HAPPENINGS IN THE CAPITAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1945, 29 November 1906, Page 3

HAPPENINGS IN THE CAPITAL.

OUIt NEW ATTOBNEY-GENELUL. (By Pknuloi'iO Wellington, Nov. 20. Dr Findlay on Friday ovoning was invested nt Government Houso with this portfolio, and also that of Colonial Secretary. 110 is an important figure in Wellington, for ho is not only a most successful lawyer but a man of lottors, with a pen had ho only time to uso it, both graceful and humorous. Ilis clover articlos on the Midland Hailway Commissioners’ trip are still remombored with enjoyment, and his keen sense of tho amusing, and his marvellous memory for quotation, makes him a brilliant conversationalist and eloquent public speaker. 110 has a splendid library

which he is constantly adding to, and which narrowly oscapod destruction in the late lire. In appearance, tho now AttorneyGeneral is middlo-si'/.od, slight, and dark, with heavy black moustache and silvergrey hair, Ilis wife shares his love lor motoring and music—Ur Findlay plays tho ’cello, or rather did play when his lilo was not so arduous —and she horsoll sings well. They have throe boys, tho eldest about thirteon. Ur Findlay’s brothor is a member of tho firm, as is also Mr Ual/.iol, who has been on his wedding-trip Home with liis bride, Miss Grace, and will shortly arrive in WellingtonHOSES AND CAM-NATIONS.

A very good spring show of those llowers was opened this week by Mrs T, C. Williams, who has herself one of tho few largo gardens in Wellington. Ur Izard is the i’rosidont of tiic Hose and Carnation Dhow, anil grows himself line carnations in tho small plot of ground behind his houso, Among the exhibits, tho now single briers—copper,pink, white and crimson—wore muon admired, while a flesh-tinted bloom, Lady .Huberts, received a pertect ovation, TllO best carnation was a deep pink malmaison, and cue best rose a Mildred Grant. Tile bouquols and tables were disappointing—tho termer too crowded, tlie latter wanting in artistic simplicity. Bilvcr vases, lace centres, silk embroideries, and painted chiffons ought not to enter into a table decoration at all, or at least the judges should be able to disassociate these from the llowor arrange-

ments, which is by no means easy. Mrs 11. M, Gore carried oil’ first prize with crimson sweet peas and grasses, and tiic second tabic—in mauve and pink sweet peas in silver vases set among arabesques of tho same tinted ribbon —was delicately pretty. It is a wonder no one utilises the native llowers in such a competition. At present tho dainty scented white creeper some call the New Zealand vine is in lull bloom, and would blend exquisitely with the tinted beech leaves. A curious ex-

hibit was a vivid yellow orchid-like tiny clustering jonquil on a distorted stem. This was grown by Boole, who gained first prize for pot plains, tho second prize fall-

ing to Mr Hamilton Gilmer, wno owns very line grounds on the crest of tho Terrace. Of course tho amateur gardeners came in crowds to compare, admire, aud criticise, and give orders to the various nurseries for plants One enthusiastic roselover brought sixty-four roses in a few minutes, and it is very evident such a show is the very best means of advertising,