TUAPEKA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4899, 12 October 1901, Page 3

TUAPEKA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

SPRING SHOW,

Whatever eventually may be the result, in a financial sense, of the new departure made by the Society, as briefly sketched in our last issue, it cannot be said, after the experience provided by Wednesday's show, that it promises at all badly. At first sight it had a good deal in it of the nature of a forlorn hope, bat Wednesday's exhibition has shown that, unlike the majority of such enterprises, everything is not qnite left to chance, the conditions of success or failure are clearly in sight, and the probabilities of a disagreeable surprise are considerably minimised. But notwithstanding all this it would, of course, have been much pleasanter and more in keeping with the fitness of things, as well as with the position which the Society should occupy in the district^ were it possible to continue qh the old lines. Disinterested enthusiasm on the part of growers is an admirable thing, and lacking it the best results are unattainable ; but yet the stimulus of material reward plays a not altogether insignificant part even in such a delightful taskas the cultivation of flowers, just as it does in all the other affairs of life. But yet, as the Sooiety argues with much force, if, after 25 years of strenuous and continuous effort at edu* cation on its part the flower growers throughout the distriob are not prepared in such an emergency as the present to stand together and put forth an effort for the existence of the Society— well, they are not of/the kind of which enthusi* astic horticulturists are made. The same thing in another sense, though in quite an equal degree, applies to the general public, without whose practical support the new departure taken by Cue Sooiety cannot possibly lead to success. Wednesday's exhibition pretty con« clusively shows that both the growers and exhibitors generally, as well as the ! general public, are in generous accord with the decision arrived at by the Society, and may be relied .on to give every assistance in their power towards making it a success. Proof in this respect was afforded in the fact that Wednesday's exhibition was both the largest and the beat yet held under the auspices of the Society, and also that the attendance of the public, despite the threatening appearance of the weather and the heavy rain that fell during the evening, was a record one. There is, therefore, every reason to hope that the Sooiety did the best thing under the circumstances and that its confidence in the public will continue to meet with a generous response from year to year. As already Btated, the exhibition of spring flowers on Wednesday was the largest and, in the opinion of those competent to speak, the quality of the exhibits touched a very high standard of excellence, .equal in every respect, it is affirmed, to any of the more pretentious shows in Dunedin or the other large oentres. There were especially some remarkably fine collections of narcissi, such as could not be esdelled nor possibly equalled anywhere in the colony. Strongest in evidenoe among these, but for exhibition only, was Mr H. Hart's

collection, which represented something

like ninety varieties of this beautiful flower. In these were included all those flowers with which he carried off the cup at the spring show at Dunedin last week, most of them still retaining all their pristine freshness and beauty of oolor. To differentiate or distinguish between a collection of flowers that almost merits tbe appellation of unique is not quite an easy task. Bnt if there are among the collection any flowers that may be singled out for what the compilers of catalogues call " special mention," in other words distinguished merit, they are, for size, Glory of Leyden and Hume's Giant, which, even to the least trained eye, must have seemed striking blooms. For beauty of color and form there could be no hesitation in selecting such flowers as 0. J. Backhouse and Mary Anderson and for gracefulness of habifc J.B.M. Camra stood alone. Many of tbe varieties, it may be mentioned, comprised flowers not commonly exhibited as, for instance, such beautiful specimens as Madame de 3-raaff, Victoria, Mrs Walter Ware, ComI nmnder, Catherine Spurrell, Duchess of Westminster, Caroline Kroons, and Snow King. Such a collection of flowers as this must delight the eye of the merest amateur just as it must stimulate the experienced grower to further efforts towards the production of flowers of a higher form of beauty. Mr J. J. Woods, who has, we believe, the largest and most diversified stock of narcissi in the district, bad a magnificent collection of these flowers at Wednesday's show. In fact to enumerate the many varieties of the collection was an impossible task. The collection was an exceptionally large one, as may be understood from the fact that in one vase alone there were as many as 30 blooms. The most striking oi the many varieties shown were, perhaps, Barrii Conspicuus, Poetious Ornatus, Mrs Langtry and Duke of Buccleugb. 1 here were alco some splendid specimens of Commander, M. J. Berkley, Leedsii (tilegans). It may seem a sweeping statement to make, but it is accurate in every detail, that there was scarcely a defeotive flower in this magnificent, well-grown collection of blooms which Bhowed right through a profusion of the richest color and substance. Mr Woodß had also a very fine lot of oamel« lias for exhibition only.

