AUTUMN BLOOMS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 2, 24 March 1927, Page 9

AUTUMN BLOOMS

AUCKLAND’S SUPREMACY QUALITY NOT QUANTITY Quality rather than quantity characterised the exihibits at the Auckland Horticultural Society’s dahlia show, which Sir Edwin Mitchelson, M.L.C., opened at the Town Hall this afternoon. Weather conditions of late have not favoured the growers of blooms which in past seasons have made' Auckland renowned throughout the Dominion among horticulturalists. One Onehunga grower lost no fewer than 500 blooms at the week-end, and, consequently, was unablp to exhibit at all at this year’s exihibition. Battle Against Elements Nevertheless, the show was altogether satisfying to the garden-lover, and the president eulogised the efforts of those persistent growers who had so assiduously battled against the elements, and produced what he considered, under the circumstances, “an amazing array.” Particularly magnificent were the giant decorative dahlias in all * thenautumn beauty. Tall and stately was the beige Berengaria, side by side with Big Ben, a glowing mass of petunia. The golden heads of Lucien provided the requisite contrast for the richer shades of Apricot Queen. Tasteful, too, were the bouquets, shower, posy, and bowl. The table decorations, judged by Mrs. Medhurst and Mr. McKay, elicited most favourable comment for their artistry and originality. More Sombre Background Massed banks of palms and vivid greenery provided a sombre background for the massed floral offerings. Exhibition stands by city florists gave further evidence of Auckland’s supremacy —if, indeed, it was required—as far as autumn flowers are concerned. Sir Edwin Mitchelson heads this year’s committee in succession to the late Sir Henry Brett. _ Miss M. Newburgh is chairman of the ladies’ committee. The chairman for the dahlia show is Mr. W. J. Wernham, Mf. G. W. Wright ft? vice-chairman, and Mr. D. A. Hay treasurer. The secretaries are Mr. F. Wilks £,nd Miss B. Rose. Awards: Pot Plants, group of ferns.—H. Spencer. Specimen Plant.—Miss M. Warner. ' Hanging Basket.—Mrs. Chas. Brown. Bouquets, shower.—Mrs. Chas. Brown. Posy.—A. J. Webster. Table Decoration.—Mrs. Smart 1, Mrs. Park 2, Mrs. Abbott . 3 Bowi or Vase.—Mrs. Chas. Brown 1, Mrs. R. Hart 2. Bowl or Vase (any other variety dahlia). —A. J. Webster 1, Mrs. Dowell 2, A. Parrish 3. . Posy.—Miss 'Gwen Tonkin 1, Miss Ivy Park 2, Miss Molly Park 3. Table Decoration (flower and foliage). —Miss Brown 1, Estelle Neville 2.

Renown in Gale. —After H.M.S. Renown, carrying the Duke and Duchess of York, left the Bluff, the wind freshened, and about midnight it was blowing a full gale. The ship was lively during the squall the whole morning, but the sea moderated later in the day.—A. and N.Z.