AUTUMN FLOWER SHOW

Evening Star, Issue 19797, 22 February 1928, Page 7

AUTUMN FLOWER SHOW

WONDERFUL SHADES IN GLADIOLI DAHLIAS AND SWEET PEAS VERY GOOD The Pioneer Hall to-day was a blaze of glory. The Dunedin Horticultural Society is holding its Autumn Show there. Because of the ideal weather which has prevailed throughout the season, both the quality and the quantity of the exhibits show an improvement on those of last year. Tho beautifully warm weather which has been experienced since Christmas has helped growers to nurse their flowers into a state of perfection. The absence of cold or boisterous winds has been a blessing, and light showers have been sufficiently frequent to satisfy most people. The result is evidenced by the excellent all-round display. Numerically the entries in almost every section are in advance of previous exhibits, and a pleasing aspect of the show is the manner in which tho firms have elected to compete. Quito a feature is the wonderful array of gladioli, which really are more conspicuous this year than ever before. Th> sweet peas also show an increase of competition, there being three entries for tho open championship, as against one at last autumn display. For Mr W. Strachan’s challenge vase for nine asters there were no fewer than nine entries. Vegetables are particularly plentiful, and competition was correspondingly keen. Tho decorative ability of the ladies is shown to a high degree by tho charming and tasteful exhibits which arc set aside in the room reserved for that purpose. For table adornment the flowers chosen in most cases are eminently suitable, and in no way has the decorating been overdone. Tempting little plates of fruit add to the attractiveness of the whole display. The same high appreciation of all that is artistic is shown in the other sections. GLADIOLI.

Never have such delicate shades in gladioli been arrayed for public inspection. Admiration necessarily must follow. Mr E. Oswald Reilly, of Opolio, has sent in a most effective collection. A few of his seedlings are his own, but the majority of his array ot beauties spring from seed of imported origin, Mr Richard Diencr being well represented. Some exhibits from Los Angeles seed are also very fine. A remarkable feature about Air Reilly's display is a vase of narcissi. Thus he symbolises the meeting of the seasons. Judging from the display as a whole, the popularity of .subtle salmon-pink and apricot colors is most noticeable, and the way in which these shades have been brought out is a positive revelation. At night time, under artificial light, they should stand out with wonderful effect. Messrs Moncrieff and Stewart are represented by a fine collection, which includes some hundred or so varieties. Their background of green is very effective. Air G. A. Donaldson, of Leith Valley, is also well to the fore with sixty odd varieties of particularly fresh gladioli, the spikes being wonderfully well defined. In all cases Primulius hybrids arc strongly represented. ROSES. Messrs Cousins Bros. (Mosgiel) and Mr G. A. Donaldson arc the principal competitors in the rose section, and it can bo said that both have done justice to the occasion. Included among the former’s display arc specimens of the Gwenth Jones, White Ensign, and Lord Lambourne varieties, and conspicuous among the latter’s are Betty Uprichards and Lady Inchiquins. DAHLIAS. The (lower that Dr Dahl, a Swedish botanist and pupil of Linmeus, brought from Alexico to Europe in 1784, is still cherished and maintains its place in the autumn competitions the world over. At this Dunedin show the cactus sorts are well represented, the quality quite good for size, color, and condition. Prominent examples are Mr T. W. King’s Airs Stredwick and Champion, Air Stuart Alillor’s Neptune, Mr J. Alillor’s Alary Furrier, and Air J. W. Budge’s Bronsor. .In Air E. R. Burton’s collection may bo seen a few uncommon kinds of the now fashionable Charm dahlia, and a vase of the bamboo-stemmed variety. ASTERS. The first of the early asters suffered somewhat by the strong breezes yesterday; nevertheless, they make an interesting section. SWEET PEAS. Both sides of one of the long centre tables are devoted to sweet peas, and they make a show of their own, very attractive to all and informative to botanical students. The date is a little late for growers in some localities, but, in spite of that fact, the color is exceptionally good and the stems quite long, whilst it is noted that none have burnt with the sunshine. OTHER FLOWERS. The collections of general cut flowers are very choice. Exhibitors have gone lor quality rather than quantity. The class for biennials and perennials has drawn competition between Air E. A. Hamel and Air C. P. AI. Lutterworth, and those names suffice as a guarantee of merit.

Air G. Attwood, ot Sawyers Bay, has a showy table of greenhouse begonias. Air E. R. Burton,"of Alva street, whose gardener is Air J. Fleming, contributes a big table of mixed flowers that are positively dazzling. His zinnias are good, the gladioli brilliant, the dahlias choice. FIRMS’ DISPLAYS.

