THE BEAUTY OF FERNS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 132, 25 August 1927, Page 4

THE BEAUTY OF FERNS

ADDRESS AT LYCEUM CLUB Airs. A. E. Kidd presided over an open evening held by the members of the gardening circle of the Lyceum Club last evening, when an address on “The Cultivation of Native Trees, Shrubs, and Plants” was given by Mr. V. C. Davies, of New Plymouth. The study of flora Air. Davies declared to be one of the most interesting in the world, and in New Zealand, where the flora was .so highly specialised as to make these islands a distinct botanical area, there was a particular fascination in following the mysteries of our native plant life. For all that, said Air. Davies, comparatively few New Zealanders were interested in that particular branch of nature. The transplanting and growing of shrubs and trees was explained, and specimens of various native plants were handed to the members for inspection. The method of cultivation of the beautiful New Zealand clematis was eagerly listened to by the gardening enthusiasts. Mr. Davies said New Zealand was j famed all over the world for its beau- j tiful ferns. There were 134 speci'-s ; and 30 varieties of ferns, of which 60 | were found only in New Zealand Rangitoto was remarkable for its col- j lection of filmy ferns, and he deplored the fact that the public was allowed j to introduce exotic plants and weeds there. Hints on the selection of tre.ferns and the growing of native seeds were also given.

A KITCHEN TEA

Mrs. F. H. Hulbert. of Remuera Road, yesterday gave a cheery kitchen tea party, the guest of honour being Aliss Girlie Alasiin. The hostess received her guests wearing a dainty ninon frock effectively patterned in Delft blue and geranium pink, relieved with bands of fine black lace and black pipings. She was assisted by Miss F. Lloyd, who was gowned in black crepe faille banded with black silk velvet. The bride-elect wore a jumper frock of bois-de-rose jersey chenille and a shot taffetas hat to tone. During the afternon a book competition was held, and was won by Airs. G. W, Hutchis&n. The guests were:—Airs. Osmond, mother of the bride-elect; Airs. Woolcott, Airs. G. W. Hutchison, Airs. H. Ready, Airs. C. Hardley, Airs. Thomas, Airs. Laird, Airs. Lloyd, Mrs. Robinson, Mrs. Middleton, Airs. Butcher, Mrs. Aickins, Airs. Graham, Airs. Dervan, Airs. C. H. Dickinson, Mrs. J. Shackleford, Airs. A. L. Mitchell, Mrs. F. • Bate, Airs. Craig, Airs. Hogan, Mias Edna Craig, Miss Woolcott, Miss Montague and the Alisses AlcVeagh.

FAREWELL SOCIAL

A “farewell evening” was tendered Alias M. Winks at Ohakune on Tuesday evening by her many friends at the residence of Mr. J. L. Lynch. Miss Winks will shortly leave for Auckland to take up her duties on the Auckland Hospital nursing staff. During the evening Airs. W. H. Shurford made a presentation to Aliss Winks of a beautiful clock, which she was asked to accept as a token of the esteem in which she was held by a larg'e circle of friends. In accepting the gift Aliss Winks charmingly replied. A most enjoyable evening was spent in games and dancing.

HUNTLY QUEEN CARNIVAL

Aliss Nellie Smith (the Red Princess) held a special committee meeting on Tuesday evening to report progress. The committee is working very diligently and the programme for the remaiinng days of the carnival was discussed. The organiser is extremely pleased with the result of the carnival to date.