National Sweet Pea Society of New Zealand.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 25, 21 December 1910, Page 42

National Sweet Pea Society of New Zealand.

FIRST SHOW AT PALMERSTON NORTH.

By

"VERONICA.”

FOLLOWING on the lines of the National Sweet Pea Society of England, growers of the Dominion determined to l>e up-to-date, and run a society of their own. To the Stratford growers is due the hon-

our of inaugurating the society, and these gentlemen are no doubt justly proud of the venture and of the success of the first exhibition just held. Considering the manv dfficulties to be sur-

mounted in starting such a society, especially that of gauging the most suitable date for all North Island growers, and of. securing trophies worthy of a fight, and then working up the growers to bring their stuff to the show, we con-

sider the exhibition a very creditable one indeed. It could not be called a big display: quantity is only one point, and in t’ne matter under notice a comparatively easy obstacle to negotiate, but

quality is another matter, and in this respect the first show of the New Zealand National Sweet Pea Society will be remembered for its excellence in the cardinal virtue. Taking the blooms as a whole, they were good, and in several instances .superb, and it is a question whether we shall ever get much beyond the grand quality seen, at Palmerston. We may possibly get longer stems, but we cannot see that much can be gained, even supposing we should grow these 2ft long. There were many stems in the show Klin long, carrying blooms 2 and 2 l-Bin across. We can get stems 18 and 21 in long and blooms 2Jin across, but we are afraid that any larger flowers than this will only be secured at the cost of substance, which to our mind is of more importance than mere size. There is no place like the show bench for finding out the merits of novelties, and of the legion offered last year, very few were seen in the premier places. The best novelty of the year is Earl Spencer or Nancy Perkins. Both are the

same colour, but which is the best yet remains to be seen. Much depends on the stock, soil and culture. Wellington growers are very keen on Earl Spencer, but it is doubtful if any of our growers could distinguish one from the other. Tom Bolton was much in evidence; the stalks of this are long, blooms very large, waved, and it is a Hower of very good substance. Douglas Unwin and Dusky Monarch are close rivals, as is also Silas Cole, and another season or two will tell which name will endure. Miriam Beaver is going to be a very useful show bloom. It was on the benches in good colour, and came in for a large amount of favourable comment. Senator Spencer also is a grand pea of giant size, and though a flaked variety is very popular. Mrs. Hardcastle Sykes is hard to beat, and the growers appear to possess a very fine strain of this remarkably fine pea. This variety was seen on many show stands in first-class condition. Marie Corelli, about which so much has been heard, is rather a disappointing pea.

on the show stand, owing to losing colour very quickly. It is difficult on this account to secure a strong \ase. One point well 'brought out at this show is the fact that too many steins in a vase is a mistake. The ideal number we should say was ten, and these so placed as to enable everyone to be closely examined without handling. Where 20 stems are placed in a vase it becomes necessary for the judges to lift them out, which occupies valuable time, and is apt to lead to confusion and cannot possibly serve any useful purpose. We have always advocated using sweet pea foliage when staging blooms, and after seeing the National and other shows, we are confirmed in this view. There is nothing that can set off the blooms to greater advantage than their own foliage, provided it is not overdone. The judges, Messrs. Fox, Trevethivk. and Dr. Carberv, are to be commended for wisely setting a high standard for the national competitions. Acting on this resolve, the entries in the single bunch classes 'were found to be, with few exceptions, unworthy of an award, and none was made, and the society lias resolved that for the next year’s event these classes shall be deleted entirely, and a New Zealand novelty single bunch class substituted. The arrangements for the show since its inception have been in the aands of Mr. E. A. Osmond, of Stratford, the hon. secretary, and this gentleman also carried out satisfactorily all the arrangements for the holding of the exhibition — a big task for any man. Mr. Osmond, however, has accomplished his work, and is deserving of commendation for his indefatigable labours. The following were the principal events for competition: — GROUP A—(Open.) “ Weekly Graphic ” C up. value 25 guineas; presented by Mr. 11. Brett, and 30/ cash, for IS distinct waved varieties. Ist prize.—Mr. A. Goring Johnston, Palmerston North. The varieties shown were Dazzler, Zephyr. Mrs. 11. Sykes, Helen Lewis, Etta Dyke. Senator Spencer, Tom Bolton, Nancy Perkin, Elsie Herbert, Apple Blossom. Well Done, Miriam Bea-

ver. Rewa, Countess Spencer, Geo. Stark, Mrs. C. W. Breadmore, Constance Oliver, Marie Corelli. Paradise Ivory. We understand this was Mr. Johnston’s first effort and he is to be congratulated on his win, more especially as he managed to secure the prize, beating several veteran growers. Mr. G. C. Holder. Porirua. was

a close second showing good vases of Helen Lewis, Maori Belle. Miriam Beaver. Evelyn Hemus, etc., and .Mrs. Brown Clayton, Auckland, was third. The blooms in this stand were a bit off colour, probably through being too loosely packed, ami showed the effects of the long journev.

