The Middle School Flower Show.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXI, Issue 6505, 14 March 1896, Page 1

The Middle School Flower Show.

It is some years since a flower show was held in Oamaru, the Horticultural Society which at one time existed having lapsed through want of the necessary enthusiasm to carry on its operations. It was therefore a happy inspiration of the Middle School Committee to celebrate the opening of their new hall by a fruit and flower show. The exhibition met with a very fair measure of support and as a consequence it is well worth a visit, the flowers and fruit and vegetables being well representative of the capacity of the district. The exhibition was unofficially opened yesterday morning, but it was not until last night that the formal opening took place. This function was undertaken by the Mayor, who after being introduced by the chairman, the Rev. Canon Gould, made a few remarks suitable to the occasion. He commented on the energy of the teachers and pupils which had been responsible for the erection of so convenient and substantial a building. They deserved every credit for their enterprise. He commented favorably on the use to which the building was to be put and also spoke a few words of commendation of the admirable exhibition of flowers, fruit, and produce. He then formally declared the hall open. It is unnecessary for us to detail the exhibits, which are a very fair sample of what the district can produce. The names of the exhibitors are well known as those of horticultural enthusiasts —Messrs W. W. Dawson, Ireland, D. Edwards, A. Forsyth, James Mitchell, Stephens, S. Bradbury (Awamoa), Bicknell, W. H. S. Roberts, M'Combe, Gebbie, M'Donald, Turpie, Ferris,. Taylor, Scott and others figure as exhibitors. Perhaps the feature of the exhibition is the begonias shown by Mr Ireland. These should be seen to be appreciated. The show will be opened again this evening and we are asked to state that there will also be a sale of a number of useful articles left over from the Middle School bazaar. These will be sacrificed at any figure, regardless of their original cost.