AKAROA. HORTICULTURAL, INDUSTRIAL, AND PASTORAL EXHIBITION.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 675, 2 January 1883, Page 2

AKAROA. HORTICULTURAL, INDUSTRIAL, AND PASTORAL EXHIBITION.

President: Rev. Win. Ayltner; VicePresidents: His Worship the Mayor and Mr Nalder: Secretary: Mr S. Watkins ; Committee : The Kov. H. Stocker, and Messrs Welsh, Garwood, Billehs, Bicknell, Perm, Penlington, C. Newton, Westenra, Jacobson, Morrison, Lee, Wilkins, Hargreaves, Chappell, S. Curry, Piper, Wallace, E. S. Latter,! 1 . S. Baker, W. McKay, Col McDonald, W. B. Toeswill, Wm. B.irnett, Thacker, Boleyn, Hawthorne, H. Haylock, G. McKay, Coop, and Birdling. Working Committee ; Messrs Stocker, Welsh, Garwood, Billents, Bicknell, Perm, Penlington, 0. Newton. Westenra, Jacobson, Morrißon, Lee, Wilkins, and Uargreaves. The question of holding the annual show of this society at a separate time from that of the Regatta, hns evoked much discussion, but it is evidently a step'in the right direction. So many people who are interested in the Regatta are also anxious to aid in the Exhibition, that to*'hold tho twc together was a mistake, as it necessarily divided the interest. In the years that nre past, it was thought that the visitors by the steamer on Regatta day would patronise the Exhibition to such an extent as would more than compensate for this, but experience has proved that but few indeed of the excursionists ever availed themselves of tho opportunity. Such being the case, it was resolved to try i£ Akarou had not sufficiently advanced to have two dnys of festivity. The fact was recognised that greater efforts would have to be made when the show had to stand as the sole attraction, and the whole affair was therefore remodelled. The first change effected was the removal of the site from the schoolroom to the Oddfellows' Hall. No one can doubt the great advantage of the step. The hall is much better adapted for showing, to advantage, the various exhibits, more particularly the horticultural. The position too, is better, and even putting that aside, there was not sufficient space in tho schoolroom without the use of , a tent—a groat disadvantage, especially if the weather were unpropitious. The industrial schedule was allowed to remain almost unaltered, but an appeal was made to the Schoolmasters' Association, which resulted in their kindly offering prizes. No doubt by this means more general interest was awakened in the schools, for the special benefit of which this part of the Exhibition was originally devised. To Akaroa, we believe, is due the honor of inaugurating those local Industrial Exhibitions, which have now became so general in this island. In the horticultural schedule, however, the reforms have been on a Urge scale. Previously, there has been only one class, so that the amatuer had to compete with the professional gardener, which was manifestly unfair, and must have precluded many from competing, as they looked upon prize taking as almost impossible. An open and amateur class were therefore advertised, and a liberal prize list issued, but not till after it had been duly ascertained that suifiyient support would be accorded, by canvassing the town. The system of offering definite sums as prizes, as has been done this year, is certainly much more satisfactory than leaving it an uncertain quantity, for iuten ling ex'itbitord know exactly what they have to expect. One must al.vays remember that there is a good deal of expense attached to exhibiting, and we thiuk those who are not in affluent circumstance* have a fair right to expect that if-they show really goo! tilings in fair competition and earn prizes they should be reimbursed. The Farmers' Club were communicated with regarding the Agricultural exhibits, and as they do not intend to hold any Agricultural and Pastoral Show this year, they kinily put their shoulder to the wheel, and hot only offered a variety of prizes, but many of the members promised special awards. The president (Mr Piper) was an earnest advocate of the scheme, and Mr Cheokly, the viod-pretn.lcnt;, is deserving of all praise for the umeasing trouble he has taken and the great interest he has shown. Mr Dux - bury, too, thinking that it would be better if'larger prizes were awarded for cheese, so that those showing might be recouped, took the trouble to collect a considerable sum in addition, for which he deserves.the warm tbank3jo£ the community. The Committee, sheisg that th«ir expanses

