HORTICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VI, Issue 567, 20 December 1881, Page 5 (Supplement)

HORTICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.

The fifth annual show under the aus> the Akaroa Horticultural and Industrial Society was held in the Borough School (which building had been kindly placed at the disposal of the committeec), on Friday last. The judges were hard at work all the forenoon, arid the formal opening took place at about half-past one.

Mr J. D. Garwood, addressing those present, said that, as Mayor of the borough (and his reign was now very short), he had much pleasure in introducing Mr Montgomery, who would open the Exhibition.

Mr W. Montgomery, M.H.R., said he would not detain them with many remarks, but a few would not be out of place. This was, he understood, the fifth Exhibition of the kind which they had hold. Some persons might think that such attempts were too ambitious, but he was not of that opinion. He was informed that there was a falling off in the number of the exhibits, but a marked improvement in their quality. People had discovered, in fact, that it was of no use sending bad work. The specimens of needlework, works of art, drawing, &c, which he saw round him were highly creditable. Not only was the local work good, but they had some excellent contributions from other parts. This was of great advantage, as people here could see what was being done elsewhere. With regard to their show of fruit and flowers, it was very good, and it would be strange if it were not so, as they had the finest climate and soil in New Zealand for such productions. The Farmers' Club had done good work. By offering prizes for cheese they had induced competition. There were ten exhibits of new cheese, and two ef old. There were also some exhii its of jam. If any place was suitable for the production of jam, it was Akaioa. Let them produce it themselves, and so keep the money in the country which now went away to Tasmania and other places. He felt it to be an honor to be called upon to open this Exhibition, and was sure he might congratulate them on it. Before concluding, he would remark that there was present among them a gentleman whom he might call the father of Akaroa. He alluded to the Eev. Mr Aylmer. He was sure they would join with him in wishing him long life and happiness. It must gratify him greatly to witness this show, and he hoped he wouid be present at the opening of many more. He now declared the Exhibition open.

Notwithstanding many fears freely expressed to the contrary, we are happy to "say that this Exhibition fully maintained the reputation ii has gained in former years. Though managed by one committee, the two exhibitions are practically entirely distinct, and we propose to notice the latter one first. As far as the number of exhibits goes there was a slight falling off as compared with last year, the total number of entries on this occasion being 29G against something over 300 in 1880. If we take quality into consideration, however, the present exhibition shows, as should be the case, a marked improvement on its predecessors. On that occasion there were numerous exhibits which possessed little, if any, artistic merit, while on Friday last the judges must frequently have been puzzled by a number of contributions all of which were deserving of recognition. In the classes of painting from oils and water colors from nature by professionals, the committee had wisely determined to award no prize unless three competitors came forward. The con sequence was that there was no competition. Mr W. Watkins, however, contributed four charming paintings in oils for exhibition. For the sake oi the exhibitor it was a pity that competitors were absent, as we are fnlly convinced that these woiks of art have held their own against powerful rivalry. They were entitled respectively : —''Milford Bound," "The Goulburn" " On the Yarra," and " Barry's Bay, 1865." The four occupied a a conspicuous position and could not fail to strike the eye of the visitor on his entering the room. The first-mentioned is a magnificent work, The view is apparently taken at sunset, and the gorgeous and inimitable tints with which Nature decorates this fairest of all fair lands when the sun is first greeting us, or taking his evening farewell, and which are the despair of most artists, are excellently depicted; while the mist creeping up from the water, and gradually enveloping the distant mountains, is rendered in a most artistic manner. The remaining three pictures ate all good, but we think the preference should be given to " The Goulburn," a bit of river scenery without life of any description, which gives the idea of perfect repose.

In the class of oil painting from nature (amateur) there was only one exhibit, a view in Akaroa Harbor, which, though unfinished, gained a well-deserved certificate of merit. In the class of Avater-color drawing from nature, Mr S. Watkins showed a beautiful study of still life, consisting of a representation of a bunch of magnificent black grapes grown by the Rev. W. Aylmer. A cabinet picture in oils, <; An Italian Peasant," sent in by an anonymous artist, attracted much attention, and showed great merit. Painting in water-color from copies produced several entries, judging which must have been both pleasing and difficult. In this class first honors were scored by Miss Rosa Badden, a pupil of the Normal School in Christchurch, the second position being taken by Mr S. Watkins, and another exhibit by R. Bell was deemed worthy of special commendation, In illuminating there were only two exhibits, one by an adult (Mr R. M. Spurr, of Robinson's Bay) and another by his son, Aubrey Spurr, in the class for boys or girls. Neither work, however, would have suffered from competition, but rather the contrary.

