SPRING SHOW

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2330, 17 September 1921, Page 2

SPRING SHOW

A SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITION,

The. local Horticultural Society field tfieir annual Spring Show in the Town Hall yesterday, and, despite the fact that the weather conditions were not all that could be desired, the exhibition of blooms was a decided success. The attendance also was very satisfactory, both in the afternoon and evening. The number of entries this year showed an improvement on last year’s figures, and with the favourable weather conditions that have prevailed recently, contributed materially to the success of the exhibition. The rainfall in the district this season has been somewhat light, but this proved more or less helpful in the maturing of a. good class of blooms, and the absence of rough weather, which is often experienced at this time of the year, was very favourable.

The bulb section was specially good, and some beautiful specimens were on view. The chief exhibitors in this section were Mesdames McMurray, Easton, Murphy, Miss O. Nye and Mr Bond. The honours for the best bulb in the Show fell to Miss O. Nye, with a beautiful specimen of Leedsii, “Hon. Mrs Franklin,” and also (lie same bulb, secured the award in “best other than trumpet.” Airs Murphy secured the, prize for Champion Bloom, with an excellent “Lord Roberts.”

The pot. plants section was recently deleted from the schedule, hut a feature of the Show was also an exhibition exhibit of pot plants by Mrs Mb Murray, which was very favourably commented on.

The class of exhibits were .good all round, and the judges’ decisions gave general satisfaction. The children’s section in both decorative and cooking was not so well represented as expected, but nevertheless the quality of work was well maintained. Some of the classes in the decorative section were perhaps a little disappointing, more particularly in the decorated table competitions, which are generally considered one of the most popular exhibits from Show patrons’ point of view. However we anticipate a revival oi^interest in this class in future. Of the other decorative exhibits, it might be said that some very artistic work was on show, and quite favourably compared with former Show standards. In the home industries section the entries were fairly well maintained, and the exhibits were of good quality. _ The same might be said of the cookery section. The vegetable section, considering the season of, the year, was very creditable, although not largely patronised, and some very good vegetables were on exhibit.

A feature of the Show was the exhibits of specimens by Messrs Allan Gibson (Marlon), and A. J. Shailer (Palmerston N.), on whose stands were to be seen some exquisite specimens of bulbs, including the newer and more expensive varieties, which were the centre of admiration of Show patrons.

Mr Osborne’s orchestra contributed selections during the evening, which were much appreciated, and considerably enlivened the proceedings.

Competitions were conducted for a handsome cushion (won by Mr Allan Gibson), apd a cake (won by Miss Signal). Mr Gibson generously returned the cushion to the Secretary for the benefit of the Society’s funds. Mr Bond was successful in securing the handsome Citizens’ Trophy, having won same three times, in 1918, 1919, and again this year. Mr W. Renton, in presenting Mr Bond with the trophy, said that it gave him pleasure in doing so, as Mr Bond had been an extensive exhibitor at local Shows of late years, and, being resident outside the dis-

trict, his entries had a special character in helping towards the success of the Foxton Society’s exhibitions. Mr Bond had a tine exhibit of bulbs, and his exhibits were worthy of his success. Mr Bond, in replying, said he had great pleasure in exhibiting at Foxton, and lie had made his inilia 1 entry into Show work at the Foxton Society’s Show. He wished Ihe Foxton Society every success in (he future.

The absence of exhibits by Mrs Galland was a noticeable omission from the exhibition this year, but owing to adverse circumstances we understand this enthusiastic supporter was unable to lend her usual support to the function. The supper-room, an indispensable adjunct, to this annual fixture, was well patronised, and was under the capable management of Mr* Procter and a small army of assistants, who provided well for customers’ requirements. The secretary, Mr Ilalliday, with appreciated assistants from a number of other enthusiasts, had the arrangements well prepared, and is to he congratulated on the success attending the exhibition, which was considered on all sides to be very satisfactory. The judges were: —Mr Gibson, cut blooms; Mrs Clark, Levin, decorative; Mr Whitehead, home industries and cooking. The points prizes in the various classes were awarded as follows, and indicate the principal exhibitors in those classes: —Class A, Magni Coronati, Mrs Murphy, 19 points. Glass B. Medio Coronati, sub-secti-ons A, B, and C, Mr W. Bond, 40 points. Class C, Parvi Coronati, Mrs A. S. Easton, 28 points. Class D, (Not Otherwise Specified), Mrs A. S. Easton, 25 points, Class E, Blooms (other than Bulbs), Mrs A. S. Easton, 32 points. Class F, Fruit-

and Vegetables, Mrs J. Andrews, 1G points. Class G, Decorative, Miss F. Edlin, 40 points. Class I, Cookery, Miss Hetty Skellen, 57 points. Class J, Home Industries, Mrs James Andrews, 2G points.