeiit.

The motion was seconded by Mr. G. L. Taylor, chairman of the Parks Committee, who said the gift would bo a great acquisition to the attractions in the Domain. lie believed tho collection was the finest in the Southern Hemisphere. The council staff would see that it was displayed to the very best advantage. Mr. T. Bloodworth raised the point that a site at tho propagation department would not be comparable with that at present occupied by the house at Ellerslie. The Mayor, however, gave an assurance that a thoroughly suitable site for the house would bo chosen. The motion was carried.