HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S SHOW.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 281, 27 November 1874, Page 2

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S SHOW.

When, some two years ago, we urged the people of Nelson to beatir themselves in the direction of establishing a Horticultural Society, it was under the full impression that, if our suggestions were acted upon, the shoiv3 that would be held under the auspices of that institution would be worthy of " the garden of New Zealand," but we scarcely dnred 10 hope for so complete a success hs has actually been achieved. Two shows have now been held, and we may safely say that in no town in the colony have they been surpassed either in the beauty and variety of the flowers, or the excellence of the fruits and vegetables exhibited. Nor could the general arrangements made be excelled, the one only thin^ wanting bein? a large marquee in which to display the productions of our horticulturists. The crowd that thronged the Hall last night was an evidence of the popularity of the institution, and we hope that, before another twelvemonth has elapsed, the Society will fiod themselves in a position to provide a suitable marquee which will possess the double advantage of holding more people and showing the exhibits to greater advantage. The sight that presented itself to the visitor yesterday upon entering the western door was beautiful in the extreme. Stretching' away down the centre of the Hall was a long table thickly covered with the choicest bouquetp, collections of ferns and mosses, and the smaller description of plants in pots. There was abundant proof offered that not only could the Nelson gardens produce rare and beautiful flowers in profusion, but that the taste for arranging them in the most pleasing form was noi wanting. To award the prizes for the bouquets alone must have been 'a hard task for the judges, Messrs Hastilow and M'Coig, who have again, so far as we can learn, given full satisfaction by their decisions. Turning to the left immediately upon entering, the visitor found himself at once anting the royal family of the Roses. For these the show was perhapaJ|trifle late in the season, but still Uheflpen of flowers was to be seen in Almost endless varieties, and of the most lovely tints. There were the rich crimson, the bright yellow, the blushing pink, the deep and almost eombre purple, and the purest of white. Those who saw them will agree with us that any attempt to describe their beautiful appearance would . he utterly futile. The prize was awarded to Mr W. Hale, but running him so bard as to result in almost a dead heat waa Mr Watkins with his charming collection comprising between sixty and seventy varieties, while there were numerous other collections, not so numerous but of almost equal beauty. The fuschiuß and petunias in pots were fine specfraena of the perfection to which these flowers can be brought. But' the most beautiful collection in the room was the calceolarias in all their quaint and varied colors. Of cinerarias the display wna exceedingly pretty, and of geraniums the supply was both largo and elegant, some being conspicuous for the delicate beauty of the blossom, and others for their peculiarly variegated leaves. Of cacti the display was limited but those that were shown were remarkable for the richness of their blossoms, one in particular of a delicate white attracting considerable attention. Pansies, verbenas, Mary pinks, nnd carnations were all that could be desired both with regard to quantity and quality. But to refer in detail to ail the plants and flowers that attracted the attention either by their rarity or their beauty would bejjfpl imposibility, Some there were of strange appearance and bearing strange nao^p'otbers that were more homely but nwle the less beautiful, and for the rest it is sufficient to say that they all assisted io forming a show of which even Nelson might be proud. In the Grand Jury > room were set out the fruits and vegetables, of both of which' the display was most creditable. Rich luscious strawberries were there in large quantities, pleasing to the sight, grateful to the smell, and we doubt not, exquisite in taste. Oranges and citrons were honorably represented, while of cherries not a few dishes underwent the inspection of the judges. Ofwabuts, nuts, and winter apples, there was but one dish of each, but they were in excellent condition, and appeared to have been little affected by the months that had passed by since they were gathered. The chow of potatoes and peas was really splendid, ag was that of cabbages and cauliflowers, carrots and turnips being also fairly represented. And now having given a sketch of the appearance of the two rooms and their contents, we would wish to state how indebted are 'the public to the exertions of the Secretary, Mr H. Adams, for the success that crowned the show of yesterday. Upon him appeared to devolve nearly all the work of arranging and classifying the numerous exhibits, and to his efforts are owing the smoothness and regularity with which the whole affair passed off. The judges, too, had no light task to perform, and are deserving of the thanks of both exhibitors and visitors. During the evening the orchestra of -the Harmonic Society enlivened the scene by playing a Dumber of airs, and by so doing added greatly to the enjoyment of the crowds who visited the Hall. Everything taken into consideration, the Nelson Horticultural Society are to be congratulated on the unquestionable success that has attended this their second .show. May there be many

