HORTICULTURAL SHOW.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3129, 4 March 1909, Page 5

HORTICULTURAL SHOW.

MASTERTON SOCIETY'S FIRST EXHIBITION.

A SPLENDID AFFAIR

HIGH PRAISE FROM VISITORS

OFFICERS. President, Mr W. H. Beetham; Vice-Presidents, Dr. P. R. Cook and Mr P. L. Hollings; Men's Committee, Messrs W. J. Hirschberg, E. Hale, W. Kemp, T. Dixon, R. W. Cook, M. R. Varnharn, J. B. Moodie, J. Caselberg: Ladies' Committee: Mesdames C. F. Vallance, W. J. Hirschberg, H. T. Wood. J. Caselberg, J. Elliott, J. B. Keith, D. M, Graham, Miss Wingate; Auditor, Mr H. M. Boddingon; Treasurer, Mr J. R. Nicol; Secretary, Mr Norman H. James. The Masterton Horticultural and Industrial Society's firs*- Show was held in the Masterton Drill and Town Halls, yesterday, and was a marked success. Both halls were filled to as full a degree as was convenient with one of the finest exhibitions of horticultural products ever brought together in the district, and if visiting nurserymen are competent to judge also in the North Jsland.

The Mayor (Mr P. L. Rollings) opened the exhibition in a brief but appreciative speech. His Worship congratulated the Society on the magnificent display which filled the halls, saying that it was most creditable to them and to the district. It was several years since Masterton had a Show of the same nature, and the present realisation was a very fine affair. The object of the Society was not to make money, but the laudable purpose of promoting and encouraging the cultivation of fruit, flowers and vegetables, and the pursuit of the home arts and industries which made for the comfort and luxury of a household. The Masterton Society had laboured under considerable initial difficulties, but it had overcome them all, and desarved the heartiest thanks and congratulations of the district. Mastertjn was particularly adapted for horticultural development, and it boasted many residents who were enthusiastic and most capable amateur horticulturists, and he hoped the present splendid Show would be the predecessor of many puch exhibitions. (Hear! Hear)! Mr Hollings particularly mentioned the valuable work done in connection with the Show by the Secretary of the Society (Mr Norman H. James). The Mayor said he understood that Mr James was leally the originator of the present Society, and his admirable energies had unquestionably been almost wholly responsible for the strength of the exhibition. His Worship then declared the Show open. (Applause).

On all sides were heard congratulatory references to the numerical strength of the entries, and the quality of exhibits, the horticultural judges, both gentlemen of long experience, saying without hesitation that the display was on a par with the best North Island Shows, and a credit to the district. The enconi-"n-is of the judges were undoubtedly deserved, as class after class was literally' packed with entries, the tot il being over seven hundred, while i-i p'lint of quality the veriest layman could discern that a high standard was maintained throughout. The flo-vers were a very striking feature ■ of the Show, and competition in wellvarices was very keen, most beautiful specimens giving the judye no easy task to make his awards. The flowers ware set out on st-mds in the centre of the Drill Hall, an i very capably mounted the exh bits were. The vegetables comprised a fine advertisement for the quaLty ot the Mast'erton soil, and the capabilities of ils horticulturists. They were set out on wired-in banches arouni the sides of the Drill Hall. The industrial section was very creditable, though competition was not quite so keen right through. Several classes, however, elicited booming entries, and particularly the scone, cake and bread-making, and laundry classes. The judges of this section were Mesdames H. Beetham and D. G. (Dr.) Johnston, expressed pleasure at the quality of the exhibits, especially in the scone classes. A novel feature of the cake classes was that a gentleman (Mr T. Dixon) won the first prize for the best fruit cake. Mesdames Baird and Rockell judged the fancy work, in which the entries were very creditable. The children's and school classes were liberally patronised, [ and there was littla room for imj provement on the best of the entries. The vegetable displays were most creditable, and in the school arts the entries showed a high state of proficiency. Tha Show had one outstanding feature, similar to that in the horticultural section of the A. and P. Show—the magnificent array ot decorated tables. There was exceptionally keen competition, and it was only after much deliberation that the judge came to a final decision. The floor of the Town Hall, was used for the display of table decorations, and shows by visiting nurserymen. Messrs F. Cooper, Ltd., showed a very fine collection of cut flowers, including latest varieties of gladiolas, dahlias, sweet peas and bigonias. A specialty in the exhibit was the Gebera Jamesonii, the celebrated scarlet Cape daisy, a vary pretty variety of the Marguerite daisy.

