NEW ZEALAND FLORA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22221, 23 September 1935, Page 16

NEW ZEALAND FLORA

ANNUAL SPRING SHOW FINE DISPLAY AT MUSEUM CHILDREN'S COMPETITIONS A widely varied and attractive display nf native flowering plants wa.i opened by the president of the Auckland Institute, Mr. A. T. P.vcroft, on Saturday afternoon at the War Memorial Museum. The occasion was the fourth annual spring show organised by the Auckland Institute in memory of the lato Mr. T. O. F. Choeseman.' With the show are combined competitions in native flowers and plants for young people and special competitions for pupils of secondary schools. A great wealth of nativo flora has been assembled and many of the specimens are very rare. Careful and detailed labelling adds greatly to the interest and educative value of tho display. A special section with appropriate descriptions is devoted to various plants that werg used medicinally by tho Maoris. Another table contains a collection of seeds and nectar-bearing flowers that attract tho nativo birds. A bay in which visitors will linger long is that in which aro displayed many paintings of nativo flowers and berries by Mrs. A. T. Pycroft. Some of this work is exquisitely done on porcelain. Much skill and artistic feeling has been put into tho arrangement of a nativo rock garden and pool. Tho charming possibilities in native flowers for bridal bouquets and sprays aro shown in a set of theso choicely dosigned by a professional florist from material supplied by tho instituto. Beneath tho largo photograph of Mr. Cheeseman a beautiful wreath has been hung as a tributo to his memory. High Competition Standard

The young people's competitions are divided into throo sections, for those under 12, from 12 to 1G and from 16 to 20. Tho entries, to tho number of 60, are somewhat fewer than in past years, but tho quality is definitely better and tho labelling and displaying show an advance. Special stress is laid on accuracy and interest of labels and on artistic arrangement. Tho judges, Messrs. A. T. Pycroft and T. Lancaster, had a difficult task in deciding tiie honours. The Sir Edwin Mitchelson prizo for tho best exhibit in the show is a fine piece of accurate work. The secondary schools' competition for tho Cheeseman memorial prizes is this year for either a display or drawings and paintings of native plants. The wide variety of subjects chosen by tho competitors will make the judging, which will take place to-day, a difficult task. Prize-winners

Saturday's prizo awards wero as follows:

Under 12 years.—Three species: Margaret Clark, I; Joan Barrowclou£h, 2; Velma Thompson, 3.

Twelve to 10 years.—Three species: Joan !}! well, 1; Margaret Hargreaves, 2. Twelve to 16 years.—Three species from home garden: Odine Woodward. 1; Winnie liannatyne, 2.

Sixteen to 20 years.—Three to five species: Roma Chatficld, 1; Rita Mackie. 2. Sixteen to 20 years.—Three to five species: from home garden: Roma Chatficld, 1; Owen Fletcher, 2.

Sixteen to 20 years.—Three species of one botanical family, two native, one of Australian. South African or South American origin: Owen Fletcher. 1; Rita Mackie. 2. Collection of nectar and berry-bearing plants: Owen Fletcher, 1; Marjorie Rohan, 2.

Sir Edwin Mitchelson prizo for best ex hibit in show.—Roma Chatfield.

The show attracted a large number of visitors. Tho main exhibition will be open until next Thursday.