THE FLORAL FETE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6065, 31 December 1897, Page 4

THE FLORAL FETE.

[Bt a Horticultural Contributor.] The Floral Fete, hold at the Show Grounds on Anniversary Day, viewed from a horticultural standpoint, was a decided j success. The exhibits, which numbered over two hundred, were as varied as they were nuineroits. From the gorgeously decorated carriages of the wealthy to the humble barrow of the hawker, the style of decoration and quality of the work were of every degree of merit. Considering the fact that this was the first floral fete held in Christchurch, the amount of taste displayed and the ingenuity shown in makiug up so many striking designs spoke well for the talent of the exhibitors. The next fete will, no doubt, be a great advance on that which lias just been held, as numbers were heard to declare themselves as intending competitors. For the good of those who exhibited previously, and as a hint to those who intend competing for tho first time, a warning' must be given against overcrowding, which was the most prevalent fault and really the only demerit in the'decorations. Those exhibitors who used their decorations sparingly, yet tastefully, got the best results, while much good work was spoilt from overcrowding, which \n-o-duced a too heavy effect. Miss Konald's dogcart, tastefully decorated with white and yellow flowers, was one or the most effective exhibits on the ground. These colours on the dark lines of the cart were very striking. Two floral foot-mats of yellow calceolarias made a complete finish to a very tasteful exhibit. Sir A. E. (i. Rhodes's carriage and pair was another striking exhibit, yellow calceolarias being used with great effect. The wheels were very lavishly arranged with flowers, and when in motion drew forth loudest praise. Miss Garforth's buggy displayed her well-known taste in arrangement, and well deserved the first prize which it gained. Mr TV. Stokes (Collie Bros) had without doubt the best decorated merchant's dray on the ground. The dray, which was painted yellow with red linings, was effectively decorated with golden foliage and flowers, relieved and brightened with scarlet. The decorations were in the form of a dome surmounted by a crown. None of the work was heavy, but light, tasteful and striking. Mr F. A. Cook had a tasteful exhibit in the grocer's cart division, and Mr C. Burgess came an easy first for his milk cart. The competition iv the butchers' carts was keen, and resulted in a win for Mr E. Wheeler (H. S. Harris) with a very .well decorated cart, its only fault being that it was slightly heavy in the amount of foliage, otherwise the exhibit was most creditable. Mr Bert Plumridge (H. S. Harris) came second with a very tasteful exhibit, but here the decorations were rather thin. Mr F. C. Parsons came first in the bakers' cart division with one of the best exhibits among the tradesmen's, the whole of the decorations on this cart being in keeping with the design, light and tasteful. For the best decorated boat the Union Rowing Club were first with a chaste and beautiful exhibit, the whole of the decorations being quiet, tasteful, yet very lovely.' The other boats exhibited were also very meritorious, and this division was without doubt one of the most striking features of the fete. The fire engine'eompetition was another of the best exhibits, the Chester Street and Lichfield Street engines bein? magnificently decorated. They, with the boats, were very conspicuous and attractive. For the best decorated bicycles, Mr H. Reid had a chaste and tasteful exhibit in the best gent's cycle. Miss Daisy Turton, in the children's division, had the prettiest and loveliest decorated bicycle on the ground. The perambulators, go-carts and wheelbarrows were well represented, and among them were exhibits of the highest merit, while some displayed a very primitive knowledge of floral decoration. With a few exceptions, the decorated horses were not so good as one might have expected ; want of design seemed to be the greatest failing amongst the competitors. About three or four only could be called decorated ; next time one may see better work. In the produce shed the bouquets and table decorations were exhibited, and this was one of the most attractive sections in the fete. For the best decorated table there were eight entries and almost as many different designs; some were quite up to standard form, while others were spoiled by the vases and specimen glasses, which were in direct antagonism to the colours of the flowers used. Altogether the fete was, from a floral standpoint, a decided success, and is worth repeating.