Mr T. Horton showed fruit, including practically every leading variety. His peaches were exceptionally fine, and the whole exhibit attracted considerable notice. A feature of the Show was the splendid exhibit of dahlias made by Mr E. Hale, of the Wairarapa Nurseries. In the classes six decorative dahlias, six single dahilas and six cactus dahlias, the blooms were practically perfect, and in each instance secured first prizes. Mr Hale also made an attractive display of cut flowers, pot and plants. Messrs Just and Son, of Palmerston North, and Mr Anderson, of Napier, made very creditable displays of the usual nursery trade lines, the pot plants forming a pleasing feature of their exhibits. Mr H. Poole, the well-known florist, of Wellington, included in his exhibit cut flowers, pot plants, bulbs and various floral designs. The display was well selected and attractively arranged.

Afternoon tea of a dainty charater was dispensed on the stage of the Town Hall under the superintendence of Mesdames J. Caseiberg, C. F. Vallance and D. M. Graham. The numerous officials worked hard to ensure the success of the Show, and they deserve every credit for the splendid result of their work. Everything passed off without a hitch, and Mr N. H. James carried out his exacting duties as Secretary in a way which earned him frequent congratulations from patrons. JUDGE'S COMMENTS. The judge of the fruit and vegetable section, Mr E. Horton, of Pahiatua, said he was very much surprised at the excellent quality in the fruit section. Plums and peaches were particularly strong, and their quality showed that by careful selection and attention these fruits could be grown with great success in the district. Vegetables also were a grand collection, and in all the classes, without exception, there was keen competition throughout all the classes. Mr Horton said that the vegetable section would compare more than favourably with the leading shows of the Dominion. Mr T. Dixon was a very successful exhibitor in this section, hii entries beating professional nurserymen's exhibits. His plums were exceptionally fine specimens.

Mr F. R. Cooper, of F. Cooper, Ltd., Wellington, was the judge of the flower sections. Mr Cooper specially mentioned the display of asters, describing them as fine a collection as he had seen at any show. He awarded first prize in the collection clas3 to six very fine white blooms, and second prize to six delicately tinted heliotrope blooms. Next in the jv_ c . opinion in point of merit were the dau!' ■* Mr Cooper said that the six prize cactus dahlias would grace any show in the world, and were magnificent types o± the modem idea. They werp exhibited by Mr E. Hale. Zinnias were exceptionally good, sweet peas strong, and phlox excellent. In the floral designs and bouquets Miss Poole was evidently an expert, and her exhibits elicited spicial mention from the judge. Mr Cooper termed the pot plant class a very pleasing one, especially in the foliage, flowering begonia, ferns and fuchsias.

PRIZE LIST. The following is the full prize list:—

PuT PLANTS. Three single begonias, Mrs W. H. Beetham 1 and 2; three dcuble ditto, W. J. Hirschberg 1 and 2; 3 rex begonias, Mrs W. H. Beetham 1 and 2; petunias, W. J. Hirschberg 1 and 2; 2 varieties fuchsias, Mrs W. H. Beetham 1 and 2; 3 foliage plants, H. Poole 1, Mrs W. H. Betbam 2 and 3; 3 varieties ferns, Mrs H. T. Wood 1, Mrs J. Pay.tou 2; three pot plants in flower, W. J. Hirschberg 1, Mrs W. H. Beetham 2; 3 coleus, Mrs W. H. Beetham 1, Mrs H. T. Wood 2; best palm in pot, H. Poole 1, Mrs J. Payton2; collection pot plants, Mrs W. H. Beetham 1 and 2.