It is pleasing to find our commercial firms (some of thorn) encouraging a love of flowers in their employees. Two examples lend material aid in making to-day’s show impressive. In each case there is a massive bank of seasonable flowers of the fashionable' kinds — liliuras, gladioli, hydrangeas, asters, montbretias, roses, and peas, those flanked by eatable and enticing vegetables.

The Phoenix Company’s stand was staged by Mr J. B. Downes, Mrs Turnbull, and the Misses Short and M‘Donald, whilst the display made by Coulls, Somerville, and Wilkie was looked after by Mrs Dickie, Mrs Brecso, Mrs Craig, and Miss Somerville. 'VEGETABLES.

Comparable to Gilbert’s “Beauty in the bellow of the blasts ” is the comeliness of the utilitarian section of the show. The first consideration with vegetables is that they shall bo eatable. In to-day’s contributions we have that merit and good looks as well. This is particularly so in the potatoes. The dish of Arrow Comrade shown by Mr C. Boyles, of Anderson’s Bay. would do for the subject of a picture; and other potatoes shown by Mr W. Blackburn, Mr W. Bishop, Mr F. A. Christie (Mr W. Murie gardener), Mr G. H. Boyles, and others are also exceptionally good-looking. The cabbages are good, the cauliflowers fair, the carrots and round beet, of high quality, nothing monstrous, all perfect for table use.

Mr H. T. Trevena (president), Mr A. D. Miller (secretary), and all who worked for the staging of this fine show are to be heartily congratulated upon the result—an opinion freely expressed this afternoon and sure to be endorsed this evening.

JUDGES. In particular, the early starting of the judging was appreciated by all concerned. The judges were:—Sweet peas; Mr G. J. Errington (Dunedin); dahlias: Mr H. S. Hungerford (Northeast Valley); gladioli: Mr E. A. Hamel .(Maori Hill) ; pot plants and other, put;

flowers: Mr J. Hoy (Dunedin); fruit and vegetables: Mr F. H. Hollingworth (Mornington); decorative and. floral work: Miss E. E. Reid (Dunedin). THE PRIZE LIST. Awards were made as follow: DAHLIAS. —Open Classes.— Champion competition in cactus variety.—Twelve varieties: T. W. King 1. Six varieties. —T. W. King 1. Six varieties double dahlias.—T. W. King 1. Six varieties peony-flowered dahlias. —C. P. M. Butterworth J. Six varieties collarettes. —A. G. Rigby 1. —Amateur Classes.— Nine varieties cactus dahlias (championship.—J. W. Budge (North-east Valley) 1, James Miller (Broad Bay) 2, Stuart Miller (Broad Bay) highly commended. Six varieties cactus.—J. W. Budge 1, James Miller 2, Stuart Miller highly commended. Three varieties double dahlias.—J. W. Budge 1. Three varieties collarettes.—W. Morrison 1. One variety collarette.—W, Morrison 1 and 2. —Class for Exhibitors Who Have Not Previously Won a Prize.— Three cactus dahlias.—J. W. Budge 1. Three varieties double dahlias.—J. W. Budge 1 and 2. —Open or Amateur.— Premier cactus dahlia in show.—T. W. King (T. W. Fellows). Premier double dahlia.—T. W. King (Dreadnought). Premier collarette.—A. G. Rigby (June). Premier peony-flowered dahlia.— C. P. M. Butterworth (Hampton Court). GLADIOLI. Championship competition (nine varieties, one spike of each, Mr John Black’s trophy).—H. S. Hungerford (North-east Valley) 1, H. T. Trovena 2. Three varieties gladioli primulinus hybrids.—Miss J. 11. Nelson 1. Six varieties gladioli spikes.—H. S. Hungerford 1. Three varieties spikes.—H. T. Trevena. 1, H. S. Hungerford 2. Amateur championship competition. Six distinct varieties, one spike of each.—John Black (Anderson’s Bay) 1 and 2. Three varieties gladioli spikes.—John Black 1 and 2. This section disclosed a magnificent I array of flowers ; Mr Hungerford taking the championship with specimens which included Ensign and Melissa. Mr John Black took the amateur championship with a tastefully arranged display. POT PLANTS. —Open Classes.— Three stovo or greenhouse plants.— E. A. Hamcl f. Hanging basket.—E. A. Hamel 1. Four foliage plants.—E. A. Hamel 1. One specimen plant.—Mrs J. Fleury 1, E. A. Hamel 2. Collection of plants,—G. Attwood (Sawyer’s Bay) 1. Fern in basket.—E. A. Hamel 2. Tuberous-rooted begonias.—E. A. Hamel 1.. —Amateur Classes.— Throe greenhouse plants.—Mrs Orr Campbell 1. Two foliage plants.—Mrs Orr Campbell 1. Ono pot plant.—Allio Robertson I. Three ferns.—Mrs Orr Campbell 1. One aspidistra.—Mrs Orr Campbell 1, Mrs F. H. Hollingworth 2, Three tuberous-rooted begonias.—Mrs Orr Campbell I. SWEET PEAS. ' —Open Classes.— Championship competition. Twelve varieties, separate vases (Mr B. S. Irwin’s trophy and R.H.S. medal).—J. Attwood 1, E. and M. Hamel 2 and h.c. Six varieties sweet peas.—E. and A. Hamel 1 and 2. Three varieties novelties.—E. and M. Hamel 1 and 2. Throe varieties.—J. Attwood 1, E. and M. Hamel 2 and h.c. —Single Vase Competition.— Fink.—E. and M. Hamel 1 and 2. Crimson.—E. and M. Hamel 2. Scarlet or scarlet-cerise.—J. Attwood 1, E. and M. Ha mol 2. White.—E. and M. Hamel 1 and 2. Cream, buff, or ivory.—E. and M. Hamel 1. Lavender.—E. and M. Hamel 1 and 2