would be greater than in previous years, determined to issue tickets, and ask the public to support the Exhibition by purchasing them. Tbe tickets were of ftwo kinds ; one, the cost of which was ss, made the purchaser an honorary member of the Society, but conferred no privilege. The others were 10s, and gave the purchaser tree admission to the Hall' on the two exhibition days, nntl also to the concert and distribution of prizes on the evening of the second day, and also gave free entry of nil exhibits ; except for special prizes./ The entry fees were fixed at 6d, so as (to be within the reach of everybody. In order to make the distribution of prizes more attractive, it was arranged to have a concert also. This will take place to-night, and as there it* an excellent progamme, a good attendance and I consequent ample addition to the Society's funis may be fairly anticipated. The morning broke rather cloudily, but as the day advanced the weather improved, and on the, whole it was a pleasant day, though father close. At an early hour Akaroa presented an unwanted amount of animation, from the exhibition coming in with their various contributions to the general display. Messrs Hahn and Noonan both had booths for the sale of confectionary, toys, etc., in close proximity to the Hill, and Mr Rodrigues had a publicans' booth Opposite, and all seemed to do a good trade. The country visitors soon came pouring in, and before noon the town was well filled with a very welldressed, comfortable looking lot of people. The Hall had " Exhibition " in great letters on the front, and from 4 a.m. the indefatigable Hon. Sec, Mr S. Watkins, aided by his son Augustus, Mr Jollie, Mr Walter Watkins, and others, were busily at, work receiving entries and getting them placed. Well indeed they worked at their respective tasks, and too much praise can hardly be given them. The worthy secretary is specially worthy of commendation, for his work was not that of ono day alone, but of several, and he must have strained every nerve to bring matters to such a thoroughly successful issue. THE OPENING. The opening took place between 1 and 2 p.m. The doors having been opened, Mr . Garwood said : This, ladies and gentleman, is the 6th anniversary of our Exhibition, and as on former occasions, our member and friend Mr Montgomery is here to perform the opening ceremony. The show as a whole is a great success, and I congratulate you on it, but what I have to say on this subject Mr Montgomery can say far better, I therefore shall conclude by wishing you a happy new year, and beg to introduce Mr Montgomery. (Cheers.) Mr Montgomery, who was received with applause, said : I have great pleasure in opening this exhibition. As Mr Garwood said, I believe this is the sixth year of its existence. I believe that the exhibition has done great good in years past, but this year its usefulness is enhanced by the action taken by the Farmers' Club. This club has not only contributed f:o the Exhibition with funds, but it hall done much good in stimulating those interested in dairy pursuits, as is shown by the excellence and number of the exhibits, many classes of which have not been shown before. The interest shown is a guarantee of the excellence of the exhibits. From information derived from the judges, I hear th it the Industrial exhibits aiv not so good in quality or so nuiiierousias on former years. This is much lp- be regretted. It is a great pity th|| more scholars have not competed, and Mwould draw the attention of the 'teaolwrs of Government schools and others Jo the advisabloness. of the pupils extibiting good work done in schools. I hale been asked by the judges to Specially 'remark on the expediency of teaching free hand drawing. The judges also asked me to remark that the book-keeping was-hardly up to the mark, and that it is necessary attention should be paid to its improvement. The exhibits of fruit vegetables are, I understand, all thal|can he desired, both in the quantity and? quality of the exhibits. I also see that there Bre some excellent exhibits of silk, that clearly show that the Peninsula can really grow silk of an excellent quality. The exhibits of mulberry leaves are also very fine and numerous, and this is most encouraging, hb it shows that this industry, if fostered, will give employment to many. The exhibits of butter are, I understand, so good that they could hardly be surpassed anywhere ; and the same may be said of the great staple of the Peninsula, the cheese. I think, gentlemen, that you will all agree with me that the cheese industry, the dairy farming industy, is the industry of the Peninsula. It should ther fore be specially cared for, and every opportunity of exhibition should be made use of, so that tbe quality may not only be kept up; but improved. (Cheers). Residing as I do at a* distance, I cannot personally see and bear so much as I should wish, judging from tbe reports I have read in the: Akaroa Mail, I know that the Farmers' Club is doing great good. Farmers meet, and each gives his experience to the others, n very great benefit. By this means much new knowledge is acquired, and I believe tbat though this cheese industry has been established here so many years, that it will go on growing, and that the farmers will, not only go on niakinjj good cheese, but; make the best in the colony. (Cheers).? They have a right to do so, gentlemen, for have they not the best soil, the best grass, a .d the best climate to produce it ? These fertile hills grow splendid past'ire.'and there are streams of water running through nearly every paddock. Allow me to say that the place is specially adapted for dairy farming, its hilly nature not being suited for growing cereals, like* the farms on tho Plains. This dairy farming has many advantages, not the least of which ia f> that it supplies work for whole families, and keeps them together, not necessitating some members going from home or seeking other engagements. I hope, gentlemen, that the day will never come when sheep will supplant the place of cattle and human beings on these hills, and when these small farms will be swallowed up in larger holdings. It is most gratifiying to see'this union of interests between the Farmers' Club and the Industrial and Horticultural Association, and I believe it will lead to still greater results, anl that next year there will be even a better exhibition than this, not in the quality, but tne quantity of the exhibits. With these remarks, and congratulating you on the success you have attained—l allude both to the Committees and the exhibitors—l bear to declare this exhibition open. (Cheers.) Three cheers were then given for Mr Montgomery, and one for „Mr Ganv pod,

and God aave tho Queen having been played, the ceremony was finished, i. INDUSTRIAL. 1 Judges: Works of Art, Messrs J. T." Welch, A. I. McGregor, and,A. G. Wiggins. Mapping and Writing, Messrs T. \ Adams and W. D. Wilkin. Needlework, &c, Mesdatnes Black arid Jacobson, Misses Austen and Walkden. • In this department of the Exhibition many of the individual exhibits possessed great artistic merits, and give evidence of considerable labor and skill having been; applied for their production ; but we re-! gret to have to chronicle a falling off oh' the whole in both the number and quality of articles entered. The judges in their [ reports, which we affix below, call attention to the same fact. The causes which have led to this deterioration are not very apparent, but are evidently sufficiently real and much to be regretted. Many of the Peninsula schools, which were faintly represented at the Exhibition on former occasions, failed to send any exhibits this year, and the same remark applies to the schools in Christchurch and its neighborhood. Considering the pains that have been taken by the Committee, and the liberality displayed by the public in pro viding prizes for competition, this apparent apathy is discouraging in the extreme. However, we still hope that the causes which have led to this falling off may prove remediable, and would counsel the committee to inscribe Nil Desperandum on their banner, and await with confidence that increase in support and assistance, to which their painstaking zeal fairly entitles them. Spite of the drawbacks to which we have felt it necessary to call attention, the dieplay of works of art was a very creditable one. Many pictures and other artistic objects were sen! in for exhibition only, and these of course tended to heighten the pleasing effect of the whole display. Among contributors of this class, however, we missed our old friend Mr William Watkins, the productions of whose brush have, on former occasions, assisted so materially in this branch of the exhibition. We venture to hope that; on another occasion he will give visitors an opportunity of en joying some of his choice bits of New Zealand