CUT FLOWERS. Rose, Just and Son 1, E. Hale 2; collection of 12 roses, E. Hale 1, Mrs W. H. Hosking 2; collection of 6 blooms, J. Minton 1, Mrs W. P. James 2; 6 French marigolds, F. C. Turner 1, Just and Son 2; 6 decorative dahlias, E. Hale 1, R. W. Cook 2; 6 single dahlias. M. R. Varnhum 1, Mrs H. T. Wood 2; 6 cactus dahlias, E. Hale 1, M. R. Var .ham 2, T. Dixon 3; 12 cactus dahlias, E. Hale 1, A. Jaques 2. M. R. Varnham 3; collection dahlias, E. Hale 1, M ; ss A. Jaques 2; 12 pmsies, Mrs H. T. Wood 1; 1 pansy, Mrs H. T. Wood 1; six trusses verbenas, E. Hale 1, G. W. Sellar 2; G stocks, Mrs H. T. Wood i; G spikes gladiola, H. Pools 1 and 2; asters, 12 bloom?, T. F. C. Tumor 2, Mrs G. Watson junr. 3; six aster?, F. C. Turnor 1, Mrs G. Wats<io junr. 2; 6 carnations, H. Poole 1, J. Caselberg 2; six phlox drummondi, G. W. Sellar 1, Mrs W. P. James 2; 6 geraniu.i s. .sirs H. T. Wood 1: 6 zinnias. J. M. Meredith 1 and 2; shower bouquet, bridal, H. Poole 1, Mrs B. Arnott 2; hand bouquet, Mrs H. T. "Woud 1; bridal bouquet, H. Poole 1, Mrs H. T. Wood 2; best decorated table (by ballot), Mrs Holmes 1, Miss M. Payton 2. Williams 3; ditto (by judge), Mrs H. T. Wood 1, Miss M. Payton 2, Mrs C. A. Tabuteau3; best floral design, Mr 3 H. T. Wood 1, A. B. Woods 2; basket flowers, H. Poole 1, Mrs H. T. Wood 2; six garden flowers, G. W. Sellar 1, Mrs W. H. Beetham 2, Mrs J. Payton 3; collection 12 varieties sweet peas, Mrs H. T. Wood 1, J. Minton 2; collection 6 varieties sweet peas, G. W. Sellar 1, J. Minton 2; collection ornamental grasses, H. Poole 1.

FRUIT. Dessert plums, two varieties, 12 specimens, T. Dixon 1 and 2, Just and Son, 3; 12 culinary plums, 2 varieties, T. Dixon 1 and 2, J. S. Berriman 3; 12 Japanese plums, J. C. Alpass 1, T. Dixon 2; collection of plums, T. Dixon 1 and 2, J. C. Allpass 3; 6 nectarines, M. Caselbsrg 1, J. C. Cooper 2; 2 pie melons, T. Dixon 1 and 2, R. W. Cook 3; 6 peaches, J. Casellberg 1, Miss R. Cameron 2, M. Caselberg 3; 12 walnuts, J. C. Alpass 1; 6 quinces, J. C. Alpass 1, Mister E. Perry 2, T. Dixon 3; 12 culinary apples, 3 varieties, Just and Son 1, J. C. Alpass 2, J. Minton 3; 12 dessert apples, 3 varieties, Just and Son 1, J. S. Berriman 2, M. Caselberg 3; collection of apples, J. C. Alpass 1, Just and Son 2, M. Caselberg 3; 6 des.sert pears, J. C. Alpass 1, E. Harper 2, Mrs G. W. Mace 3; 6 culinary pears, J. Candy 1, E. Harper 2, J. C. Cooper 3; 2 bunches grapes fblack), J. C. Alpass J, F. C. Turnor 2; collection of fruit, M. Pry or 1." Wm. Purcell 2 and 3; 12 yellow tomatoes, W. Purcell 1; collection of tomatoes, R. W. Cook 1; 1 highest points in tomatoes, R. W. Cook 1.

VEGETABLES. Cucumbers, 2 frame, E. Hale 1; 2 ridge, Loy Chung 1, Fong Kong 2, Just and Son 3; two heads cabbage, Miss Ruby Cameron 1, J. Kjestrup 2. Loy Chung 3; two red cabbages, Just and Son 1; two cauliflowers, J. Scorrar 1, J. R>strup 2, Fong Kong 3; 2 heads celery, W. Purcell 1, Fong Kong 2, Chung Loy 3; 6 beet, D. Caseloerg 1, A. Caselberg 2; G turr.i.s, Chung Loy J, M. 2, F;ng Kong 3; 6 short

