CHAMPION GLADIOLI

Hokitika Guardian, 26 January 1932, Page 6

CHAMPION GLADIOLI

“NOTHING IN THE WORLD TO TOUCH THEM.” CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 22. “There’s nothing in the world to touch them,” said a well-known local gladioli export yesterday in reference to the throe magnificent blooms exhibited by .Mr C. Rides, of L 5, Bligh Street, New Brighton, at the Canterbury Sweet Pea, Carnation and Gladioli Society’s annual show in the Art Gallery.

One of the spikes is a striking exhibit with ten six-inch blooms open on the stem. There are twenty-three buds and the spike is four feet in Ingtb. The Adjudicating Couinrttee gave the exhibit the Award of Merit (three spikes to be produced to show that the type is capable of being produced in quantity) with the proviso that if Air Hides were able to exhibit three more blooms, the entry would be a candidate for a first-class certificate, the highest award that cap hegiven. “The bloom is the only one of its tvpe in the world,” slated the expert, “and if flowers were produced in America they would sell lor at least :(()() dollars (approximately £6O). The i.laoni is named Airs E. A. Rides and is in the so-called blue class. For s**A colour, vigour and constitution it is remarkable. It wn s raised from a seedling three years ago and flowered in its first year, giving seven flowers open at one time and at lilting time it imd 51 cormlets. The parentage is Vii'lchenblaii a blue German variety sold at big prices all over the world) crossed with Heliotrope (a small, rather insignificant violet flower).”