Space will not allow us to criticise the whole of the exhibits in detail, and a few more remarks must suffice for the remain •» 'der. What we said of the Exhibition as a whole applies eminently to the classes of drawing, writing, and mapping by boys and girls. If there was a falling off iri the number of exhibits, it was more than compensated for by the excellence of the work shown ; in fact, it appears to be recognised that it was no use sending in inferior work. The number of entries for work to be done before judges was considerable, no less than twenty-four competitors presenting themselves in the different classes. We consider this work one of the most valuable features of the Exhibition, as there is no possibility of doubting its being performed without assistance bf any kind. And in this connection we may mention that the term " before judges" is possibly misleading; Strictly

speaking, the work is done, as in an examination, before supervisors. The judges do not see the competitors ; tKe exhibits are brought to thsm complete, and they make their awards, as in the other classes, without knowing who the authors are. Before-Leaving thyisi department we cannot but remark on thilfexceptional proficiency displayed witli t %Lgencil by Miss Rosaßadden, of the NonimfSchool, Christchurch. This young lady, who, we believe, is only sixteen years of age, took the first prize in water-color, crayon- and pencil drawings, and also contributed two water color drawings which were highly commended by the judges. Mr Lawrence Watkins contributed two freehand drawings, and two pen-and-ink sketches, which were very superior. He took a first prize and a certificate of merit in each class. Some excellent writing was sent from tho West Christchurch ScTiool, and some of it failed to secure prizes solely because the conditions of the schedule were not complied with This was the case also with regard to decidedly the best map cxlii- ' "bited—one of Australia, sent from the same school. This was the work of a young lady, Miss Clara Widdowson, aged sixteen, and we are glad to learn that she is not to go unrewarded for her skill and industry, a special prize for this exhibit having been presented by Mr R. M. Spurr. In the needlework the most noticeablo feature was the crewel work. The piece that took first prize was really a work of high art, and another exhibit which would no doubt have secured second place was also highly artistic, and turned out to be by the same lady, Mrs E. C. Farr. Some work in the same class by a girl ten years of age was also deservedly awarded a prize. A patchwork quilt exhibited by Mrs Kearney was a marvel of ingenuity and industry, it being stated to contain no less than 4135 separate pieces. The prize for the best ironed shirt, open to all comers, was this time secured by a girl of fifteen. Some beautiful work was sent in for exhibition only. Perhaps the most noticeable article among these was a banner of blue silk worked in gold, made by some of the ladies of Akaroa, for presentation to the yacht which should prove successful in the race run on the day on which the exhibition was held. A banner screen, worked by Miss Dickon, at the advanced age of seventy, and shown by Mrs T. S. Baker, was also much admired, as was one in bead work shown by Mrs Garwood. Mrs Baker also contributed some inacranie lace, which, by those who understood such work, was pronounced very choice. We cannot quit this portion of the exhibition without noticing the magnificent collection of carved work exhibited by Mr D. G. Riches. These carvings were executed in paua shell, mother-of-pearl, ivory, wood and other materials, and the designs and arrangement were almost endless in their variety. The case containing them formed a great contre of attraction, and during the day several were purchased by visitors as souvenirs of the place. The horticultural portion of the show was decidedly better than ivas to be expected, considering the unfavorable weather which immediately preceded the date. The number of exhibits was strange to say identical with that of last year, hi pot plants pelargoniums, geraniums and fuchsias were well represented, the first named being remarkably line. Among the notabilia of the show may be mentioned a very fine plant (Mackay's Bella) exhibited by Mrs Nalder. This took the prize for the best specimen plant of any description. Some fine specimens of heaths (Ericas) were shown, and attracted much attention. Mrs Nalder and Mr Garwood were the exhibitors, a specimen shown by the former (Vantricosa magnifica) being highly commended. Some heliotropes exhibited by Mr Gar.vood and Mrs Ditely respectively, though outside the prize list, were highly commended by the judges. Mrs Ditely also secured a certificate of merit for a, collection of plants, and Mr Garwood one for a collection of mimulas. In the fruit, the most noticeable features were some magnificent strawberries shown by Mr W. If. Ilenning and Mr Garwood, and some very superior applea of last season exhibited by Miss Rowe. The strawberries were of the variety known as '• Trollope's Victoria," and tbe two exhibits were so excellent and of such equal merit that the judges awarded a first prize to each. The last season's apples shown by Miss Rowe attracted great attention, and considerable surprise was expressed by some of the visitors at the wonderful state of preservation they were in. The vegetables were very good, Among them were two exhibits of a kind new to this place, and which the judges highly commended, this was the " Egyptian pea " shown by Miss ; Rowe and Mr J. Glynan. This pea is net only larger than the ordinary green pea, but possesses the advantage of being entirely edible, including the pod. It should be well worthy of attention by our : gardeners. In rhubarb two prizes were awarded. The judges considered that shown by tbe Chin se gardener, Kei Kai the ', best, but in the schedule the heaviest was i specified, and as Mr S. Fyfe's manifestly fulfilled that condition, a prize was awarded i to each. ;

