‘Remarkably Fine Show’ By N.Z. Lily Society

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30956, 12 January 1966, Page 14

‘Remarkably Fine Show’ By N.Z. Lily Society

“A remarkably fine show, and comparable with any amateur display in England and America.” This was now the judge, Mr Jan de Graaff, world renowned lily grower, described the New Zealand Lily Society’s annual show which opened in the Christchurch Horticultural Hall yesterday afternoon. Some of the most Interesting exhibits were the dark pinks which were a new colour in lilies, said Mr de Graaff. He was particularly impressed with a very dark pink aurelian hybrid of the sunburst strain, displayed by H. J. Jordan, of Ashburton. Premier award in the show went to an aurelian seedling displayed by A. Smith of Kaiapoi. This was a beautiful golden-yellow trumpet, said Mr de Graaff. In France, each flower could be taken off and sold for the equivalent of a dollar and a half, and the champion bloom with its eight well-formed flowers could be sold for £5, he said. Black Dragon, shown by R. Toon of Christchurch was named the champion seedling. Lilies from other parts of New Zealand and also from Australia were flown to Christchurch to complement the display. The air-freighted lilies were packed singly in cardboard boxes. Most had been picked in bud, but in cases where the bud had already opened, each flower had cotton-wool wadding to protect the petals from pollen stains. The Australian lilies were met, unpacked and arranged by Canterbury members of the lily society. The Auckland branch of the lily society, Messrs H. E. Barry and C. Hastings of Papatoetoe, Mr A. Smith of Kaiapoi, and Mr R. Toon of Christchurch also provided displays for the show. The show will remain open to the public until 8 o’clock this evening. Collections R. T. Moriarty, 1 first, 1 second; R. Brown, 1 first, 1 second; A. Smith, Kaiapoi, 1 first; Mrs I. Wood, 1 first; H. F. Barker, Kaiapoi, 1 second. Species R. T. Moriarty, 1 first, 1 second; A. Smith, 1 first; Mrs H. M. Thomson, 1 second.

Hybrid R. J. Moriarty, 2 firsts, 3 seconds; Mrs D. Lamb, 2 firsts, 1 second; W. Doreen, Levin, 1 first; W. Baynon, 1 first; A. Smith, Kaiapoi, 1 first; D. C. Bell, Lincoln, 1 first; R. Brown, 1 first; Mrs I. Wood, 1 first; H. J. Jordan, Ashburton, 3 seconds; Mrs H. M. Thomson, 1 second; T. Anderson, 1 second. Novice Mrs G. W. Wright, 1 first; T. Anderson, 1 second. Single Floret D. C. Bell, Lincoln College, 2 firsts; W. F. O’Callahan, 1 second; R. F. Moriarty, 1 second. Lilies in Pots A. Smith, Kaiapoi, 1 first; R. J. Jordan, Ashburton, 1 second. Decorative Mrs G. Smith, 2 firsts, 2 thirds; Mrs M. H. Thomson, 2 firsts, 1 second; Miss M. Watling, 2 seconds, 2 thirds; Mrs C. Marsh, 1 second; Mr A. Smith, Kaiapoi, 1 second; D. A. Bell, Lincoln College, 1 first; R. H. Buchanan, 1 third.