AUSTRALIAN GRIPES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2814, 19 February 1908, Page 10

AUSTRALIAN GRIPES.

ANOTHER CONSIGNMENT. (Fboii Oub Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, February 12

Tho Australian grapes that, arrived today were all from New South Wales, a large number of the boxes being labelled, " Bank of New South Wales, Ryda orchard." ' A few boxes of " Ladies' Fingers'' sent wore in first rate condition. Since early morning the Government Inspector and his aßsistantea ß sistante have been busy examining t lie fruit in the auction rooms. When the ca c cs were opened it *was disappointing to. discover that the fruit had considerably deteroriated owing, it is supposed, to delay in transhipment at Sydney — an error that count iv growers ehould remedy by timing their consignments to arrive on the da\ on which the New Zoaalnd steamer leaves. The average pi ice got at the auction was from 3d to 4d, and though the best sold at 6^d to 7d, tome in poor condition only fetched 2d or 3d.

A well-attended meeting of the committee of the Dunedin Horticultural Society was held on the 11th, when it was decided to hoM the autumn or dahlia show in the Garrison Hall on March 11. The arrangements for the fixture are already well in hand, and the indications point to a, successful show. The season has been somewhat early for dahliae, but a good display is assured. Sweet peas will again constitute an attraction, and in this, and also in fruit and vegetables, there is every prospect of keen competition.

The first exhibition of the Bluff Horticultural Society, held on the 12th inst., proved a decided success. The chief exhibitors were Mrs Samuel Nichol (Morningside), who took awards in cut flowers and vegetables ; Mr P. C. Andrews, in tomatoes, cucumbers, and vegetables ; ond Mr George Maude and Mrs Tipping, in carnations. Six decorated tables were displayed, first and second prizes beingawarded Mrs Edmond and Miss A. Niehol respectively. Bakery, jams, .etc., were a. good exhibit— first prize, Mrs M'Clure. A very nicely decora-ted basket shown by Mrs E. Xichol attracted much commendation. In the afternoon and evening the hall was thronged, proceedings bping enlivened by the performance of the Bluff instrumental band.

A voting married man named John Halliday dropped dead immediately after rising from his bed, wrote the Geelong- correspondent of the Melbourne Age. The deceased, who was of Herculean build, though" short of stature, was one of the best, if not the very best, wheat carriers at that port. There is no doubt whatever that this powerful young man owes his death to tho straining of his heart whilo engaged in carrying ponderous bags of wheat year after year.

Cheap Bulbs for present planting. Sea Nikmo and Blue's advertisement, page 8 of this issue, for specially cheap lin«»« -C Tulips, etc.