FLOWER SHOW AT RAVENSBOURNE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2817, 11 March 1908, Page 10

FLOWER SHOW AT RAVENSBOURNE.

One of the moat popular annual fixtures at Ravensbourne is the show of flowers and vegetables, held under the auspices of the Ravensbourne Presbyterian Sunday School. A special feature of this function is the pleasing fact that the Sunday school childi-en are supplied wi£h seeds during the year, and the results, are manifest in the exhibition now being held in the church schoolroom. Notwithstanding the prolonged spell of dry weather, there was a fine display of cut flowers and vegetables, many of which would have commanded attention in a metropolitan flower show. Potatoes and cabbages were represented by many excellent exhibits, and the same may be said of cucumbers, tomatoes, and vegetable marrows. The show was formally opened by the Rev. Dr Nicoleon, who commended the diligence displayed by the children, and congratulated the exhibitors upon the success which had rewarded their industry. As secretary and general organiser, Mrs T. Ross was indefatigable, and was ably seconded by Mre E. Tomkinson, whose combined efforts were productive of the most satisfactory results. There was a splendid collection of general needlework by ladies belonging to the congregation, including some choice tray cloths, cushions, dressed dolls, children's clothing, and quite an array of clever novelties in needlework. In the competitive sections Miss Mary Mackie took first for d'oyleye and pinafores, and M ; ss Ella j Tomkinson secured first for pincushions. The side shows included a fernery, which proved one of the most attractive items of the exhibition. It was in charge of Mr J. Fernie, who had collected a fine assortment of ferns, which were very tastefully arranged and illuminated by electric light from the electrical laboratory in charge of Mr J. Ross and Mr Nesbit>, whose electrical apparatus caused a good deal of merriment and interest, both to adults and juveniles. There was' also a post office, in qharge of~ Mr E. Tomkinson and Mrs Carl Ball, where post-cards, etc., could be procured, and a big staff of messengers was always at hand to assume prompt delivery. A museum, comprising- curiosities of Nature and art, was one of the chief attractions, and embraced some striking ex- | hibits, including a fine specimen of the hedgehog fish, a platypus, snakes, leaf insects, etc., and a fine collection of South Sea Island curious. The shooting gallery was well patronised during the evening, and under the management of Mr M. j Sword, proved a decided attraction. A striking novelty, which came in for a good deal of attention during the evening, was an orange tree laden with fruit, exhibited by Mr Thoe. Ross. The West Harbour Brass Band, under the conductorship of Bandmaster W. Webber, was present, and played a. number of choice selections during the evening.