THE HORTICULTURAL SHOW.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 195, 15 February 1912, Page 3

THE HORTICULTURAL SHOW.

ENTRIES CLOSE NEXT TUESDAY.

[ Everything promises well for the anI nual show of the Stratford horticultural | Society, which is to be held in the Town I Hall on Thursday and Friday, February !22 and 23. Entries close on Tuesday I next, the 20th inst. There have been some very fine shows held ynder the auspices of this Society, which is affiliated with the Royal Horticultural Society and the National Sweet Pea Society of London, and, despite the unfavorable spring, this year's promises to be as fine as any of its predecessors. Prizemoney is on a liberal scale, and' there are several points prizes and challenge trophies. There is the Cactus Dahlia Cup, presented to the Society by Mr. H. N. Liardet. This cup is awarded as a points prize in the cactus dahlia. cjasses, and must be won three times in succession before becoming the property of the exhibitor. In the sweet pea classes the New Zealand North Island Challenge Shield (value seven guineas) is offered, for the best twelve bunches of sweet peas, with waved standards, distinct. The Royal Horticultural Society's bronze medal is given as a second prize in this class. Mr. T. Mfercer's silver epergne, known as the Mercer Challenge Trophy (value five guineas), goes to the winner of Class. 74, for six bunches of sweet peas.- The! Stratford Sweet Pea Cup, presented by Mr. Sidney Ward, is offered asa points prize in the section for amateurs, and becomes the property of the exhibitor winning it three times in succession.

Then there is the public schools competition, open to all schools in Taranaki where agriculture is taught. The School Banner is to be presented to the school gaining the most points in vegetables and general produce, and is held for a year. The Royal Horticultural Society's medal accompanies the banner as a permanent memento. Norfolk Road School has won the banner three times, and. Ngaire once. It will be seen that the Stratford Horticultural and General Produce Society has done much to attract exhibits from horticulturists everywhere, and this season it is hoped that many growers outside will pit their best against the locally grown vegetables and flowers. The secretary, Mr. S. Cato, will forward schedule and all particulars on application.