CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9116, 15 May 1891, Page 4

CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW.

The Dunedin Horticultural Society's Chrysanthemum Show wag held in the Garrison Hall yeßterday. The weather being exceedingly fine there was a good attendance both in the afternoon and evening. The show compared very favourably with that held at this season last year, so far as the quality and quantity of the exhibits were concerned, bat two well-known growers of chrysanthemums at Oamaru—viz., the Hon. Mathew Holmes and Mr Forsyth who formerly exhibited regularly, were conspicuous by their absence. In the open olasses, Mr John Ings and the Hon. G. M'Loau divide the prizes for chrysanthemums, the former getting the lion's share. Coming first to the pot plants, Mr Ings takes first prize for three large flowering varieties, the Hon. G. M'Lean (for whom Mr H. Clarke is gardener) being placed second. There was, however, some difference of opinion amongst horticulturists as to whether the judges in this case discriminated wisely. One of the plants bearing the name of Mrs Dixon, shown by Mr Ings, was undoubtedly superior to any of the others; but the three plants exhibited by the Hon. G. M'Lean were, on the other hand, better than two of Mr Ings'. Three nice pompons were Bhown by the lastnamed gentleman, who was the only exhibitor in that class. He also took the first and second prizes for three Japanese varieties, among his collection being some well-grown plants. The first prize for one large flowering standard chrysanthemum fell to the Hon. G. M'Lean, who was also first with one Japanese, the plant in the latter instance being a fine specimen of maiden's blush. Mr John Ings took second place for one Japanese with a flower called Peter the Great.

There was a very good display of ferns at the show. Mr A. 0. Purdie had tha finest collection on view. This included a splendid specimen of the Glsiehenia cunninghamii, a Todia africana, and a Gleichenia sercinata. The Hon. G. M'Lean, who took second prize for a collection or ferns, showed amongat his lot about the finest specimen of the Mauritius davalia that has been exhibited here; also a very beautiful maiden-hair fern,and an Adiantum amabilus.

Of cut blooms there was a splendid display. The society's silver challenge cap, for 12 large flowering incurved varieties of chrysanthemums, fell to Mr John Ings without opposition." In his collection there was a first-class Golden Empress; also a fine Empress of India. He also took the first and only prize for 24,18, and 12 flowering varieties respectively, there being some .beautiful blooms in each collection. In the classes 12 large flowering chrysanthemums, 12 pompons (not less than four varieties), 18 Japanese varieties, and 12 Japanese varieties, Mr Ings was likewise] the only prizetaker. He exhibited among the Japanese varieties a very good H. Cannel, a beautiful Gorgeous, and a nice Mons. Brunnet, Mrs Falconer Jamieson, and Belle Paule — two new varieties of Japanese chrysanthemums—were also shown by the same exhibitor. Tha Hon. G. M'Lean was awarded the first prize for the best six Japanese varieties. These were lovely blooms, and the collection included four of the best flowere in the show. The three finest in the colleotien were called Edwin Molyneux, Boledor, and Comte de Garmany. In the amateur classes there was much better competition than in the open classes. The pot plants, however, did not make a very brilliant display. The chief prize-takers in pot plants were Messrs J. Rendel and B. 8. Macdonald. In cut blooms the competition was much keener than in pot plants, the prizes being distributed amongst Messrs J. Rendel, 0. Grave, W. Rennie, W. W. Dawson, and Jae. Mitchell. AH of these showed some nice flowers. Messrs Rendel and Dawson, however, were the most successful exhibitors.

Large quantities of frnit were shown, and in many cases the competition was keen. There were some splendid exhibits of apples on view. Mr Bull's prize of a silver cup, valued at £4 4s, for the best collection of apples, fell to Mr H. Harraway. The contest was a very close one; and had it not been for the fact that Mr Beckett, of ChriEtchnrch, showed some apples packed in a case which were somewhat bruised, the judges would have awarded him the prize, as the apples shown by him on the table were superior to those of Mr Harraway, and his method of packing was also a better one. Mr Beckett, however, obtained Messrs Thomas Paterson and Co's trophy for the two best cases of picked and packed apples; while Mr C, Sonntag carried off a trophy given by the previous donors for the best assortment of apples and pears grown by bona fide fruitgrowers who earned their living by fruitgrowing. Some beautiful grapes were shown by Mrs H, Ward and Mr C. Sonntag [ and apples in great variety, as well as pears, were shown by other exhibitors,

Among other things sent in to the show for exhibition only were two plates of tomatoes, grown by Mr W. Hitchcock; a Strelitzia regins, forwarded by Mr K. Thomson; a Catherine Mernioh rose, by Mr Cox; a sprig of red eucalyptus bloom by Mr J. Mills, M.H.R., and a lot of pompons by Mr <J. Mitchell. Besides these Mr logs had a splendid collection of pot plants and blooms on view, which occupied a large table at one end of the hall, and Mrs James Rendel, of Caversham, also forwarded a number of chrysanthemums, which were tastefully arranged on another table at the side of the hall. During the evening visitors to the show were entertained by some selections of music, which ware played at intervals by an orchestra conducted by Mr Q. R.^West. The following is the prize list :— POT PLAHTS -OTBX CIASS. "

Threo large flowering varieties. Two entries.—J Ings I, Hon G M'Lean (H Clarke, gardener) 2. Three pompous, varieties. One entry—J Ings I. Three Japanese varieties. Three entries—J Ings 1 and 2,

One large flowering standard, single stems. Three entries—Hon G M'Lean 1, J Ings 2.