more of them was a wish that was universally expressed last night. The following is the PRIZE LIST: Plants in Pots. Three Perennial Plants— prize, Hon N. Edwards * Fuschia— Prize, Hon N. Edwards Three Fuschiae — Ist prize, Mr ipps; 2nd, Mrs Henwick Geranium— let prize, Mr Bolton: 2nd, Mr W. Hale ' Three Geraniums— lst prize, Mr W. Hale; 2nd, Lady Monro Six Geraniinis— Ist prize, Hon N. Edwards Thrfe Fancy Geraniums — lat prize, Hon N. Edwards; 2nd, Mr J. Hale Six Fancy Geraniums — Ist prize, Mr J. Hale; 2nd, Mr W. Hale Double Geranium — prize, Mrs Ren wick Three Double Geranium*— lst prize, Mr Epps Zonale Geranium — Ist prize, Hon N Edwards; 2nd, Mr Parmenter Threi Zonale Geraniums — if t f rize, Hon N.^Edwards; 2nd, W. Hale Peedling Geranium— prize, Mr H. Adams Single Petunia — prize, Hon N. Edwards Three Single Petunias — urize, Mr C. Frank Double Petunia— prize, Mr J. Hale Uerbaceous Calceolaria— let prize, Hon N, Edwards; 2nd, Mr Bo 1 ton Threa Herbaceous Calceolarias— lst prjze, Hon H. Edwards; 2nd, Mr Bolton Shrubby Calceolaria; — prize, Mr W. Ha'e Cinerariu— prize, Mr J. Hale Three Cinerarias— prize, Mr J. Hals Cactus— lat prize, Mr J. Watkins; 2nd, Mr J. Hale Cur Flowers : Rose— prize, Mr Watkins "***"■*-«■ ■ Three Roses— Ist prize, Mr Parmenter; 2nd, M$ Epps Six Koses— Ist prize, Mr Watkias: 2nd, M( Eppa Twelve Roses^lsfc prize, Mr Gully; 2nd, Mr Parmenter Twenty-four Roses— lst prize, Mr W. Hale: 2nd, Mr Hadfield Collection of Roses— lst prize, Mr W.Hale; 2nd, Mr Watkins. Six trasses of Geraniums— paize, Mr W. Hale Three Picotees or Carnations— prize, Mi Parmenter Pansiea -prize, Hon N.Edwards Three Verbenas— p-ize, Mr Parmenter Six Verbetitts— Ron S. Edwards Table Bouquet on Hand— lst prze, Miet Adams; 2nd, Miss t-tuffi>rd Hand Bouquet—lstptizi, Ron N. Eiwards 2nd, Mr Pitt. FauiT. Dish of Strawberries— Ist "prize, Mr W Hale; 2nd, Mr Citley Dish of Cherries— Ist prize, Mr J. Hcunsell; 2nd, Mr H Adams Dish of Apples— prize, Mr Bnrrell Dish of Nuts— prize, Mr H. Adams Dish of Walnuts— prize, Mr H. Adams Three Oranges— Ist prize, Oon N. EdwarJ?. 2nd, Mr H Adams Three Citrous— prize, Mr G Batchtlor Vegetables. Dish of Round Potatoes— Ist prize, nan N. Edwards; 2nd, Mr Parmenter Dish of Kidney Potatoes— Ist prize, Mi Helps; 2nd, Mrs Renwick Three Caul flowers— prize, Mr S. Wakeley Three Cabbages— prize, Mr Woolford Three Cos Lettuces— prize, Mr Broad Three Cabbage Lettuces— prize. Me Askew Dish of Brovl Beans— prize, Mr J Houcsell Diuh of Peas— lst prize, Mr Burrell; 2nd, Mr Polglaee Cucumber— prize, Hon N. Edwards Brace of Cucumbera— prize, Hon N. Edwards Three Sticks of Rhubarb— prize, Mr W. Hale Bunch of Carrots— prize, Mrs Renwick Bunch of Turnips— prize, Mr Polglase Extra Prizes. Stand of Flowers— Mesdames W. and J. Oldham. Stand of Flowers— Mr Gully. Kricas-rHon. N. Edwards. Table Bouquet— Hon. N. Edwards. Collection of Ferna — Miss Adams. Antirrhinums— Mr W. Hale. Cactus — VI r Bolton. Lycopodium— Mr Coleman. Strawberries— Lady Monro. Cherries on Tree -Mr ifppa. Gooseberries— Mr Bolton Gooseberries— Mr J. Hounsell. Native Fuschia— Mr Coleman.

Seven hundred immigrants from the Eastern Counties of England, and nil members of the National Agricultural Union, in two days left Liverpool for Canada. ' At Aldershot, a private of the 20ih Huzzars, named Thomas Smith, deliberately shot his officer, Captain J. D. Bird, who died almost immediately. Smith had been awarded seven days' punishment drill, and the murder was committed while the troop to which Smith belonged was at ball practice at the rifle range, Caesar's Camp.

. (For remainder of News see fowtfypaqe.)