Mr J. Blair, of Mornington, who won the second prize at the competition for the cup at last weeks show in Dunedin, also sent up for exhibition only a very good collection of narcissi, the chief of which were Princess Mary, Autocrat, Odorua Rugilobus, There was also some of the more homely variety such as Sir Watkin and Barrii Coospicuus. It was altogether a pretty collection and did not look very much the worse for wear after the journey.

Mr J. G. Davis, Christchurcb, showed a very fine collection of blooms which afforded a picturesque illustration of the effects of the more genial and advanced season in the Cathedral City. The collection contained no less than four varieties of the later blooming poeticus section, the most striking of which were Poetaram, Michael Foster, and Agnes Rarr, Grandia and J. B. At. Camra were the best of the trumpets, and Commander and Siddington (Barri) the chief of the Incomparabilis.

These comprised all the very fine collections sent in by their owners for exhibition only, and the Society, and not only the Society but tbe public, are indebted to those gentlemen for the splendid treat they provided.

Speaking generally of the exhibition, it may be said that the competition in the narcissi section brought out some really magnificent blooms, and in some instances, ot such evenness, was the quality, the judges had some difficulty in making their awards. Visitors also were afforded an opportunity ot observing the excellences of some of the newer and more expensive varieties, By the way, it has been suggested that in the class for two narcissi it would be an improvement to name the section, which would relieve the judges from the difficulty of judging a medio coronati against a magni ooronati. In the collections from these varieties a very high standard of merit was represented, which was maintained in tbe individual blooms, all being of .rich color and of splendid texture. Coming to detail and speaking more specifically, one is pleased to notice that the exhibition of pot plants, though not large t comprised some very fine specimens, Mr Arnold being the sole exhibi* tor. There were some very fine specie mens of cineraria and beautifully.grown asparagus ; also fuschia procumbens, pyramidically trained, looking very pretty, and other varieties, the whole forming a very fine collection of plants. There was a very good collection of show and fancy pansies, the first prise in the former for three pansies going to Mr T. H. Clark, Mr S. A. Miller taking a first for three pannies in the latter. Mrs J. C. Browne took first prize for a wreath done with a tell a narcissi on a ground of ivy leaves, the arrangement showing very oorrect taste, and in table bouquets, in which there were but two entries, Mrs F. Nicoll was awarded the honors. In dresa bouquets as well as in gent.'s buttonholes Misa E. Jeffery, for some very tastefully arranged exhibits, took first prize. Miss M. Taylor secured a first prize for one and two hyacinths respectively. For a very nice collection of auriculas Miss M. Taylor was awarded first prize j Mrs F. Nicoll a first for cut flowers and Mr Arnold a similar award for three pretty anemones. There were two competi. tors for a floral design, Mr F. A. Miller and Mrs Vivian, the former securing first prize for a lighthouse built in with primroses — a pretty and very original conception. Mr A. Wilson, Dunedin, exhibited some new varieties of primrose seedlings, which attracted a good deal of attention. There was also a very I pretty collection of hyacinths shown by Mr Woods, varying in color from white to three shades of pink, blue and yellow and a somewhat singular flower of a deep iudigo color merging almost into black. For any collection not in schedule there was only one entry by Mrs Vivian, and for a very nice collection of primroses Mr T. Mark took first prisse. In the competition one camelia Mr Patrick, Waitahuna, was awarded first prige for a singularly beautiful flower, the like of which haß not been before seen at the show and in praise of which connoisseurs were most enthusiastic, Mr Woods coming seoond in order of merit. In both two and three camelias Mr Woods took first prize, as did Mr W, Anderson for a beautifnl collection of 86 primroses, Mr Arnold occupying a similar place for an exoeedingly pretty collection of 12 flowers of tbe same kind. la three cineraria, varieties Mr Anderson was the only exhibitor, showing some beautiful plants.

