GISBORNE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 997, 16 September 1903, Page 2

GISBORNE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

ANNUAL BULB SHOW. The flowers that bloom in the spring ’’ as seen at the Academy of Music last evening, formed the most attractive show that has yet been given under the auspices of the Gisborne Horticultural Society. The fine display of blooms was unmistakable testimony of the good work that the Society is doing in our midst, and judging by the keenness displayed' by members in making themselv?s acquainted wth the numerous varieties of the flowers shown, future exhibitions are likely to show a marked advance ‘on the already high state of proficiency attained.

The arrangements made by the Com mittee for the Show were all that could bi decided, and reflected groat praise upoi Messrs G. Bull and G. Darton, who wen chiefly responsible for the great success o the exhibition. Upon entering the hal one’s attention was riveted on the fin display of cut flowers made by Mr G Bull. Thore was a striking combinatioi of color to which a pleasing contract wa afforded by the exhibition of pot plant shown by Mr F. Taus'ey. Mr Bull's es hibits of narcissi included some ver choice varieties, including the famou King and Queen of Spain, the fine silver triumpet variety, known as Mrs Thompson, Lady Grosvener, Duchess of Connaught, and the striking M. J. Berkley, a yellow triumpet with a elaborate brim. Mr Bull’s exhibits formed a lovely show in itself, and were much admired. A number of very choice blooms was shown in Mr Bull’s collection by Mr J. Colebourne, those most admired being the Catherine Spuroll and Codlins and Cream. The display of pot plants made by Mr F. Tansley comprised palms, cyclamen, cinerarea, and primulas. As usual, Mr G. Darton’s exhibits formed one of the chief features of the Show. A long table in the centre of the ball was almost wholly devoted to his exhibits, which were most artistically staged, several large cocos and and kentia palms giving a very fine finish to the oolleetion. Amongst the bulbs shown was the Mary Anderson, an extremely choice flower, with a rich orange cup, the color running the full depth of the cup. The Catherine Spurred was another fine specimen, and it would be hard to find better specimens of the Barrie Conspicuous, an old favorite, and one that can scarcely be beaten by the latest culture. Other notable blooms were the Orphee and Poeticus Ornatus, the silver trumpet Lady Grosvenor, the Emporor and Empress, and Sir Watkins, bold blooms all in glorious condition. In all Mr Darton showed over 45 varieties of narcissi. Another attractive exhibit was that of Messrs Cooper and Son, Wellington, for whom Mr F, Bull is agent. Although the bulbs had suffered somewhat in transit, a fine display was made, a number of rare varieties being included. Mr Alex. Thomson, of the Gisborne Nursery, is always to the front at local Bhows, and the table that carried his exhibits of pot plants and cut flowers attracted a great deal of attention. The pot plants included cyclamen, primulas, and maiden hairs, and the cut flowers narcissi, hyacinths, tulips, and fresias. Amongst the very fine collection of narcissi were the silver and orange Phoenix, and the Burkley, the whole being most artistically arranged. One of the largost exhibits was that of Messrs Gibbon and Co., of Wellington and Gisborne, whose representative, Mr E. J. Beay, had gone to great pains in order to make a fine display. The firm’s exhibit included 11 The Glory of Leiden,” a very large trumpet narcissus, M. J. Berkley, the Victoria, Duchess of Connaught, and Mrs Walter T. Ware. There was also a large assortment of ineomparabilis, including Ning of the Netherlands, Beauty Dog, and Cynosure, whilst the fine Burbidgei attracted much attention. The exhibit was tastefully set off with palms. The Bev. J. G. Paterson had a fine show of narcissi, hyacinths, and other spring flowers, including a number of rare varieties. A beautiful exhibit of white, blue, and pink hyacinths, and other spring flowers was made by Mrs A. B, Muir, the hyacinths being by far the best iD the Show. Mr Stevenson, of Maknuri, showed some choice anemones, ranuneulas, and cyclamen, and Mr B. Cox had an exhibit of exceptional merit. Mrs Cyril White forwarded three baskets of beautiful primroses, which attracted much attention. A large assortment of choice narcissi was shown by Miss Bradley, of Te Arai, and also by Mr G. Grant, both exhibits containing several rare sorts. Mr C, P. Davies, who is usually a large exhibitor, was not so prominent at yesterday’s exhibition, but the blooms he forwarded were amongst the finest on view. Mrs Wallis exhibited a fine lot of pansies, and Mrs Newman violets and primroses. A collection of spring flowers was also shown by Mrs W. G. Sberratt. There was a large attendance during the evening, and all present expressed admiration of the fine show of spring flowers, which would have done crodit to a much larger town.