CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 467, 30 April 1890, Page 4

CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

SPLENDID SHOW IN CHORAL HALL. Auckland April, 26 There is implanted in the heart of every man, woman, and child a love of the beautiful, which only needs development to make humanity more lovable than it is. That love of the beautiful takes different forms, but he is a very poor specimen of a man who has not a delight in looking on beautiful flowers, “ stars of earth ” as Longfellow beautifully calls them. In some that love becomes a passion, and the chief delight of such is to spend their time in the garden among their lovely favourites. Some delight in the rose, others in the violet, and each has his special favourite, but of late the flower which seems to unite all in enthusiasm is THE CHRYSANTHEMUM

This flower as ordinarily cultivated in our gardens has not a very prepossessing appearance, and is often regarded as “common.” But with careful cultivation, and attention to tho development of varieties, it can be made one of the most beautiful ornaments of any flower garden. Anyone who doubts thisneed only visit thesplendid show opened this afternoon in the Choral Hall, where about 200 different varieties are exhibited.

The reason that nearly every floriculturist has an admiration for the plant is that its blooms come in the autumn, when most other flowers have retired from active blooming. The name means “golden flower,” probably from the fact that the commonest colour is a golden yellow. Tho varieties are annuals, perennials and shrubby plants. It grows chiefly in temperate regions. There are several common varieties in Britain and other European countries, but the favourite of cultivators is the Chinese or Indian variety, a native of China and Japan. In these countries it has long been cultivated for ornamental purposes. In 1789 the first foreign varieties were introduced into England, but for years no great attention was paid to the flower. In recent years, however, the culture of the plant has been advancing with rapid strides ; and at the Centenary Show, in London, lasb autumn, a remarkable number of varieties were exhibited, and great attention was at-

tracted. In England the plant requires to be cultivated in the greenhouso. THE AUCKLAND SOCIETY.

About twelve months ago some Auckland floriculturists, chief among them being M r A. E. Dewes and Dr. Sanders, conceived the idea of starting a society for the promotion of the culture of the flower. The idea was taken up with enthusiasm, and very soon the Society numbered among its members most of the cultivators of flowers in Auckland, amateur and professional. Two seasons ago there were not a hundred varieties in Auckland, but through the exertions of this Society there are now between 350 and 400 distinct kinds. The Society numbers 170 members, and since its start has distributed over 700 plants among its members free of cost, while the annual subscription is only five shillings. Before it started, not half-a-dozen persons in Auckland knew how to cultivate chrysanthemums proporly; but the impulse given by the Society has caused a vast improvement. TO-DAY’S SHOW. A small show of chrysanthemums was held in Newmarket last season ; but to-day the first annual show under the auspices of the Society is being held in the Choral Hall. This morning all was activity in the hall in preparation for the formal opening of the Show by His Worship the Mayor this atternoon. The exhibitors were hard at work arranging the flowers on stands, with Mr Dewes, the energetic secretary, keeping a watchful eye over all. Tho judges set about their duty of selection about noon, and a hard task it must have been where all the flowers were so beautiful.

The bare walls of the building, in the main hall and side rooms, are charmingly decorated with the evergreen nikau and cabbage-tree palms; while the seats usually occupied by the orchestra are relieved by handsome tree-ferns and other evergreens. At each end of the main hall is a fine collections of pot plants, one lent by D. Hay and Son, and tbe other by Mr T. Steadman. Down the centre of the hall and along the sides are the stands containing the exhibits, in all varieties, and in all shades of colour from white and bright yellow to rich dark brown. In the centre of the building a fountain plays, and from tbe roof are hung ferns and other plants. The ordinary visitor to the Choral Hall will hardly know the place, and will fancy himself in some fairy bower. Turning to the flowers themselves, one feels quite at a loss to give any description, where there is so much to see and to admire. In sections 35-39, Japanese flowers, there are some grand cut blooms which in appearance are perhaps superior to any other single flowers in the building. In the general collection of cut blooms there are many lovely flowers, but they are too numerous for particular isation. Four collections of chrysanthemums in pots in the main hall are worthy of attention. In the side room are arranged about forty bouquets, from all virgin white to deep brown. These are particularly interesting as showing the capabilities of the flower in the way of decoration. Most of the bouquetsare very tastefully arranged,and it may be invidious to particularise ; but of thosearrangedin theirstands bhehandsomest appeared to be Nos. 178, 179, 185, 187, 189, 205, and 213. Mrs Richmond exhibits, but not for competition, three fine pot plants, and two samples of begonias grown out of doors. A tine table bouquet is exhibited from Onehunga, also not for competition. Mrs Lusher, Mrs Alderton, and Miss Johnstone also exhibit handsome bouquets not for competition. A collection of beautiful dahlias is exhibited in th 6 same way by Mrs Dowes. This takes us away from tbe chrysanthemum class. There are few exhibits in other varieties of flowers, owing, of course, to the lateness of the season, bub Mrs Dewes, Miss Girdler, Mrs Speight, Messrs Forreßb (gardener to Mr D. L. Murdoch) and McDonald exhibit some stands of lovely flowers in several varieties.