a-enery. To come to the exhibits of drawing, etc., tho. prize for waterco'.or painting from nature was awarded to a very nice group of flowers artisiically executed on white silk by Miss Boothroyd of Duvauchelle's Bay. In illumination the entries were few, but decidedly meritorious. Mr S. Watkins :,,ored first honors in the class for adults and Miss Emily Callaghan exhibited two specimens in the class for juveniles, either of which merited the prize which wae awarded her. Master Aubrey Spurr took a well-deserved prize in the class limited to the County of. Akaroa. The drawing by boys and girls was on the whole very creditable. It is to bo regretted that the term " freehand drawing " seems to have • been misunderstood, as several specimens of really good work were disqualified as not coming fairly within the definition. Among various exhibits of an artistic nature some cone work shown by Miss Ellen Raiighton attracted considerable attention and was deservedly admired as something euperior to the general run of such pioductions. Mr Riches contributed largely, as usn<l, and waa entirely without competition iti his particular deprrtments. His beautiful carvings in Pawa shell are so well known as to need no description- at our hands. Of theso he exhibited * large case full, comprising numerous oinftments oi exquisite and varied designs. Besides thin, hie exhibits of rustic work arelcertainly worthy of nolice,attAßprize wasjlikewise awarded him for some pretiy antrartistic arrangement of sesWeed* s At the fearne time we think the term ueed in the schedule—•' collection of ferns, etc." —is hardly applicable to an arrangement, however pretty, of a few varieties that do not pretend to any scientific value. Before quitting this branch of the subject, we cannot forbear calling attention to a highly meritorious drawing in the animal class by Miss Ethel Watfcins. There is a dog's head, the execution of which shows artistic power of no mean order. Miae Emily Cailaghan contributed no lees than eight drawings of. various descriptions, all of them displaying considerable merit, and some rising very considerably above mediocrity. They show that the young lady has had excellent artistic tuition, and has hod the industry and talent to avail herself of its advantages. Thedrawinge have been executed at the Convent High School, Christchurch. The judges in the art division appended to their awards the following remarks :— " The judges are sorry to note there is a considerable falling off in both quantity and quality in the freehand drawing. The prize awarded to 194 is specially worthy of pr&ise. The illumination is good, and shows the exhibitors are capable of appreciating the true form and colors for this class of work. The beaom imde from materials obtained in the County of Akaroa looks a serviceable article, well and compactly made. We are sorry to see no freehand drawings from the Government schools on the Peninsula, showing a great apathy on such a necessary branch of -Thoseentered are worthy of cannnerjdation, biu^ard'ycdniply With the term freehand. The book-keeping examples are very deficient in the necessary rules, No. 3 being the only eiample brought out with any idea of the subject, and that not worthy of a prize." The number of entries in the classes of writing and mapping was not great, but we consider the two maps of the Middie Island of New Zealand, to which prizes were awarded, sent in respectively by Masters Ernest Spurr and J. W. Martindale, excellent specimens of pains-taking workmanship. We append the remarks of the judges in this class,: — "The judges in mapping and writing regret that there is a considerable falling off in the mapping exhibits this year. In reference to the exercise books, the judges consider them as a whole exceedingly creditable, but they think it most desirable that on future occasions the names of competitors should not appear on the specimens sent for adjudication ; they also think that the ages of the children should always be given." In this division a protest has beon entered by Mr T. H. Giles against the award in Standard 4 5. The protest has been handed to the judges, whoso decision will be given at fire o'clock to-day. In the department of needlework there was a coasiderabla falling off in the I numbers of exhibits in various classes for which prizes now offered. At the same'