The committee had some difficulty in meeting the wishes of the Farmers' Club as to securing judges outside the Peninsula for the special prizes offered by the Club for cheese. Eventually, however, the services of two gentlemen of undoubted ability unonnected with the locality were secured. Their investigation was most painstaking and prolonged, and we understand [that their verdict on the whole of the exhibits of dairy produce was highly favorable. The following is the prize list:— horticultural. Judges—Messrs Nalder, Read, Perm. and John Tosswill. Pot Plants.—6 fuchsias, varieties, J. D. Garwood, 1 ; Raven, 2 ; 6 geraniums, zonale, 3 varieties, Garwood ; 3 do do, Garwood; 6 double, not less than 3 varieties, Garwood ; 3 do do, Garwood ; 3 ivy leaf, 3 varieties, Garwood; best single plant, Garwood ; 6 pelargoniums, Garwood ; 6 do, show, 3 varieties, Garwood ; best single plant pelargonium, Garwood ; 1 specimen plant of any description, Nalder; best drooping plant, hung up, Nalder ; ferns growing in cases, Riches. Two heliotropes, commended, Garwood and Ditely; collection of plants, do Ditely: collection Of mimulas, do, Garwood. Cut Flowers—6 pelargoniums, varieties, Garwood ; 6 sweet williams, 3 varieties, A. E. Watkins ; 6 verbenas, 3 varieties, 1 truss of each, Garwood ; hand bouquet, Ilenning; table do, Nalder 1, Miss Walkden highly commended ; 6 pansies; not

