EXHIBITION BLOOMS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25048, 11 November 1944, Page 4

EXHIBITION BLOOMS

FINE .ROSE DISPLAY PUBLIC INTEREST GROWS "To implant roses' in the hearts and gardens of the people" is the avowed aim of the National Rose Society of New Zealand, and the crowded attendance at the society's second annual exhibition, held yesterday at Milne and Choyce's, plainly indicated that it is succeeding in its efforts to make the public rose-conscious. Already the number of classes and entries has doubled since last year, and yesterday 500 glorious exhibition blooms, besides a profusion of garden blooms, provided a riot oi' colour and beauty. The gathering was entirely informal and there were neither speeches nor an official opening. Special stands banked with baskets of roses were effectively arranged around the white pillars, on which wall vases also spilled over with blooms, and a large shield made of rich red and coppery pink roses was an attraction to all eyes. The specimen blooms were mounted on long stands and there was a decorative section showing different arrangements of baskets, bowls and packed gift boxes. The society first came into existence for the purpose of stimulating interest in the culture of roses suited to the climate and conditions of various districts, of encouraging exhibitors by providing trophies and opportunities of display, and of promoting the establishment and proper direction of municipal rose gardens. It was therefore of special interest that the success of the snow was largely due_ to the invaluable assistance of professional rose-growers from New Lynn and Otahuhu, the civic rose gardens of Parnell"Park and the Auckland railway station garden, as weli as to exhibits supplied by Mrs Bertha Wilson and Mr R. J. Kerndge. The championships in the three compeHtive sections were awarded to Mr Frank Penn (open section), Mrs G. Cameron (amateur section) and Mr J. Smith (novice section). The four major trophies were awarded as follows:—National Rose. Society a Challenge Cup (open). Mr Frank Penn, Remnera; Brett Challenge Bowl (open), Mr S. H. Bidwell. Point Chevalier; Mrs Bertha Wilsons Cup (amateur). Mr R. I. Fleming, Takapuna: Whitley Trophy (novice), Mr J. Smith, lakapuna.