time some of the exhibits possess exceptional merit, and many of theui failed to secure prizes solely because they did not fall within the lines of the schedule. Among others of this description we may mention a knitted antiinncaesar by Miss Bodil Sorensen, a knitted quilt by Miss X, Dalglish, and a crochet counterpane by Miss Ellen Rodrigues. Mrs Morrison sent some very fine crewel work for exhibition only. The piece of crewel work to which a prize was awarded was sent iv by Miss Pavilt, sf Ashburton, and was no doubt thoroughly deserving. At the same 1 ) time'an exhibit by Miss Boothroyd was ah exquisite piece of work, which found n|any admirers, . some of whom were inclinecNo. differ from the opinion of the judges Wβ regretted to see that there was no competitioh-in the class for cutting out and making shirt's l —a most useful accomplishment for the future "•" wives and mothers of " Young New Zealand." The prize for hemming handkerchief was borne off by a Maori -girl, which should make her white cousins look to their laurels. In hand-made lace there were several exhibits, showing great skill and industry. The specimens to which first prize and honorable mention were accorded, shown respectively by Mrs G. C. Farr and Miss Hill were both of a high order of merit. The exhibits of cocoons was very fine, and show that the silk growing industry oufeht to develope itself on the Peninsula. The prize exhibit, shown by Master B. Penlington, are really a superb specimen, while Miss Ethel Watkins comes in a splendid second with a very fine collection. We omitted to mention in its proper place an excellent pencil drawing by Master W. Penlington, which, though beaten for a certainly deserves mention. It is a copy of the celebrated " Wido»v Waduian," so, well known in' connection with " My Uncle Tot»y f " and the subject which is certainly not an easy one, is treated very successfully. In concluding our remarks on this portion of the Exhibition, we can conscientiously congratulate the contributors, especially the younger portion of tbem on the success of their efforts, and hope they will not rest satisfied with the success already attained, but press on to secure fresh triumphs. At the same -tome we would counsel the large number who have stood by in apathy, to come forward on a future occasion, and show that they are not afraid of, at any rate, attempting to deserve success. If only they are stimulated to emulation of those who have already given proofs of their industry and skill, the increasing success of the Akaroa Industrial Exhibition will be assured. The following is the prize list:— Painting in oils from nature (professional), painting in water colors from nature (professional), painting in oils from nature (amateur), painting in oils from copies (amateur) ; in tho above classes there were no exhibits. Painting in water colors from nature (amateur), Miss Boothroyd. Painting in water colors from copies (amateur), no award. Illuminating, adults and boys or girls (open) ; adults, S. Wutkina - _bovj ct jjirlo, iStiiuy'CallngiiAn. Illuminating (boy's or girls reeident in the County of Akaroa), A. Spurr. The judges considered tho exhibits of illuminating' to show a marked im'.»r<»Vfinent on those of former years. Drawing (boys anil girls under 18), in six classes : freehand, crayon, perir cil, pen-and-ink, architectu -til, and mechanical ;. freehand, G. Piper 1, James Piper certinVnte of merit; crayon, Emily Callaghan ; pencil, G. Peiilingion 1, A. E. Watkins certificate of merit; pen-and-ink, no award ; architectural, G. Piper commended ; inai'litniufil, A. McGregor 1. Drawing in pencil (bo£n or girls under 16), in four c a«»ea : human form, landscape, animal, and marine (if special prizes are offered); human form, Ethel Watkins ; landscape, no award ; animal, Ethel Watkins ; marine, no awari. Freehand drawing by pupils of Government schools within the County of Ak.iro» ; no prize awarded, exhibits not coming* within the definition; an exhibit by F. Porter commended. Freehand drawing (boys aud girls under 16), O;ieii, May J. Sxsxer. Drawing by boys or girls under 18 (2 prizes) and under 15 (2 prizes), to be executed in presence of the judges in 20 minutes ; under IS, G. Penlington 1, no second prize awarded ; under 15, J. Glyn*n 1, P. Glynen 2. Map of Middle Isijuid of New Zealand, by boys or girls unier 12, 14, or 16, to be certified by the mister as having been done in ordinary school work ; under 12, J. W. Martindale ; undei 15, E Spurr (of this the judges ripmark that