i less than 3 varieties, Garwood. Special s prizes, first and second, for collection of > single cut flowers, cultivated and wild— , greatest variety and most effective arrange--1 ment, Miss A.Watkins. i Vegetj Bles.-2 cabbages, A. E. Watkins, s 2 cauliflowers, Garwood ; 6 carrots, A. E. ■ Watkins ; 6 parsnips, Garwood,; 6 turnips, : Garwood ; 25 pods of peas, Fyfe ; 12 pods ■ broad or long pod beans, Kee Kai; 12 potatoes (kidney), Perm; 12 potatoes (round), Yewen ; 12 onions, Hawthorn ; collection of potatoes, 6 of each kind, Hawthorn ; 4 lettuce, Duxbury ; 6 stalks rhubarb, Kee Kai; 6 stalks rhubarb, heaviest, Fyfe ; 20 asparagus, Garwood ; collection of vegetables, Garwood ; collecof salad, Garwood. Fruit.—Not less than 20 strawberries, Ilenning and Garwood equal ; 20 raspberries, Nicliolls ; 20 cherries, Garwood ; 12 bunches red currants, Henning; 12 bunches white curran's, Ilenning; 12 do black cunantp, Ilenning; 20gooseberries, (desert), Cullen ; 20 gooseberries (culinary), Williams ; 6 apples, last season. Miss Rowe ; Egyptian peas, Glynan and Mis 3 Rowe equal. DAIRY PRODUCE. Judges—Messrs J. flay, PI. B. Monkman, and J. King. New cheese—T. S. Johnson, 1 ; P. Mullins, 2 ; P. David, 3. Old cheese—S. Fyfe, 1. Butter—Mrs Johnson, 1; Mrs Haywood, 2 ; Mrs Shaoka. INDUSTRIAL. Judges—Needlework, Mesdames Stocker, Jacobson, Citron, and Meoch, Miss Rowe, and Miss Waikden. Paintings, Messrs McGregor, Welsh, Alexander, and Farr. writing and mapping, Messrs Wilkins, Adams, and Westenra. Essiy, Messrs Stocker, Garwood, and J. Aylmer. Painting in oils from nature (amateurs) —S. Watkins. Paintings in oils from copy (amateurs) —S. Watkins. Painting watercolours from nature (amateurs) —S. Watkins, 1 and commended. Water-colours copies (amateurs) —Rosa Budden, Normal School, 1 ; Mrs S. Watkins. 2 ; Rosa Budden, commended. Illumination (adults) —Mr - Spurr; boys—Anhrey Spurr. Drawing under 18—Freehand, L. Watkins, 1 and commended ; crayon, Rosa Budden, 1 ; pencil, Rosa Budden, 1 ; L. Watkins highly commended. Pen and Ink—L. Watkins, 1 and commended. Drawing, pencil, under 1G —•Tinman form, Guy Willbuns, 1; Ernest Watkins, commended; landscape, Caroline Hunt, highly commended. Freehand drawing — pupils Government school, J. M'Climont, 1 ; W. Dalglish. commended. Freehand drawing under 16, Guy Williams, 1 ; Benjamin Penlington, commended. Drawing before judges, under 18,- Frank Scott. 1 ; L. Watkins, 2 ; under 15. Aubrey Spurr. 1 ; Ethel Watkins. 2. Map. under 12, Mary J. Snger, I ; under 14, Ernest Spurr, 1 ; G. Piper, commended ; under 16. Aubrey Spui-r, 1; J. Piper, commended. Map, from memory. I efore judges, B. Penlington, 1 ; J. McGregor and G. Piper, commended. Plain writing, under 16, J. McGregor, 1 : Aubrey Spurr, commended ; under 14, G. Piper, 1 ; under 12, Mary J. Sager, 1 ; C. Grey and W. Jennings, commended ; under 10, R. Manson, 1 ; Frank Penlington, commended ; under 15, Agnes Pendel, 1; 11. E. Lawrence and Eliz. Milhtirn, commended; under 13, Harriet Hall, 1 ; C. Grey, commended. Carving in shells, G. D. Riches ; carving in wood, G. D. Riches ; model, G. Penlington ; rustic work, D. G. Riches; cone work, Miss Kissel, commended ; artificial flowers, Miss Bates ; sea weeds, Mrs S. Watkins; G. D. Riches, commended ; knitted socks, Mrs Burke ; cotton patchwork, Daisy Hawthorn; Crimean shirt, Mrs Malthy. Plain needlework, under 16, Ada McGregor, West Christchurch. 1, and highly commended ; under 12, Isabella Armstrong, 1 ; Margaret Jolly, 2. Hemming handkerchief, before judges, under 10—Mary Wright, 1 ; under 7, Elizabeth Wright, 1. Button holes, before judges— M. Cullen, 1. Bootees—Mary Ann Cullen, 1. Bookmarker—Mabel Scott, 1. Antimacassars — Mrs Kearney. 1 ; Theresa Cullen, 2 Lace—Mrs MC. Farr. Crewel work—Mrs E. C. Farr, 1 ; Julia Tosswill, commended. Crochet—Miss Frobisher, 1. Tatting—Julia Tosswill, 1. Woolwork— Mabel Scott, 1. Child's petticoat—Mrs Burns, 1. Best ironed shirt—Jessie Jollie. The Exhibition was visited by a great many peop'e on Saturday, and that evening those interested in tbe matter assembled to witness the distribution of the prizes won. His Worship the Mayor said that Mr W. Montgomery would now distribute the prizes to those fortunate enough to have u'on them. The Exhibition had been a good o- c as a whole, but be trusted that the future would show that they could do greater things. Mr Monrgomerv then called on (he Rev. Mr Stocker to read the prize list. He did so, Mr Montgomery giving the awards, which were very good arid suitable as a whole. An announcement that Mr Watkins bad returned two prizes for the good ' of the Exhibition was received with cheers, ' Mr Stocker stated that the judges were i much pleased with the freehand drawing, and an extra prize bad been awarded by Mr Billens. The Robinson's Bay School had been most successful in gaining prizes. The judges had done their work most i kindly and impartially, and deserved their | best thanks.

