CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1744, 8 May 1913, Page 2

CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW.

FOR THE lIADFIELD nOSTEL. The chrvsanthemum show, which was opened in* the Sydney Street Schoolroom yesterdav afternoon in aid of the hinds ot ilio Hadiield Jtostel, was distinctly interesting on account, of the excellent quulitj of the blooms that were sent in from Wellington and from outside sources. It,was not a large show, but what it lacked in size it very successfully made up for in quality. Seme of the bloums were immense'and quite untouched ,by the stormy weather that had been so prevalent of late, while every conceivable colour appeared to have been represented. A beautiful collection of foliage and flowering plants was sent in by Mr. Izard, the orchids particularly arousing much interested comment. Mr. ,1. Kerslakc was another exhibitor of tome beautiful chrysanthemums and pot plants, while other exhibitors were: Mr. Harcourt, Mr, Williams (Hastings), and Mr. A. .T. Shailer, from Palmei'ston North. There wero a number of decorated tables (ttve or six), and stalls for sweets, (lowers, produce, and cakes. Competitions and fortunetelling offered allurement to those 111 search of adventure and the music of a string band fell very pleasantly upon the ears when circumstances allowed. The Prime Minister (the Hon. W. F. Alassey) opened tho show, and was formally presented to the gathering by tlie Bishop of Wellington, who, in his introductory speech, dwelt upon the value which such an institution as the Hadfield Hostel was to the community. Ho felt rather inclined to admit that there waa a certain amount of truth in the remark that had been made to the effect thai New Zcalanders lacked imagination. For lack of it we might fail to, perceive what such an institution might become, of the future which it held in promise. It was a residential hostel for students attending Victoria University College, and it was also a college for the training of students in preparation for their entranco into holy orders. It. was the only hostel for male students in Wellington. AVo wore iwvare, he wont on to say, that university degrees such as those obtained at Cambridge and Oxford were held in higher esteem than those obtained here, but it was not due to scholastic snobbery. There was anothe'r explanation. It was not due to the fact that tho ordinary degree there represented a larger amount of. information anil knowledge than the degreo here. The honours course nt Home was more advancd than ours, but Hie ordinary degree taken by the vast, majority there was superior for the fact that it represented something moro than the accumulation of knowledge. _ It represented a broader culture, a wider outlook. When a young man entered one of these ancient halls of residence he entered into an atmosphere that was the growth of centuries, and the traditions that wero their fruit. This atmosphere was the outeomo of high thinking and of wide and great ends, and it was far greater in its effects than attending lectures and "swatting." The architectural splendours that lie saw there were in themselves a source of inspiration and perhaps when ho came back to New Zealand lie was inclined to despise our efforts. In imagination, however. if people looked back tlioy could realise that these too had their humble beginnings, probably quite as humble as our.?. Hero in New Zealand, however, we were laving Hie foundations, and lie wanted people to be prospective and to picture to themselvcx tin* splendid structures that would come inlo being with similar influence and traditions ns those great halls at Home. It was well for students to live together, for the common life created atmosphere and high traditions which woidd mould all who came info and among them. An institution that trained NewZealand students for the clerical life was deserving ot support for they ought not to look to the Older Country for their sunnly of clergymen. The Prime Minister, Mr. Massev, performed his opening task with brevity. Ho expressed pleasure in taking part in so worthy a cause. He hoped that the funds obtained bv the afternoon's undertaking would materially strengthen its position and wished them "very success. Nor did lie forget to express his admiration of tho quality of Hie show. Air. Harcourt also made a brief speech, thanking the committee for the support which tlicy had accorded him in the organisation' of the affair. The following is the prize list-.—Open section, specimen bloom—F. Weslbury. 1. 12 Japanese blooms—E. I'oiiiton. 1; F. Wesllmry, 2. I!fi bieoms, any varieties— If. Pointon, 1; F. Wcstbury. 2. fi whito blooms—H. Pointon, 1; F. Westburv. 2. fi yellow blooms- 1). Pointon, 1; F. Westburv, 2. (S pinlc blooms—F. West bun-. 1. Amateur section:—G Japanese—Mrs. Croll. Amateur ladies' section—Best trimmed hat—Miss Shirtcliffe, 1; Miss Mnreliant. 2. Best decorated floral basket—Miss Hudson, 1. Open section—Best trimmed hat, Miss Marcliant. 1.