carrots, Mrs Meredith 1, W. Purcell 2, C. C. Cox 3; 6 long horn carrots, A. B. Wood 1, Chung Loy 2; 6 parsnips, H. D. McHattie 1, W. .Puree]] 2, Chur>gLoy 3; 6 rhubarb, W. Purcell 1 and 2, R. W. Cook 3; two cabbage lettuce, W. Purcell 1, Mrs W. H. Beetham 2, Mrs A. B. Lawrence 3; 25 pods peas, H. Vaughan 1, J. Scarrar2, H. D. McHattie 3; 25 runner M. Caseiberg ], W. Purcell 2, Just and Son 3; 25 kidney beans, Kong Fong 1, Chung Loy 2, A. Caaelberg 3; 12 broad beans, Mrs A. B. Lawre ice 1, D. Caseiberg--3; 2 vegetable marrows, H. Vaughan 1, W. Purcell 2, P. Tarr 3; 2 pumpkins, Kong Fong 1, Chung Loy 2, W. Puree]] 3; 6 leeks, W. Purcell 1; 6 heaviest onions, trimmed, W. Purcell 1. A. J. Parton 2; keeping onions, H. Vaughan 1, W. Pur- ! cell 2 and 3; 12 kidney potatoes, J. Scorrar 1, T. Dixon 2, Chung Loy 3; 12 round potatoes, T. Dixon 1, Chung Loy 2, Kong Fong 3; collection of potatoes. J. Kjestrup 1, Mrs J. Smith 2, A. kjestrup 3; collection, of vegetables, W. PurceJl 1, PL Madeley 2, Chung Loy 3. FARM PRODUCE. Butter, E. J. Rose 1; heaviest dozen eggs, 1, Mrs B. Arnott 2; honeycomb, J. C. Cooper 1; extracted honey, J. C. Cooper 2. SCHOOL CLASSES, (Horticultural). Six variety of vegetables, Matahiwi School 1, Masterton School 2, Olive Wilton 3; collection cut flowers, Stanley Moore 1, Master'.on School 2; collection stamps, J. Hirschberg 1, Eric Pryor 2; collection coins, Douglas Wood 1, Chas. O'Connell 2; hand bouquet, Ethef Madeley 1, Masterton School 2; three button-holes, Jean Sellar 1, OMys Murray 2: free-hand drawing, boys, F*-ed. Matthews 1, Vernon Welch 2; girls,"— ¥-&rg~~Hu2i£Z~-i, Ethel Pond 2; handwriting, boys, Nelson Hendry 1, Harold Martin 2; girls, Eva Dagg 1, Gwendoline Harper 2.

PHOTOGRAPHY. Scenic, R. J. Foss 1, R. E. Jones 2; portraiture, J. Hirschberg 1, R. J. Foss 2.

HOME INDUSTRIES. Best collection jams and jellies, Mrr C. H. Anderson 1, Miss Winsate 2; bottled fruit, collection, Mrs C. H. Anderson 1, Mrs H. 1. Wocd 2; maramlade, Mrs G. W. Sellar 1, Mrs H. T. Wood 3; pickles and sauces, Mrs Anstice I-; white loaf, Mrs J. E. Kjestrup 1, Mrs Bungate 2; brown loaf, E Keith 1, Miss Monagban 2; scones, Mrs C. Perry 1, Mrs Styles 2, Mrs Anstice 3; brown scones, Mrs N. Miller 1, Mrs Harper 2; sausage rolls, Mrs Styles 1, Miss N. West 2; jam tart, Mrs Styles 1, Miss N. West 2; sponge roll, Winnie Devonport 1, Mrs 0. Smith 2; pound cake, Mrs H. t. Wood 1, Mrs J. Pryor 2; fruit ca'<e, Thos Dixon 1, Mi'ss C. Rayner 2; seed cake, Mrs J. Pryor 1, Miss C. Rayuer2; tiay of pastry and cakes, Mrs 0. Smith 1; collection of sweets, Mrs 0. Smith 1, Mrs A. B. Liwrence 2. Children's Classes.— B> st launderel pillow cate (under 15 years), Noeline Cruickshank 1, Rachel Ballantyne 2; button-holes on calico, Doris Madeley 1. Lily Cameron 2: neatest patch in cloth, Ethel Pond 1; best doll (under 13 years), Dapnne Jones 1; home laundered serviette (under 16 years), Noeline Cruickshank 1, Lily Cameron 2; best decorated umbrella (girls unchr 16), B. Mackersey 1, Noelir.e Cruickshank 2; home-made biscuit-', Elspeth Robertson 1, Florence Pavr.e 2. JbANCY WORK. Fancy knitting (wool), Mrs H. T. Woodl; plain knitting, pair men's socks, ribbed, E. McHattie 1, Mrs Bunny 2; plain, E. McHattie 1; fancy crochet, Mrs Haihaway 1, Mrs G. W. Mace 2; needle painting, Mrs J. Candy 1, Mrs O. Smith 2; mount mellick work, Mrs H. T. Wood 1, Mrs H. Madeley 2, Mrs H. Prior 3; drawn thread, Mrs H. T. Wood, 1; Miss M. Williamson 2; point lace, Mrs A. J. Partan 1, Mrs M. Caselberg 2, Mrs 0. Smith 3; wood-carv-ing, relief, Mrs H. L Wood 1, Mrs G. C. Summerell 2; poker work. Mrs Kendall 1; home laundered shirt, Winnie Devonport 1.