One Japanese. Three entries—Hon G M'Lean. 1, J Ings 2. . Best collection of ferns. Two entries-A 0 Purdie l.Hon G M'Lean 2. OUT BLOOMS—OPEN CLASS. Twenty-four large flowering varieties. One entry— J Ings 1. Twelve large flowering, incurved varieties (society's challenge cup). One entry—J Ings 1. Eighteen large flowering varieties. One entry—J Ings 1. Twelve large floweriog, varieties. One entry—J Six large flowering, varieties: Two entries—Hon Q M-Lean 1, J Ings 2. ' ■ ■ Eighteen large flowering (grown in open air), varieties One entry—J Ings 1.

Twelve larga flowering (grown in open air), varieties. One entry—J Ings 1, Twelve pompons, not less than four varieties, three trusses of eaoh. One entry—J Ings 1. Eighteen Japanese, varieties. One entry— J Ings 1. Twelve Japanese, varieties.' One entry—J Ings 1. Six Japaueie, varieties, Two entries—Hon G M'Lean 1, J Ings a. Colleotion of cut flowers (chrysanthemums exoluded). One entry—D h Christie 1. Collection of cut flowers, grown by exhibitor in open air. Three entries—J Mills (W Grant, gardener) 1, W Hitohcock 3. yRUIT-OPEtf CLAB3

Best two bunches of grapes. Nine entries—Mrs H

Ward 1, 0 Sonntag 2. Best colleotion of apples (cup). Two entries —H Harraway 1, T W Naylor 2. Collection of apples and pears (trophy). One entry—o Sonntug 1. Collection of apples, not less than 20 or more than 40 varieties, five 01 each. Five entriej—X W Naylor 1, H Harraway 2. Collection of pears, not less than six or more than 12 vatieties, five of eaoh. Two entries—J Bicuardt

l,OSonutag2. Twelve deßsert apples, fit for table, one variety. Eighteen entries-H Harraway I, Mr* JFreeman 2. Twelve onlinary apples, one variety. Eleven entries—J Powell 1, Mrs J Freeman 2. Twelve'oulinary pears, one variety. Five entries— GlWHllsl. QBonntag2. Twelve dessert pears, fit for table, one variety. Six entries-J H Seidelin 1, J Richards 2. Best two cases applfs, oooidog and desiert. Two entrieß-T W Naylor 1. Best six Bamplea of jama, varieties. Three entriesJanet Spears I, Mi»s L Booker 2. Beat Bix samples of fruit jellies, varieties. Two entries—Janet Speare 1, Mrs II Ward 2. POT PLANTS—AMATEUR OLISS. Two I9r«o flowering varieties. Four entries—J Eendel 1, X S Maodonnld 2. 'j wo large flowering varieties (grown in open air). Two entries-J Hendel 1, E S Maedonald St. Two pompons, varieties. Two entries—RS Macdonald 1, W Hardy 2. Two Japanese, varieties. Two entries—J Bondel I.BS Maedonald 2. One large flowering. Two entrles-J Beudel 1, B S Maedonald 2. OUT BLOOMS— AMATEUR CLASS. Collection of 24 blooms, varieties. Three entries— J Hendel 1,0 Grave 2. Twelve large flowering, varieties Pive entriesTV fr Daweon 1, J Bendel 2 Six large flowering, varieties. Six entries—W W D.iweon 1 and 2. l'welve large flowering (grown in open air), varieties. Three entries-J Heudel 1, J Mitchell 2. Six large flowering (grown in open air), varieties. Five entries-J Mitchell 1, W Hardy 2. Six pompons, varieties, three trusses of each. Three entries-AU disqualified Best 18 Japanese, distlnot varieties. Three entries—J Rendel 1, W Bonule 2. twelve Japanese, varieties. Four entrles-W W Dawaonl, J Hendel 2. Six Japanese, varieties. Seven entrie«-W W Dawson 1 and 2. Collection of out flowen (oaryjanthemmno excluded). One entry—W Hardy 1.

Special Pbizbs. OPKiV OLAJ I Mr G 0 Eußßell, Sli, Three large flowering, VRMr M H ioarter,'«li. Best oolleotlon of ferns -A 0 Mr 6M Scott, 2ls. Twenty-four large flowering, Va£)unedin Horticultural Soo!et?'s silvor challenge ou-i value 63 3b. For tho best 13 large flowering I Incurved), varieties- 3 Ings. Messrs Thomßon, Bridger, and Co., value 21s, ! Blftnteen Urge flowering Krpwn, J« the ppsa ftir-J

Mr J A Burnslde, Slb. Eighteen fapanere, varletlei—J Ings. Mr G GBußsell, 21e. Beit two bunches of grapei

Mr IV Bull, silver oup, value £4 4s. For the bett 10 «orts (five of each) dessert apples, 10 best sorts of cooking apples (five of eaoh), one naee best packed dessert applei, one case best packed cooking apples— H Harraway.