it is the only exhibit, but consider it well executed and worthy of a prize); uiidur 16, no award, the only exhibit being, in the opinion of the judges, too deficient in execution to merit a prize. Map | (Egypt) from memory in 30 minutes, J drawn before judges, E. Spurn Plain 1 writing by boys or girls under 16,14, t2 9 10 ; subject, " The General New Zealand comprises a ■ Legislative Council and House of Representatives;" to be written on ruled foolscap in three sizes, space, double epaco, and one-third space ; under 10, Mary Breitineyerj under 12, F. Penlington ; under 14, G. Piper ; under 16, A. Jones. Plain writing band) by boya or girls under 13; jijwfcy Glynan ; under 15, W. Carry. boys under 16, Aefore judges, no Carving in anymaterial, D. G. RichesX. Models, nautical or mechanical, by boys umI&lIQ, no exhiI bits. Basket work, no exhibits. I work, D. G. Riches. Besoms made material grown in the County, R. Newton. Cone work, leather do, for frames or boxes, Ellen Haughton. Artificial flowers in any material, no award. Collection of preesed ferns and sea-weeds, &c, D. (j. Riches. Knitted socks, one pair,' adults and boys or girls under 15, J. Armstrong. -Darning old cotton stocking by boys or girls under I 16 and 12, before judges ; no award. Cotton patchwork by girls under 15, . : Esther Wright. Cutting out and I white shirt, wearable size, by girls unden 18, no exhibit. Cutting out aud Crimean shirt, wearable size, rip Plain needlework under garment under 16 and 12 ; under 12, A. Greenwood 1, Ada WilleyJiighly commended ; under 16, S. P. McGregor, West Chrtstchurch,!, E. Greenwood 2. Hemming handkerchief, ,/, under 10 and 7, before judges ; under "Jk — Missen; under 10, Lina Hokiangal,Mfl|H Missen b c. Button holes, by boy* <S girls under.l 2, before judges, M. A. CuUenJ Bootees for baby, in wool, by girls undee 12, Mabel Watkins. Book-markera bjm girls under 15, L. Scott. Fancy netted ■ I antimacassar, no exhibit. PatchvrorK w J silk or other material, no exhibit. ?2J| dressed dol j, clothin&.ta be made and <WW

to be dressed by exhibitors,.girls under 14 ana 12, Ethel Watkins h c. Lace, hand made, Mrs S. C. Farr 1. Miss Hill he. Crewel work, Miss Pavitt, Ash burton. -Edging crochet by girls under .14, Ethel Watkirjs 1. Edging titting by gills under , 16,' no exhibit Woolwork cushion, to ,be--entirely done by exhibitors, -adoits/and girls under 14, no award. Embroidery by adults and girls under 12, no exhibit. Child's petticoat, or antimacassar, knitted : in wool, Ethel Watkine 1; a crochet petticoat in wool, iexhibited by Mary Missen,. was deemed worthy of a prize, and Miss Walkden kindly presented one for the purpose. Fancy stitches in cotton on a square piece of material, no' exhibit. Best-ironed shirt, Jessie Jolly 1 and h c. Largest collection of sparrow and greenfinch eggs (those only), J. Glynan 1, extra prize J. Wilkins. Special Prizes.—For the best kept exercise books in standards 2,3, A, 5, and 6, to children attending the Government echoels-of -the.Peninsula. The work to extend over. H, period of' not less than 3 months, end to be certified to by teacher. Given by the Banks Peninsula Teachers' Association, standards 12, Annie McGre gor ; 2 3, Mary Ann Cullen 1, (of this exhibit the judges remark that it was far better than any other in this class) Louis LeVaillant'2; 3 4,. Emily Jones; 4 5, Sarah Warner 1, Jane Bruce highly commended, £3 3s for the best treatise on stock and dairy purposes, and how to produce them, taking rearing, feeding, breeding, and causes (if any) through climatic influences, etc., between New Zealand and Great Britain ; the treatise to be the property of the Farmers' Club. Offered by Mr Henry Piper, No award. - HORTICULTURAL SECTION. Judges: Messrs Saxton, Lee, Northcote, and R. H. Gainsford. The Exhibition of pot plants Was very fair, considering that there is hardly any glass in Akaroa at present. Another disadvantage was of course the late rain, which ruined many blooms. Mr Garwood'a gardener, Mr Bicknell, deserves the greatest credit for his many excellent exhibits, some of which would have gained prizes in more pretentious shows. The judges had an easy task, for there was little competition. Some excellent tobacco plants were shown by Mr W. Jacobson. In fuchsias Mr Garwood had it all his own way, and one * pant of Arabella was specially well grown. In geraniums Mr Garwood also had it all his own way, and we specially admired one plant