AUTHORITY ON ROSES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 726, 27 July 1929, Page 6

AUTHORITY ON ROSES

LUNCHEON TO MR. HENRY MORSE GROWING NEW VARIETIES Mr. Henry Morse, the English authority on roses, who is visiting Auckland, was extended a welcome at a luncheon given by the Institute of Horticulture yesterday. Professor H. H. Corbin, Professor of Forestry at the Auckland University College, presided. Mr. Morse gave an account of the operations of his firm in England, which supplies orders from all over the world. Most rose hybridists, he/ said, persisted in growing on seedling plants, even up to four years, trusting that the quality would improve. It was the experience of his firm that the ultimate performance of a new variety could be judged from the first appearance. From the seedling stage all young plants displayed characteristics such as robustness and freedom from disease, and unless these desirable qualities were present it was of little use persisting with the young plants. He had found that Etoile Hollande was one of the most perfect varieties of roses, although most roses could be perfected. From a study of New Zealand conditions and inspection of the varieties, he was of the opinion that several varieties were admirably suited for growing in this country. Several questions were asked of Mr. Morse and a vote of thanks was accorded the speaker on the motion of Mr. J. W. Emslie, chairman of the Horticultural Trades' Association.