FLORAL EXHIBITION AT ELMWOOD.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11483, 16 January 1903, Page 2

FLORAL EXHIBITION AT ELMWOOD.

On the occasion of the Canterbury Horticultural Society's Floral Exhibition the grounds of "Elmwood," the residence ol Captain R. Heaton Rhodes, M-H.R,, were thrown open yesterday, and a very enjoyable afternoon was spent by the large number of visitors, chiefly ladies, who attended, undeterred by the rather undecided state of the weather in the early part of the afternoon. The grounds looked charming, and on all sides were to be heard expressions of delight at their appearance. On the lawn seats and afternoon uea fables were placed, and the Elite Band was in attendance, and gave an interesting programme of music during the afternoon. The conservatory and fernery were open, and many took advantage of the opportunity to admire them. . The exhibition of flowers made up in quality what it lacked in quantity, and the flowers and pot plants were excellent specimens, whilst tho table decorations were tastefully arranged. For six coleus varieties (prize presented by Mr W. A. Carpenter), Mr F. C. Ea_b obtained first, and he also secured similar awards for a collection, of ferns (prize presented by Mr J 08. Beckett), and for twelve stove or greenhouse plants (prize presented by Mr W. Willcox). Mr J. 08. Beckett (Mr VV. Willcox, gardener) obtained firsts for a collection of hardy flowers (cut) (Dr. Russell's prize), and for a collection of fruit (priae presented by Mr G. Humphreys). Mr Beckett obtained an award of ineri- for an exhibit of dahlias, which were very highly commended. Mr T. Allen was awarded first place lor a collection of vegetables (Messrs Kaye and Carter's prize); Mr C. E. Gibbons obtained first for fifty pods of peas; Messrs Thome Brothers secured finst tor twenty-five cherries; and Mr E. Wilkinson a similar award for six peaches. The prize collection of hardy flowers was excellently arranged, and amongst the not eworthy blooms were those of telekia speeiosa and celpharia alpina. Mr Beckett's collection of fruit, consisting chiefly of small fruits, was, considering that the season has not been too favourable, an excellent one. The collection of vegetables shown by Mr T. Allen W'Os a very good one. In addition to the competitive classes, there were a number of displays- for exhibition only, and thee, were very interesting, and showed that great care had been exercised in their selection. Mr J. G. Davis's collection ot hardy flowers (cut) was very highly commended, and notice.ible amongst the blooms were sperii_cw of the black arum iind the iore yellow arum lilies. Mr C. E. Gibbons received very hifebly commended for his collection ol Toses and cactus dahlias, and similar awards v.ere given to Mr W. A. P. Clarkson (collection of roses), Mr A. W. Buxton (collection of roses, consisting of forty-eight varieties), Mr D. Craw icolUctionof parsies, very nicely arranged), Captain R. Heaton Rhodes, M.H.R. (collection of hardy flowers, cut, including blooms of celmisia coriacea, Ne-w Zealand dai3y), Mr W. A. Carpenter (collection ot hardy flowers), and tihe Christchurch Nursery Company (stand of roses). Mr W. Jones's collection of blooms and pot plants was a very beautiful one, and was very highly commended and specially mentioned. By many, Mr Jones's display was considered the best of its kind that has been seen for some time, whilst the collection iof pelargoniums, in pots, was excellent. The table decorations were all of a 'high order of merit, and the competitors had exercised much taste in their arrangement of the blooms. In the open class (prizes presented by Messrs J. Ballantyne and Co.), the first prize was awarded to Mrs C. J. Ryan (poppies); the second to Miss Styles (poppies); and Mrs Searell's table (sweet peas), was highly commended. Miss Gladys fc'earell obtained firs, prize in the section for girls under sixteen yeans witn a table decorated with poppies, daisies, and grasses. Miss Kate Gibbons won the first prize for a hand bouquet, and Miss Estelie Davis first prize for a tastefully-trimmed fire screen. Afternoon tea was lianded round during the afternoon, and a squad of girls from the Woolston school, under Miss Glanv-lie, gave dumb-bell and wand exercises very nicely. On the motion of Dr. Russell, seconded by Mr W. Jones, votes of thanks were accorded to Captain and Mis R. Heaton Rhodes, to the ladies who assisted, and to the Presa. The secretary (Mr W. A. Carpenter) and the members of the Committee are to be congratulated on the satisfactory results of tiheir efforts.