LODER CUP WINNER

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 106, 29 January 1943, Page 4

LODER CUP WINNER

Cultivation Of N.Z. Flora

The Loder Cup, which is presented annually to the person or body of persons who or which has excelled other nominees in the year of the award in the protection and cultivation of the flora of New Zealand, has been awarded for 1942 to Air. xl. W. Wastney, Glen Koad, Wakapuaka, Nelson, who was nominated by the Boyal .Society of New Zealand, the Otago branch of Hie Royal Society, Hie Nelson Philosophical Society, and the Dunedin Horticultural Society. .Mr. Wastney has an unrivalled knowledge of tlie botanical resources of Hie Nelson province, and has taken special interest in the horticultural possibilities of the various species. lie has also shown zeal for the preservation of the flora, specially in his own province. The late Dr. L. Cockayne often expressed his keen appreciation of Hie services rendered bv Air. Wastney and of his skill and knowledge. In his private garden for some 20 years Air. AVastney has devoted special attention to the native plants of New Zealand. Of special moment is the work lie has done in demonstrating methods of collecting and storing seed of native plants. AVitli nothofagus (beech) specially he has developed methods of bulk collection and distribution. IBs studies of New Zealand beeches led him to be Hie first, to recognize and remark on lhe occurrence of hybridism in this group, nnd io iiemons-tralc Hie distinctions between the important timber trees, red and hard beech. His continued expert assistance lo others has made his work of far more Hinn local value, while overseas botanists have taken full advantage of his services.