Mesirs Thomas Paterson and Co., prize trophy, valuD£3 3s. For the beat assortment of apples and pears—O Sbnntag. Messrs Thomas Paterson and Co (annual) prize, trophy, value £2 2» (for bona fide fruitgrowers). For two cases best picked and packed apples, one cate deiiert and]one case cooking—T W Navlor (Ohrlstchurob).

AMATBtra CLASS., Mr H Bponce, 10s od Rnd ss. Two large flowering, varieties.—J Hendel.

Messrs A Brlocoe and Co., 2lsi Collection of 24 blojm»L-W W Dawson (Oamaru). Mr Q H Moodte, 21s. Beet 12 large flowering, grown in open air.-J Mendel. Atot n !** ai£} Vl 3UI Bmb 1B Japanese blooms, dlßtlnct varieties, grown within four miles of Dun3Heuid °' more entriei or no prlza~

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the society was held m the evening. Mr T. K. Sidey occupied the chair, and there were about 30 members present ANNUAL BEPORT. The annual report, a summary of which has already been published, was submitted to the meeting.

T? e,S, HAT? MAN read a letter £roln the president (Mr Kemplen), who was unable to be present, stating that as there would probably be a good deal of discussion at the meeting with reference to the financial position of the society, and the means of retrenchment which should be recommended to the incoming committee, he should like to submit the following proposals for disoussion :— " (1) That the prize lists be carefully compared with the return, and that all schedule numbers which do not show two entries be struck out, except in the case of cups, where the competition is limited. (2) That no alteration be made in the quantity of schedule numbers, but that all second prizes in money be suspended for one year, and second-class certificates be issued instead. Taking as a guide the amount paid for second prizes during the" year, this would mean a saving of over £38. (3) That certificates only he issue in lieu of money prizes in both classes, except, of course, where special prizes are offered by friends and members for any particular exhibit." The writer also pointed out that the saving which might be effected by reducing the nnmber of show days in December and March from two to one would be from £27 to £28. After reading the letter, the Chaibman stated that the society had gone to the bad to the extent of about £4210s since the end of last year.

On the motion of Mr 0. Grave, seconded by Mr H. Sfence, the report me adopted. Mr J. Powell moved—"That rule IV be altered so as to read, • Tha payment of 10s 6a annually constitutes membership, and entitles each, subscriber to vote at general meetings ot the society, to compete for all prizes in the classes in which he is entitled to enter, admits the subscriber to all exhibitions held by the society within his term of membership, and entitles him to eight extra tickets of admission available for any show during the year." He stated that he moved this motion in order to make the society more popular. They had lost about 100 members during the time that the present rule had been in force. He thought that this was due to the fact that only four extra tickets of admission were available by a member to any show during the season. Mr H. Clabkb seconded the motion. Mr M'Gbegob moved an amendment to the efiect—"That nix extra tickets of admission be substituted for eight." He thought that the curtailing of the privileges of -members had been one means of lessening the membership of the society.

Mr G. H. Moodie seconded the amendmem which was carried by 16 votes to four. *

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers were elected for the ensmng year:—President, Mr T.XSidey; vicepresident, Mr A. 0. Purdie; treasurer, Mr P. M'Gregor; auditor, MrT.K.Lusk; committee —Messrs H. Spence, A. Curie, M. Scott, J. Powell, F.H. D. Kemplen, A. Marshall, H. Clark, G. Howden, J, C. Thomson, W. Matthews, and H. Carter.

Mr M'Gbegob, in referring to the letter which had previously been read by the chairman, stated that he would be agreeable to the proposal to reduce the number of days of the December and March shows from two to one. As to doing away with the second prizes, however, he could not.give an opinion until he had further considered the matter.

Mr Moodie would like to impress upon the incoming.committee to take into consideration the financial position ■: of the society. They would require to make use of the pruning knife pretty severely or they would find that the society would be in a worse position at the end of the financial year than it was now. The society, according to the balance sheet was -not in a flourishing condition, and something must be done to reduce the expenditure. Mr J. Nicholas thought it would be a step in the wrong direction to do away with second priz9 money, as it would have the effect of reducing tho membership of tbe society still further. - ■ ■ ■ . ■■•»••-

Mr PowsLt also thought that to do away with the second prize money would be to rednce the number of competitors. As regarded the other alternative, that certificates should be given instead of second prizes, he thought if that were adopted it would simply cut the throat of the society. • . ■■■.'•■ - ■

The Chaibm an said he was sure that the incoming committee would take into consideration the suggestions that had been made by members.