A remarkable feature of the Show is the evidence of successful cultivation of the chrysanthemum by amateurs, who, indeed, seem to have done even better in some respects than the all-comers. This is perhaps because the amateurs confine their attention to fewer varieties, and also, no doubt, because they are readier to import new varieties. The amateurs who have exhibited most extensively are Mrs McKellar, Miss Girdler, and Messrs Dewes, Tibbs, Ward, Tayler, Brown, and Hughes. Messrs Hay and Son, McDonald, Macindoe, and Palmer send most in the all-comers’ class, the first named having on exhibition about 500 blooms. Mr Forrest also has sent some fine blooms. THE OPENING CEREMONY. The Show was formally opened at 3 o’clock this afternoon by His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. A. Upton). He said, in the course of [a few well-chosen remarks, that

he had acceded with much pleasure to the request of the Committee to formally open this exhibition. This was, he believed, the second exhibition held under the auspices of the Chrysanthemum Society, and the success achieved must be very gratifying to them, as it certainly was to those who had come to seo it. A philosopher of the last century said that “he who made two blades of grass or two ears of corn to grow where one had grown before was better than the whole race of politicians put together.” No doubt he was right, but his words had often been quoted in support of that sternly utilitarian view of life which scarcely left any room for innocent pleasures. Now, without making any sweeping statement, ho (Mr Upton) thought it might safely be said that those who by their love of flowers produced new varieties and new forms, and in this way added to the innocent pleasures of life, were as much entitled to be regarded as bonefactore of their kind as were those who produced two blades of grass where there was but one before. Ho did not think it could be said of Auckland people that they did not look aftor their pleasures, or that the utilitarian philosophy had got them very tightly in its grip, but there was perhaps a danger that, in taking their pleasures, the young people of this colony exhibited a tendency of paying too much attention to muscular excellence. The Chrysanthemum Society had introduced, with marked success, a most pleasing variety in our enjoyments. Mr Upton went on to say that he did not propose to make a speech, for two reasons, first, becauee he did not think that more was required of him than that he should just give a start to the exhibition, and secondly, that lie today received a friendly message from a lady to the effect that she hoped the Mayor—she put it on official grounds—would not make a long speech, as she wished to catch the train, and yet not missseeingthechrysanthemums. No doubt there were many others similarly situated, and he therefore concluded by saying that he had much pleasure in declaring the exhibition open. Prize List. The following prizes were awarded by Mr Thomas Bullen, of Otahuhu, who was the only judge:— CLASS I.—OPEN CLASS. Pot Plants. Section I—Group of chrysanthemums, any varieties arranged in a space equal to 30 square feet; quality and effect to be the leading features. First prize, National Chrysanthemum Society’s Silver Medal.— W. J. Palmer, Ist T. Steadman, 2nd. Section 2 —One specimen large flowering.—Mrs Speight, Ist. Section 3—Six specimens, Pompons (in varieties).—T. Steadman, Ist. Section 4 —Three specimens, Pompons (in varieties)—T. Steadman, Ist. Section s—One specimen, [Pompon.—T. Steadman, Ist. CUT BLOOMS. General Collection. Anemone Flowered, Single, and Pompon Sections.) Section 6—Thirty-six varieties, 1 bloom each. First prize, National Chrysanthemum Society’s Silver Medal. —D. Hay and Son, Ist; D. Hay and Son, 2nd; \V. J. Palmer, 3rd ; D. Hay and Son, highly commended. /• • Section 7 Twenty-four varieties, 1 bloom each. First prize, National Chrysanthemum Society’s Bronze Medal.—D. Hay and Son, lot; W. J. Palmer, 2nd ;F. Forrest, gardener toD. L. Murdoch, Esq., 3rd ; D. Hay and Son, highly commended. Incurved Section. Section B—Twelve8 —Twelve varieties, one bloom each.— D. Hay and Son, Ist ; \V. J. Palmer, 2nd ; D. Hay and Son, 3rd. Section 9 —six varieties.—D. Hay and Son, Ist; W. J. Palmer, 2nd ;D. Hay, and Son, 3rd; F. Forrest, highly commended. Section 10—Six blooms, in three varieties, two blooms each.—W. J. Palmer, Ist; D. Hay and Son, 2nd and 3rd. Reflexed.