In the narcissi competitions there were some exceedingly fine flowers, and in at least a few instances the task of discriminating was anything but easy or off-hand for the judges. In one narcissus, large trumpets, Mr Woods stood first (a Glory of Ley den), Mr J. C. Browne coming clobb tip with a very fine flower} Mr Hilton taking the honors ia medium trumpets, one bloom , a flower of splendid quality, Mr Woods taking second place. In the parvi or small trumpets there were eight entries, the position being reversed between the gentlemen in the previous competition, the winning flower being a very fine bloom of the Baroness Heath variety. The competition in the two narcissi varieties between Mr Woods and Mr , Hilton was again very close, the former, however, securing the honors, the same relative positions being maintained by those gentlemen in the competition three naroiaii varieties, and here it mast

be said that Mr Hilton has learned tha art of growing his flowers to perfection and secures every advantage in his manner of staging them Th£ running in the six narcissi varieties was also very close, Mr Hilton taking first place and Mr Arnold second. In the six narcissi varieties, three blooms of each, some very fine flowers were shown, Mr Woods and Mr Browne taking first and second place respectively, and in 12 narcissi varieties the Rev. Mr Ellis took the plaoe of honor, with Mr Woods next in order. In 18 narcissi varieties Mr Woods and Mr Browne followed eaoh otber in tbe order named, the positions being, however, reversed in 24 varieties. Mr Browne also took the premier place in a collection of narcissi, followed by the Rev. Mr Ellis.

The polyanthuses were a very fine class, Mr Arnold being the only exhibitor.

In the amateur class of three narcissi for those who Bad not previously taken a first prize, Mr J. West, Waitahnna, was awarded first and Mr T, Mark second.

The entries in industrial work were not numerous but with a few exceptiena the clans of work shown was of a very creditable order. In Mountmellick work there were 8 entries, the first place being awarded to Miss Hopkins, Evans Flat, for some exceedingly fine work, Miss J. Dorm coming a close second, the judges having some difficulty in deciding the issue in this competition. In drawn thread work Miss Dorm took first place and Miss Hay second. The finest specimen of hand sown work in the exhibition was ehown by Miss K. Sutherland in children's pinafores; Miss J. Dorm second ; Miss M. Adams taking a first for a very nice sample of drawn thread work ; Miss Bay second. Miss Sutherland again took first place for a very neat honiton lace bordered handkerchief ; Miss K. Roche taking seoond place for Borne very nice work. In any exhibit of fancy work not in schedule Miss Hopkins was awarded first place for a very beautiful specimen of lace work and Miss B. M'lntosh embodied a novel idea in • a milking stool set in postage stamps. Mrs Watkin was awarded a special for a wonderfully knitted shawl, revealing unusual skill. Mrs F. Nicoll exhibited a patchwork quilt, the boat urtiole of its kind ever seen in the show. There was only one exhibitor in wood-carving — Miss Morrison. There were also some hand-painted plaques shown and a number of paintings in oil, some of them being of considerable merit. Miss B. M'Jntoah showed a very pretty seascape; Miss Leecb bad some pictures of merio as also had Miss Hopkins and Mrs Sullivan had a large oil painting of the Blue Spur which must have involved considerable study and labor. This department of the exhibition was very well represented and in some instances very creditably.

The exhibition of kindergarten work by the High School children made a very pretty and interesting display, and showed that under Miss Fowler's direction whatever cons motive talent her pupils possess has been very successfully developed.

The tost of judging the industrial work was delegated to Meadamea Ponsonby and Will, Messrs J. C. Arbuckle and H. Hart discharging a similar duty in ths flower competitions, and in both instances the most complete satisfaction was given.

During the evening the Lawrence Orchestral Sooiety enlivened the proceedings with a number of selections played in their usual capable manner, and a song by Mr Corrigan, " Queen of the earth," was much appreciated by the assemblage.

The introduction of afternoon tea by a number of ladies may be regarded as a happy thought, and should remain a permanent fixture of future shows.