of Jean fiigley. The ivy-leaves were also very good. The fine-foliaged geraniums were considered unworthy of a prize. The pelargoniums were excellent, and we specially admired one plant of Deedemona. For the best specimen plant Mr Garwood showed a splendid begonia, and hie collection of plants was noticeable from containing a well-bloomed specimen of Ventricbsa Arica. Mr Riches showed a .splendid case of ferns, the infinite variety and beauty of which must be seen to be sppreciated. In the class for amateurs Mrs Baven carried off all the prizes except two with some very good plants. Mr Riches took the prize for best specimen M'ilh A huge chryeoleum, and for the best hanging plant with a creeping North Island fuchsia. Mrs Raven deserves great credit for her exhibitsi The cut flowers were fair, the rain, "however, having much" injured many, blooms. In the open class, Messrs Westenra and Garwood ehowed some choice blooms. The Srst prizes both for hand and table bouquets were taken by Mrs R : ches, Mrs Westenra and Mrs W. Jacobson taking second honors. In the amateur division the most noticeable exhibits were the collections of flowers. That shown by.Mr Westenra was j. very beautiful, and contained many blooms g that if shown 'separately would have taken g first prize in the. open class. Some fine c bloooiß of the Jackmnnii clematis, and g beautiful phlox Drummondii may be ; specially 'mentioned. Mrs Raven had also an excellent, and tastefully arranged t collection. In this, class also was the " prize for bouquetsHo be made up by girls j in the : presence of judges. This year r ench brought their own flowers, and used them—a great mistake if Anything like t equality is to be attained. Surely the best ■, plan would be for the committee to get the flowers, and have , them equally j divided amongst the children, so that each r may have, the same chance. We were glad, to see bo many compete, and hope to see twice as.many next year. The competition might be arranged to take place | on the second day, when interest is beginning to lag. f The fruit was good. Mr Henning'e j strawberries,Mr Feltbam's splendid plums, and Messrs R. Newton's and W. Jacob- j son's cherries being speciaily excellent. The gooseberries, too, in the amateur class k shown by Mrs Kearney and others, were wonderfully good—far better than in the open. Mr Garwood'e early apricots were good. Mr Garwood'e collection was excellent, and Mr Newton was awarded a. >well deserved special second prize for hia; The vegetables were a eplendid lot and; :a would compare favorably with exhibitions £ in much more populous places. The ar- r. rangement was a mistake, all the veget- 3 ables of one kind not being kept together, o so that the judges had to travel from one 2 end of the room to the other to see two f beans that were competing s Next year we should t &I X uio potatoes together, I i ' : :>>r vegetables arranged v . to- their kind. The judges t rather wild in their decisions c in this class. The first prize for t kidney potatoes fell to the Chinese, c for an ugly collection of flukes, that would t have never been looked at elsewhere. The i first prize for round potatoes very properly .j went to a eplendid lot of Mr Garwood'e, ( but the second award was given to some i of moel hideous and shapeless nonde- t scripts we ever saw. None were cut, all c being judged from the outside, and the "* same may be said of the turnips and car- t rote, size appearing to be the desideratum, 1 and not quality, for the turnips might i have been a ball of fluff within, for all i the judges knew. Mr Fyfe should un- t doubtedly have liad first prize for peaa < with his Scimiters, which were much ( superior to tho first prize taker's. Mr < Garwood's exhibits were as a whole mag- J itiucent, and the Chinamen showed some ] really good things. In the amateur i Mr Hay ward and Mrs Raven I showed some good things, and so did Mr < Hawthorn, but why be should be allowed 1 to exhibit as an amateur, when he makes '. Lis Jiving by gardening, passes our un- i der&tanding. ■ In this class, again, the < judges gave the.pfize for turnipa to the i largest Bhown, entirely ignoring a' lot of < splendid quality Bhown by Mr A. Wat- . kins. t Mrs Turnerj e ehpwed some good <