Blue.—J. Attwood 1, K. ami M Hamel 2.

Salmon or orange.—E. and M. Hamel 1 and 2.

Cerise.— E. and M. Hamel 1. J. Attwood 2, Picotee. —E. and M. Hamel 1 and 2. Mauve.—E. and M. Hamel 1 and 2. Carmine.—J. Attwood 1, E. and M. Hamel 2. Any other color.—E. and M. Hamel 1. —Amateur Classes.— Championship competition, 12 varieties, separate vases (trophy presented by Skene’s, Ltd., and N.S.P.S. medal). —P. 0. Vallange (Littlebonrne) ], D. A. Milne 2. Six varieties. —P. 0. Vallange 1, D. A. Minn 2. Three varieties,—P. 0. Vallange 1 and 2. Throe varieties, for those who have not previously won a prize.—J. Breese 1. —Single Vase Competition.— Pink.—J. Breeso 1, P. 0. Vallange 2. Crimson.—P. 0. Vallange 1. Scarlet or scarlet cerise.—H. A. Minn 1. White.—P. 0. Vallange 1, J. Breese 2. Cream, buff, or ivory.—P. 0. Vallange 1. Lavender.—P. 0. Vallange 1, D. A. Minn 2. Blue.—P. 0. Vallange 1, D. A. Minn 2, Purple.—D. A. Minn 1. Corise.—P. 0. Vallange 1, H. A. Minn 2. Picotee.—P. 0. Vallange 'I, D. A. Minn 2. Mauve.—P. 0. Vallange I. Carmine.—P. 0. Vallange 1. Any other color.—D. A. Minn 1. Best variety New Zealand-raised sweet pea.—J. Attwood (Orange King) 1, Moa Seed Farm (His Majesty) 2. Best novelty sweet pea in show.—J. Attwood (Oronge King). Premier vase—J. Attwood (Orange King). Mr Attwood took these last three prizes with the same exhibit. —Children’s Section.— Three varieties.—Allan Miller 1, One variety (white). —Allan Miller 1 and 2. One variety (pink).—M. Olsen 1, Allan Miller 2. Lavender.—Allan Miller 1 and 2, Any other color.—Allan Miller 1 and 2. CUT FLOWERS. Winners of Firsts.—Hoses, R. R. Cameron; asters, G. Attwood; annuals, Miss J. R. Nelson; clematis, Miss J. R. Nelson; collection, E. A. Hamel. Amateur Classes.—Roses, 11. Wedden ; six asters, R. Olsen; nine asters, H. S. Hnngerford; clematis, A. E. Harris; collection, Mrs John Black ; firms’ display, Phoenix; children’s asters, Elwin M'Cartney. VEGETABLES. Open Classes.—Champion collection C. Boyles 1, W. Bishop 2; collection by market gardeners, J. A. Christie (Burnside), 1. Amateur Classes.—Champion collection, W. Blackburn (37 points) 1, Mrs J. S. M'Cartney (35 points) 2. SALE TO-NIGHT. There will be a sale of flowers at 9.30.