HAMILTON HORTICULTURAL SHOW.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVII, Issue 19, 8 May 1912, Page 41

HAMILTON HORTICULTURAL SHOW.

The Hamilton Horticultural Society’s autumn show took place recently, in the Town Hall. The opening ceremony was performed by the Premier (the Hon. T. Mackenzie), who was accompanied by his daughter (Miss Mackenzie). The Premier congratulated the committee upon the result of their hard work, and said he could well remember what a busy morning “show morning” always was, for his father often exhibited in the shows in Dunedin, in the early days. He complimented Miss Kibblewhite on her lovely chrysanthemums, and Mrs. Walsh bn her beautiful native ferns. He would like to see the classes for native ferns and native flora made more of. He was sure they were worthy of more attention than they usually received. The Japanese chrysanthemums, though not as numerous as one would wish, were of good quality, especially Miss Kibblewhite’s entries, which gained five prizes. The prize for six varieties cartied with it possession of -Mrs. T. Jolly’s trophy for a year. The dahlias were also very good, though showing signs of being grown late in the season. Mr. Hooper’s trophy for twelve varieties of eactus dahlias was won for the year by Mr. Dey, who also took first prize for the exhibit of six. The six decorative sprays of chrysanthemums, shown by Mrs. Flyger, came first and second. In cut flowers (open class), Mr. H. •Biggs had lovely exhibits of twelve varieties. The various flowers showed really good cultivation, the bouvardias, artotis, clrrysanthemums, and the single and double green miniature sunflower being especially good. Two flowers new to the ordinary amateur gardener were the Rhimania, a flower between the cobea and foxglove, but of the latter growth, and one grown from seed from Germany. This was the Tassel flower, a small blossom, growing in bunches, of various orange and brown tints, which looked highly promising for graceful decorations. In the amateur class for twelve varieties, Miss M. Stevens came first, with a good exhibit, containing, with others, some good blossoms of the Argentine pea, greatly out of season. The floral decorations were of a really high standard. In the hat trimmed with flowers. Miss Rothwell was first, a good exhibit, and in the class for hat made of flowers or foliage, Miss Rothwell was again first, with a wonderfully wellmade hat of New Zealand flax, trimmed with a lovely blossom of green chrysanthemum. So attractive was this exhibit that the Premier specially noticed it Witli a word of praise, and the president requested M : es Mackenzie to accept it as

a gift, which she was delighted to do. The floral baskets were decorated in autumn tints, the first prize being won by Miss M. Ansenne, and the second by Miss Gladys Tompkins. The deeorated bowls were also autumn-like and graceful, Mrs. Riggs coming first and Mrs. Douglas second. The table decoration first prize was won by Miss Stevens, with a graceful arrangement of yellow flowers and maidenhair; Mrs. F. Wilson was placed second, and Mrs. Coleman third. In the class for non-first-prize winners, Mrs. Douglas gained a well-earned first, with a glowing combination of autumn leaves and brilliant red dahlias, lighten; ed by lovely sprays of maiden hair. Miss G. Tompkins, second, and Mrs. J. Horne, third, also did autumn tables. The children's section is always an interesting one. Olga Jolly. Lois Burrow, and Violet. Jolly all gained first in their respective classes. M. Parr come first for button-hole, out of quite a dozen quaint and highly-interesting exhibits. The judging of the floral decorations and children’s section was capably performed by Mrs. Brown (Auckland), and Mr. Grindrod, also from Auckland, acted as judge for the other classes, their decisions giving every satisfaction. The success of the show was, no doubt, greatly due to the untiring and willing efforts of the secretary, Mr. E. B. Davy.