Section 11.—Twelve cut blooms (not less than six varieties). —D. Hay and Son, Ist and 3rd ; W. Macindoe, 2nd. Section 12—Six blooms, three varieties. —D, Hay and Son, Ist and 3rd ;W. Macindoe, 2nd. JAPANESE SECTION. Section 13—Twelve varieties. —D. Hay and Son, Ist and 2nd ; W. J. Palmer, 3rd ; D. Hay and Son, highly commended. Section 14 Six varieties, one bloom each, five entries.—D. Hay and Son, Ist; D. Hay and Son, 2nd ; W. J. Palmer, 3rd ; W. Macindoe, highly commended. Section 15—Six blooms, three varieties, two blooms oach. Five entries. —W. J. Palmer, Ist; D. Hay and Son, 2nd and 3rd ; F. Forrest, gardener to D. L. Murdoch, Esq., highly commended. New Chrysanthemums. Section 17—Twelve blooms, in any number of varieties. Three entries. —D. Hay and Son, Ist; D. Hay and Son, 2nd ; J. VV. Palmer, 3rd. BOUQUETS. Any foliage, but Chrysanthemum Flowers only. Five entries. Section 18.—One table bouquet.—Miss Eva Hughes, Ist; Mrs C. Alma Baker* 2nd ; Miss Whitaker, 3rd. Section 19— One bridal bouquet, seven entries.—Mrs C. Alma Baker, Ist; W. Macindoe, 2nd; C. S. McDonald, 3rd; Mrs A. Robertson, highly commended. Section 20—One hand bouquet. 12 entries.—Miss Speight, Ist; W. Mclndoe, 2nd; C. S. McDonald, 3rd; M. Eva Hughes, highly commended. COLLECTION CUT FLOWERS. Any varieties grown in the open air. Section 21—Twenty-four distinct varieties.—F. Forrest, gardener to D. L. Murdoch, Esq., Ist. SPECIAL CLASSES. Section 23—Group of pot plants arranged in a space of 50 square feet, quality and general effect to be leading features. First prize, £2 10s ; second, £1 ss. Two entries. —D. Hay and Son, Ist; T. Steadman, 2nd. AMATEUR CLASS. Pot Plants. Section 26— Group of chrysanthemums, any varieties, arranged in a space equal to 30 square feet; quality and effect to be the leading features.—First prize. National Chrysanthemum Society’s silver modal. Three entries. A. E. Dewes, Ist. Section 27—One specimen large flowering.—A. Brown, Ist; A. Brown, 2nd; A. E. Dewes, 3rd. CUT BLOOMS. General Collection. (Excluding Anemone Flowered, Single, and Pompon Sections.) Section 28.—36 varieties, 1 bloom each. Firet prize, National Chrysanthemum