N.Z. Championship Class. For 12 bunches, waved: — Ist prize, the X.Z. Championship Cup. presented by Wellington patrons, the Society’s gold medal, and two guineas in cash. This coveted honour was won by Mr. G. C. Holder. Porirua. with magni-

ficent lot in grand form, beautifully coloured and waved. This was the finest stand in the show, and consisted of Primrose Spencer. Tom Bolton. Helen Lewis Asta Ohn. Mrs. Hugh Dickson. Earl Spencer. Mrs. Hardcastle Sykes, Miriam Beaver. Etta Dyke, and John Ingina n. In the amateur classes the Palmerston North trophy, value 25 guineas, for 12 bunches, was also won by Mr. Holder with a good lot: the second lot. staged by Mr. Johnston, being very close. For the Corbould Trophy, presented by Messrs. Corbould Bros., of Christchurch. Mr. Osmond had a fine entry, but his exhibit was disqualified owing to a vase being short of the requisite number of stalks, ami Mr. Holder's exhibit was awarded the trophy. Th" Yates' Cup. open to all except the trade, was won by Mr. J. Goring Johnston. with a fine lot: Mrs. (Dr.) Douglas. Hamilton, being second. This lady was also successful in winning the Taranaki Cup. value 20 guineas, for 12 vases, her varieties being Kowhia, Evelyn Henin®, White Spencer. Mrs. IT. Sykes. Tiewa and Of Indio Spencer. Mrs. C. TL Hewett. Palmerston. closely followed Mrs. Douglas, with M. A. Harding Ashurst third. In the same class Mr. Holder was first for (i vases, showing Tom Bolton. Senator. Marie Condii. Crimson Paradise. Mrs. 11. Sykes, ami King Edward Spencer: Mrs. (Dr.) Douglas speond: Mr. G. Fenton. Palmerston. third: whilst for three bunches in this section. Mr. Fenton was first. Mrs. Douglas second, and Mrs. Goldsmith. Levin, third. The single bunch classes were poorly represented ami do not call for special

mention, Mr. Goldsmith of Levin, taking (he bulk of the prizes. One of the features of the show was the large entry of deeorated tables, all of these being arranged with taste. Miss Murray, of Wellington, judged, and awarded the Palmerston North trophy to Mrs. Bruce Beale, Palmerston; Mrs. If. G. Wood, Masterton, second. For decorated dinner table with centre and any kind of vaaes, Mrs. J. P. Innes, Palmerston, was first with a very striking effect. A novelty in the shape of a decorated mantelpiece was well set out and Mrs. McKnight was awarded the prize. Shower bouquet, Miss €. Bruen; yase of sweet peas, Mrs. Hawkins; bowl Fweet peas, Miss McLennan; buttonholes, Mrs. Wood. In the nurserymen's class for a display of sweet peas, arranged on wall space 20 x 4, Mr. C. Trevethick, Lower Hutt, Was the only entrant, and secured the gold medal and two guineas in cash. Mr. Trevethick’s exhibit was most artistically arranged by Miss Murray, and the peas were set out with a great lightness of touch and interspersed with grasses and foliage. Mr. Trevethick had same fire varieties, notably his favourite, Maori Belle lavender, Kowhia Uewa, and several promising seedlings of his own raising. Fine blooms of Zephyr, Earl Spencer, Seafoam, John Ingnran, Mrs. Henry Bell, Mrs. Hugh Dickson, Miss M. A. Linzee, Mrs. Geo. Charles, Mrs. A. Ireland, and many others made up a most attractive display. Mt. Brett, of Takapuna, Auckland, sent 40 vases of the best varieties for exhibition: Sunproof Crimson, Pride of Ooom.be, Syeri Lee, Nubian, Mrs. Hugh Dickson, Yellow Hammer, and Etta Dyke being some of the best sorts. This exhibit gained an award of merit. Messrs. A. Yates and Co., Auckland, set up 80 vases of field grown peas. These were grown in the open without Stakes, and included most of the latest novelties and standard sorts. Mr. H. A. Fox, Wellington, had a •fine exhibit of his famous carnations and pieotees, which made an attractive stand. Messrs. Wighton and Co.. Palmerston, had a large table devoted to Various decorations in sweet peas and bther blooms, which was much admired.