The Society is to be congratulated on the success of the show, the credit of which undeniably in a very large measure belongs to the energetic seoretary (Mr J, C. Browne) by whom, no doubt, like most enthusiasts, the sucoess of the Society is regarded as ample compensation for his labors. Following is the prize-list : — Class I.— Pot-giwyn Plants. One specimen plant, 3 entries — Wm. Sinclair 1 and 3 Three cinerarias, varieties, 1 entry — W. Anderson One cyolamen, 1 entry — Miss Newall One pot or pan freesias, 1 entry— W. Anderson Any plant not in sonedule, 1 entry— Mrs Vivian Table of pot plants, 1 entry— J. Arnold Class ll.— Cut Flowbbs. One pansy, 7 entries— T. H. Clarke 1, S. A. Miller 3 Three pansies, fanoy, varieties, 5 entries — S. A. Miller 1, T. H. Clarke 2 Three pansies, show, varieties, 2 entries — T. H. Clarke 1, J. Arnold 2 Collection of pansies, varieties, 2 entries— T. H. Clarke 1, S. A. Miller 2 Three wallflowers, spikes, varieties, 2 entries—E. Pickett I and 2 Wreath of flowers, 2 entries — Mrs J. C. Browne 1, Mrs Vivian 2 Hand bouquet, unwired, 1 entrj — Miss E. Jeffery Table bouquet, 2 entries — Mrs Niooll 1, Mrs J. C. Browne 2 Two bouquets, buttonholes for gents, 4 entries — Miss E. Jeffery 1, Misa Hay 2 Lady's dress bouquet, 4 entries —Miss E. JeSery 1 and 2 Collection of out flowers, varieties, 1 entry —Mrs Niooll One hyacinth, 2 entries — M. Taylor 1, J. Arnold 2 Two hyacinths, varieties, 2 entries — M. Taylor 1, J. Arnold 2 Three hyaoinths, varieties, 1 entry^-J Arnold One narcissus, magni coronati group, 7 entries~J. J. Woods 1, J. C. Browne 2 One narcissus, medio ooronati group, 7 entries -H. W. Hilton 1, J. J. Woods 2 One narcissus, parvi ooronati group, 8 entries- J. J. Woods 1, H. W. Hilton 2 Two narcissi, varieties, 9 entries— J. J. Woods 1, H. W. Hilton 2 Three narcissi, varieties, 11 entries — J. J. ' Woods I, H. W. Hilton 2 Six narcissi, varieties, 6 entries — H. W. Hilton 1, J. Arnold 2 Six narcissi, varieties, three blooms of eaoh, 3 entries— J. J. Woods 1, J. C. Browne 2 Twelve narcissi, varieties, 6 entries — Rev. J. G. W. Ellis 1, J: J. Woods 2 Eighteen narcissi, varieties, 3 entries— J. J. Woods 1, J. C. Browne 2 Twenty-four narcissi, varieties, 2 entries— J. C. Browne 1, J. J. Woods 2 Collection of narcissi, not less than 24 varieties, 9 entries — J. C. Browne 1, J. Gk W. Ellis 2 Collection of polyanthus narcissi, varieties, 1 entry— J. Arnold Collection of auriculas, varieties, 6 entries — M. Taylor 1, Mrs Will 2 Collection of tulips, varieties, 2 entries— H. li. Darton 1, Mrs Craik 2 Three anemones, varieties, 4 entries— J. Arnold 1, T. Mark 2 One camellia, 2 entries— J. H. Patrick 1, J. J. Woods 2 Two oamelli&s, varieties, 9 entries— J. J. Woods 1, I. M'Parlane 2 Three oamellias, varieties, 2 entries — J. J. Woods 1, 1. M'Farlane 2 Twelve primroses, varieties, including polyanthus, cowslip, oxslip, 6 entriea— J. Arnold 1, Mrs Will 2 Thirty-six primroses, varieties, including polyanthus, oowslip, oxslip, 2 entries — Mrs Anderson 1, Miss E. Jeffery 2 Any flower not in schedule, 2 entries — Mrs Vivian 1, T. Mark 2 Any oolleotion not in schedule, 1 entryMrs Vivian Floral design, 2 entries— F. A. Miller 1, Mrs Vivian 2 Bkginnebs l Class. Twelve primroses, varieties, including polyanthus, oowslip, oxslip, 2 entries— T. Mark 1, E. Piokeit 2 Three naroissi, varieties, 7 entries— J. West 1, T. Mark 2 Class 111. — Ikdtjstbial Wobk. Specimen of mouatmellick, 7 entries — Miss Hopkins J, Miss J. Dorm 2 Specimen drawn-thread work, 4 entries — Miss J. Dorm 1, Miss Hay 2 Child's pinafore, 3 entries— Miss E. Sutherland 1, Miss J. Dorm 2 .

Two drawn-thread handkerchiefs, 2 entries —Miss M. Adams 1, Miss Hay 2 Two lace-bordered handkerchiefs, 2 entries —Miss K. Sutherland 1, Mis 3K. Roche 2 Specimen' of crochet in cotton, 1 entryMrs Watkins Plaque in oil painting, 4 entries — Miss Pearson 1, Mrs Sullivan 2 Piece of wood carving, 1 entry — Miss Morrison Any exhibit of fanoy work not in schedule, 5 entries — Miss Hopkins 1, Misa B. M'lntosh 2 Knitted wool work, special prize— Mrs Watkins