THE SUMMER SHOW.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3568, 27 November 1926, Page 3

THE SUMMER SHOW.

SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITION. The Foxton Horticultural Society held its annual summer show in the temporary Town Hall on Thursday. Taking the adverse weather conditions that have prevailed of late, into consideration, the show was a very creditable one, and the exhibits were tastefully arranged, and reflected great credit upon all concerned. Mr Linklatcr, M.P., opened the show at 3 p.m. when a fair number of residents were present. He was introduced by the President (Mr D. Christie), who took the opportunity to welcome visitors and exhibitors from Rongotea. He said he was pleased to see names of outside competitors on the award cards. They were particularly grateful to the Rongotea exhibitors and he assured them that his Society would reciprocate at their exhibition. Mr Christie also complimented local exhibitors on their blooms and thanked all who had in any way assisted in making the show the success it was under the adverse conditions.

•Mr Linklater, in officially declaring the show open, thanked the President for the opportunity of being present. He also complimented the Society on its fine exhibition. When he had been asked by the President to open the show three weeks ago, lie had wondered where tey were going to get the blooms from. The exhibition was remarkable when the weather conditions were considered. He made eulogistic reference to the President, who had spent a great deal of time and energy in the interests of the Society. He was pleased to see that horticulture was making successful progress, not only in the Manawatu, but all over the Dominion. Horticultural Societies were very beneficial to any town as they fostered a love of the beautiful and it was a fine thing to keep before the children. He was pleased to see such fine exhibits in the cookery classes. Mr Linklater touched briefly on the success of the Institute of Horticulture in New Zealand during its four years of activity. It had held four conferences this year, on bulbs, fruit, and general matters, at which representatives of most of the Horticulutral Societies in New Zealand were present. He expressed the hope that when the Agricultural College at Palmerston North was an accomplished fact, a branch of horticulture would be attached to it. He also referred to the many benefits to be derived from home gardens, the advisability of farmers growing trees for shelter and timber purposes, and concluded by declaring the show open. The standard of the exhibits was quite up to usual, and in some cases was a little better. The judges ■expressed agreeable surprise at such a fine exhibition.

The attendance, both in the afternoon and evening, was very good. The Foxton Silver Band played several selections outside the hall early in the evening and a very acceptable programme of musical and vocal items was contributed by the following:—Mrs Stephenson, (Ashburton) song; Mrs Corn and Mr H. Taylor, songs, and Messrs H. George (piano) and E. Graham (violin) contributed several musical items. At the conclusion of the show, the President (Mr D. Christie) presented the trophies to the successful competitors as follows: Points Prize trophy: Miss Hughes; sweet peas trophy (silver epergne): Mrs McMurray. The Society thus loses its two trophies, which will have to be replaced before the next show.

■Mesdames Baker and Heasman conducted a cake stall and good businss is reported from this department. Too much praise cannot be given to the energetic President (Mr D. Christie), together with the secretary (Mrs Moore) and committee, to whom the success of the show, in a great measure is due. The full prize list appears elsewhere in this issue.

The Rongotea Summer Show, will be held on December Bth. Any local growers interested can see a copy of the schedule at the C. M. Ross Co.