peas, but they were rather old. She also took first prize for scarlet runners. Mr E. Lee showed a very pretty model gar den, which must have cost him great labor. The broad beano shown were peculiarly excellent, and those of Mrs Baven,. in the amateur clasSj were not only the best in the show, but by far the best we have ever eeen any-* where. Mr Hawthorn took the special prize for the best collection of. peas, though Mr R. NeWton ran him clase with an exhibit of no lets than 20 kinds; some were, hoWeter, too old. With the exception of the roots mentioned, the judges gave every - satisfaction, and we are sorry to find fault with them at all, but we do not wish the public to run away with the idea that size is the only desideratum. Mr Jolly was indefatigable in this department. The following is the prize list:— . Pot Plants (Open CUee).— 6 fuchsias, varieties, J. D. Garwood ; 2 fuchsias, 1 dark and 1 light, Garwood ; 6 geraniums, zoßSie, $ varieties, Garwood « 3 geraniums, zonalo, 3 varieties, Garwood 2; 6 geraniums, double, not less than three varieties, Garwood 2; 3 geraniums, ivy-leaved, varieties, Garwood ;. 6 pelargoniums, show, 3 varieties, Garwood; 3 pelargoniums, fancy. 3 varieties, Garwood ; Best single plant pelargonium, Garwood ; 1 specimen plant of any description, Garwood; 6 plants, varieties, Garwood 5 Collection of ferns, D. G. Riches. Pot Plants (Amateur). —3 fuchsiae, varieties, Mrs Raven ; fuchsia, best specimen, Mrs Raven; 3 geraniums, zonale, varieties,: Mrs Raven ; best specimen, zonale, Mrs Raven j 3 geraniums, double, varieties, Mrs Raven 1 and 2 ; best geranium, ivy-leaved, Mra Raven ; 3 pelargoniums, show, varieties, \lrs Raven; 1 specimen plant of any description, Riches ; best drooping plant, hung up, Riches. Cut Flowers (Open Class).—6 roses, varieties, A H. Westenra 1, Garwood 2; 6 picotees, not less than 3 varieties, Garwood ; 6 carnations, not less than three varieties, Westenra; 6 pelargoniums, varieties, Garwood ; 6 verbenas, varieties, 3 trussee of each, Westenra 1, Garwood 2 ; 6 geraniums, zonale or double, Garwood ; 6 parisies, varieties, Garwood; Hand bouquet, flowers on their own stems, Mrs Riches 1, Mrs Westenra 2 ; Table bouquet, Mrs Riches 1, Mrs W. Jacobson 2. Cut Flowers (Amateur).—6 picotees, not less than three varieties, A. Watkins ; 6 carnations, not less than 3 varieties, Mrs Raven 2 ; 6 pansies, not less than 3 -varieties, Mrs Raven s Hand bouquet, for competition by girls under 14 years of age; to be made up in the presence of a . com * inittee of ladies, Miss Ethel Watkins 1 Miss Eveline Pavitt 2; Best collection of cut flowers, Westenra 1, Mrs Raven 2. Fruit (open class).—2o strawberries, W. H. Henning ; 20 raspberries, Garwood ; 20 cherries, R. Newton ; 12 bunches black currents, Westenra; 20 gooseberries (dessert), Garwood, 20 gooseberries (culinary), S. Fyfe ; 6 apples, last season, W. Jacobson ; 6 apricots, Garwood ; 6 plums (dessert), T. Feltham ; best collection of fruit, Garwood 1, Newton 2. Fbuit (Amateur). —20 raspberries, Perm, 20 cherries, W. Jacobson; 12 bunches red currants, Hay ward; 20 gooseberries (dessert), Mrs Kearney 1 and 2 ; 20 gooseberries (culiniry). J. Cullen. Vegetables (Open Class).—2 cabbages, Garwood; 2 cauliflowers, Garwood; 6 carrots, Shang Goy; 6 parsnips, Garwood ; 6 turnip , Garvvcod ; 25 pods peas, Shang Goy 1. S: Fyfe 2 ; 12 pods broad or long beans, W* Jacobson ; 12 potatoes (kidney) Shang "Goy 1, Newton ft ; J2 'potatoes (round), Garwood 1, Shang JJoy 2; 12 onions, Shang Goy; collection ofpotatoea, 6 of each kind, H. C. Jacobson ; z cucumbers, Garwood ; 4 lettuces, Garwood \ 6 stalks rhubarb, Garwood l> Shang Goy 2; 2 vegetable marrows,Garwood; collection of /vegetables, Garwood; collectioi of eaUtlf :Gtrwood ; collection of herbs, Garvfo&A'. VJB6JSTABLES (Amateur Class).—2 cab- ; bages, Hay ward; 2 cauliflowers, Hay- ; ward; 6 carrots, Hay ward 1 6 turnips, Mrs Raven ; 25 pods peas, Mrs Raven ; 25 pods French beans, Mrs Raven; 12 pods, broad or long pod beans, Mrs Raven ; 12 ; potatoes (kidney), Hay ward 1, Mrs Raven 2 ; 12 potatoes (round), Hay ward 1 and 2; collection of potatoes, 6 of each kind, Hawthorn ; 12 onions, Hawthorn ; 6 stalks rhubarb, Mrs Armstrong ; collection of vegetables, Hawthorn. I Special Prizes. — Japanese cabinet given by Mr Northcote for best 6 roses, Mr Westenra; prize for scarlet runners awarded by judges, Mrs Turner; 10s 6d for the best 12 mulberry trees, given by H. C. Jacobson, A. Watkins; 9s for best cheese exhibited, given by Mr W. Barnett, Mr Vogan ; 10s for best collection of peas, given by Mr Hawthorn, Hawthorn. The oth -r . special prizes have yet to be , awarded.