Mr S. Watkins said that the society owed ranch to tho kindness of their member. Had it not been for him they would not have been able to give so many prizes. Mr Montgomery's liberal gifts put them ori their legs when they were almost in a state of bankruptcy. That gentleman had also interested himself in Christchurch in the matter; he had worked there on behalf of the committee, and many of the beautiful things exhibited came from 1 there through his instrumentality. (Cheers.)

Mr Montgomery said he was happy to do his best for such an admirable object. But, after all, what could money do; its aid would be impotent indeed were it not properly spent. His aid would have been small good indeed, had it not been for the time, attention, and enthusiasm given by the Itev. Mr Stocker and Mr S. Watkins. (Mr Stocker: " And Mr Billens.") (Applause.) It was certainly owing to the strenuous esertiors of these gentlemen that the Exhibition had been such a success, and he hoped that it would be a still greater success in the and that he (Mr Montgomery) wonld be able to give his assistance by contributing towards it. (Applause.) He had endeavored to get Christchurch to send exhibits, because in that way the Peninsula people would be stirred to a healthy competition, which would tend to improvement, by their comparing their local exhibits with those frool

a distance. He congratulated the Robinson's Bay School on the number and excellence of their exhibits. He thought the Akaroa School, having more attendants, should do as well or better, as it was the main school. He had no doubt, however, that they would come to the front iri the 1 future. -Crentlemen from Christchurch who had visited the Exhibition thought it excellent. He was gled to see the Farmers' Club take such an interest in the Exhibition of cheese. They had gone into tha matter with great spirit, and no doubt next year there would be liberal prizes and many contributions. The cheese made in the Peninsula was acknowledged to be the best in New Zealand, and this part of the show should be of great commercial importance. If they put their'shoulders to the wheel they might be certain of a most successful exhibition next year, (Applause.) Mr Stocker moved a vote of thanks to the judges, and in doing so mentioned specially the great help given by Mr Billens. . His Worship the Mayor said he had now only to ask Mr Montgomery to formally close the Exhibition. Mr Montgomery then declared the Exhibition closed. The Mayor said that the ceremony was now over, and the gathering dispersed. Before concluding this notice we must congratulate all concerned — exhibitors, committee, and donors of prizes, on the success of tbe whole affair. We hope to see from year to year an ever-increasing interest taken in this Exhibition; which we are convinced is destined to produce excellent results. We regret to learn that, in proportion to numbers attending, the Akaroa School was very poorly represented among the exhibitors The Peninsula school which appears to have taken foremost rank is that of Robinson's Bay. It would be well for all concerned if there were a little greater amount of healthy rivalry among our different local schools. As to the committee, without wishing to be. invidious, but simply to give honor where it is due, we must particularise the names of Mr S. Watkins and the Rev. H. Stocker, upon whose exertions the success of the whole affair very greatly depended. The amount of labor gone through by these gentlemen must be seen to be in any manner appreciated. Mr Billens also rendered very valuable assistance both in work and in meeting the committee in a most liberal manner. Nor do we think the services rendered by Master A. Watkins are unworthy of recognition. When all the youngsters of his age were amusing themselves and holiday making, he stuck to his post as doorkeeper, and performed lv's duties in a thoroughly efficient manner. We understand tbat the gross amount taken, at the doors during the two days was £15 3s 6d, the numberof visitors about 400.