SPRING FLOWER SHOW.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 September 1916, Page 8

SPRING FLOWER SHOW.

AT WHITELEY HALL. ..J joV( ' l " s flowers who did not visit White-ley Hull yesterday, where the an'".'f' spring flower show in connection with the Whituley Church is being lii'kl missed a treat, and they should not fail to remedy this by visiting the hall this afternoon or evening. Despite tho fact that the season has not been altogether a favorable one for bulbs, and that some of the leading horticulturists were unable to exhibit, a magnificent display lias been made while a glimpse into the hall serves to enhance New Plymouth's claim to be the garden of New Zealand. A special feature of the show this year, is the exhibit of over 50 beautiful varieties of bulbs by Mr. Tt. Gibson, of Riverlea, who spcealises in daffodils and narcissi, of which lie is probably the most successfully grower in the Dominion having won numerous cups and trophies, ineluding the Barr Daffodil Vase, whicli lie secured by winning at Lower Hutt in 11)14 and 1015, for a collection of 30 named varieties, and also Dr. Carbery's cup for 12 varieties (no bulb 'to costmore than Is in New Zealand), which be won three times in .succession. These cups are included in Mr. Gibson's exhibit, which is, of course, nicely staged, each bloom being shown to advantage, and well worthy of study. Many of these varieties have never been shown before in New Plymouth, and some, in fact, were exhibited for the first time in New Zealand. Mr. Gibson secures the latest and rarest varieties from England, regardless of expense, and it is estimated that his i bed? contain £2OOO worth of bulbs. It is almost impossible to describe the varieties on exhibition. They must be seen to be appreciated. Tliose qualified to judge give pride of place to "Tamerlane," a number of the blooms measuring inches across. It has a rich yellow perianth, with large orange eup. One bulb cost Mr. Gibson £l2. "Fleetwing" a beautiful bright color [ over file inches across, runs it very close. For chaste beauty probably pride of place would be given to "Southern Gem," a superb white. "Mrs. Robert Sydenham," is the purest white trumpet, and "Rubellitc" has never been exhibited in New Zealand before. It has a rich orange scarlet trumpet. "Lord Kitchener," "Mohican," "Scarlet Gem," and "Crystal Queen" are only a few of the other varieties. Adjoining, Mr. John Gibson, of Frankley Road, again has a splendid display, which is artistically arranged. Among the daffodils, "Lucifer" stands out promimcnt, as also does "King Alfred," a well-grown trumpet, "Lord Roberts," "White Queen," "'Coronet." ("Golden Bell," "Amazon," "C'odlins and Cream," "Butter and Eggs," are among the varieties. Prominent in the centre is New Zealand's national flower, yellow kov.iiai, whilst heaths, shower of gold, asparagus and maiden hair ferns all aid in making an attractive exhibit. Mrs Wheeler, of Vogeltown, has an artistically arranged collection, comprising daffodils, magnolia stelhta, freesias, violets, etc., whilst Mrs. C. E. Bellringer's collection comprises heaths, nemesia, and freesias. Mr. T. French, of Lcpperton, has a nk display of daffodils and polyanthus narcissi, Mrs. T. G. Sole also shows a very nicely arranged collection of spring flower's, including orange colored lechenalia and ferns. Mrs. W. Ambury's exhibit include?. hyacinths, daffodils, white, pink and purple kancdia. Mrs. McGahcy shows rhododendron, freesia, ncmisia, a bowl of striking pink eainelias, whilst the exhibit is centred with arum lilies. Mr.-. C. Carter displays camelias, heaths, azaleas, rhododendrons, etc. Sir. Clias. Sander, of Westown, has a nice, cxj liibit of heaths, boronias, andromeda, floribunda, varicgata, etc.

The Morshcad Nursery Company lias a fine display of spring blooms and choice pot plants, the former including narcissi, daphne, violets, magnolia, freesia, camclias, and the latter ferns and flowering shrubs. There was not much competition in the decorative section, but there were some nice exhibits, and in addition there were several beautiful decorated tables and mantel-pieces on exhibition only. A table daintily decorated by Miss Curtis in cream flowers and autumn foliage was much admired, as was one by Mrs, Gibson in kanedia and maiden-hair fern. Miss K. Coll is decorated a mantelpiece with narcissi, freesia and ferns, whilst Miss Winnie Sole also decorated a mantel with camelia and plum blossom, both having pleasing effect. Miss Winnie Sole also exhibited a very pretty bridal bouquet in the latest style, hyacinths, snowdrops, allum, and maiden-hair fern being used with pleasing effect. Mrs. I!. Cock and Mis? Curtis were judges in the decorative section, awards being: Decorated tables: Miss Winnie Short 1, Miss Beatrice Carter 2, Miss Florrie Sutherland 3. Buttonholes, girls ovci\ 10 years: Miss ■loyce Short 1 Miss Alma Short 2; under 10: Miss Mary Robertson; boys over lft: Max Robertson 1. There was a good attendance in the afternoon and evening, and good business was done by the ladies in charge of the sweets and produce stall, Mesdames Sharp, Morey, and Misses Ramson and 'May Cannell. An economical cake, made without eggs, butter or milk, and of which a sample and the recip« were given for a moderate sum. was much in demand. The ladies in charge of the plain and fancy goods and flower stall, Mcsdames 0. Carter, .1. White, -1. Gibson, and Yv. Ambury also did good business, as did Mcsdames'T. fi. Sole, F. Okey, F. W. Short, 8. 11. White, J. Sanders, J. Giddy, H. Matson, Misses Okey (2) and Sole (2), who had charge of the afternoon tea. As usual, the arrangements for the show were perfect, and reflect great credit on the committee, of which Mr. Gibson was chairman and Mr. Sole secretary. The whole of the flowers (including Mr. R. Gibson's fine collection), have been generously donated to the Mayoress and will be sold in the street towards the Pearson Institute for blind soldiers.

The Mayor, who opened the show, in a brief speech referred to the beautiful exhibition which bore out New l s ]y. mouth's claim to be the garden of Ne\v Zealand. I iiere was still, iie considered, mom for Improvement, as there were many people who did not haye any garden. The children, who would he the. lui'ii and women of to-morrow, should bo encouraged to grow their own flowers, lie would he willing to assist in encouraging children in this direction because there were so many different attractions to appeal to the young people to-day. Tie thanked the flower growers of New Plymouth for the flowers that they had given the Mayoress lately, and more particularly for the magnificent donation of the flowers in the hall for Saturday. Already £l5O had been collected as the result of the sale of flowers and had been sent to the Belgians. On Saturday next the colieetion would he in aid of Pearson's Institute for blind soldiers. This was not only for New Zealandcrs. We must lie said, help the. soldiers who had done so much for us, and he appealed to all to do their utmost on Saturday. He then declared the show open. The day's takings amounted to over £SO.