Society’s silver medal. Six entries.—A. E. Dewes, Ist; A. E. Dewes, 2nd; C. W. Sanders, 3rd. Section 29.—Twenty-four varieties, one bloom each. First prize, National Chtysanthemum Society’s bronze medal. Seven entries.—A. E. Dewes, Ist; J. W. Tibbs, 2nd; Mrs E. D. Mackellar, 3rd; C. W, Sanders, highly commended. Incurved Section. Section 30—twelve varieties, 1 bloom each, three entries.—J. W. Tibbs, Ist; F. T. Ward, 2nd ; S. E. Hughes, 3rd. Section 31—Six varieties, 1 bloom each, sevon entries.—A. Brown, Ist; Archdale Tayler, 2nd ; F. T. Ward, 3rd. Section 32.—Six blooms in three varieties, 2 blooms each. Nine entries. Archdale Tayler, let; A. Brown, 2nd; F. T. Ward, 3rd; J. W. Tibbs, highly commended. Reflexed Section. Section 33—Twelve blooms in not les® than eix varieties.—Two entries. A. E. Dewes, Ist. Section 34—Six blooms, three varieties, two blooms each.—Six entries. A. Brown, Ist; Archdale Tayler, 2nd; F. T. Ward, 3rd ; highly commended, F. T. Ward. JAPANESE SECTION. (Including Japanese Reflexed). Section 35—Twelve varieties, one bloom each, four entries. —J. W. Tibbs, Ist; Archdale Tayler, 2nd; T. F. W ard, 3rd; S. E. Hughes, highly commended. Section 36—6 varieties, 1 bloom each. Eight entries. Archdale Taylor, Ist; F. T. Ward, 2nd; A. Brown, 3rd; J. W. Tibbs, highly commended. Section 37—Six blooms, three varieties, two blooms each.— Six entries. Archdale Tayler, Ist; A. Brown, 2nd ;J. W. Tibbs, 3rd ; Mrs E, D. Mackellar, highly commended. Large Anemone Section— Including Japanese anemone, six blooms, one entry. — A. E. Dewes, let. Single. Section 39 —Twelve Blooms. Two entries.—A. E. Dewes, Ist and 2nd. Section 40 Three entries. —A. E. Dewes, Ist, 2nd and 3rd. Section 41—Three entries.—A. E. Dewes, Ist, 2nd, 3rd. Pompon Section 43—Four entries.—J. ,W. Tibbs, Ist; J. W. Tibbs, 2nd; Miss Girdler, 3rd. NEW CHRYSANTHEMUMS. Section 44—8100 m in any number of varieties, three entries.—A. E. Dives, Ist; S. E. Hughes, 2nd. BOUQUETS. (Any foliage, but Chrysanthemum Flowers only.) Section 45. One table bouquet.—Ten entries.—Miss F. White, Ist; Miss Cobb, 2nd; Mrs A. E. Dewes, 3rd ; Mrs E. D. Mackellar, highly commended. Section 46.—One bridal bouquet.—Seven entries.—Miss K. White, Ist; Miss Ewen, 2nd ; MissO. Kempthorne, 3rd® Section 47—One hand bouquet.—Thirteen entries. Miss F. Kissling, Ist; Miss Robertson, 2nd ; Miss Eva Hughes, 3rd ; Mrs F. T. Ward, highly commended. COLLECTION OF CUT FLOWERS. (Any varieties, grown in the open air.) Section 48—Twenty-four distinct varie' ties.—Miss Girdler, Ist. Section 49—Twelve distinct varieties. — Mrs A. E. Dewes, Ist. CERTIFICATES OF MERIT. The judges awarded certificates of merib as follows : D. Hay and Sons, for group of pot plants. A. E. Dewes for collection of cut blooms. D. Hay and Son for collection of cut flowers. D. Hay and Sons for twelve Japanese blooms. Archdale Tayler for six Japanese blooms, W. Tibbs for twelve varieties. CHILDREN’S BOUQUETS. For boys and girls under the age of 14 years. Section 25-One bouquet, chrysanthemum, flowers only, any foliage. Made up in exhibition-room. First prize, ss; second, 3s 6d ; third, 2s 6d. —Mies Mary Coombes, Ist; Miss Pickmere, 2nd, Mies Katie Speight, 3. HANGING BASKETS. T. Steadman, Ist; O. Warburton, 2nd.