WHITELEY SPRING FLOWER SHOW.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 September 1918, Page 6

WHITELEY SPRING FLOWER SHOW.

AN ATTRACTIVE DISPLAY. The display at Whitcley Hall yesterday, when the annual spring show was opened, may fairly be said to constitute tiie best, exhibition yet made in connection with this fixture. The show was opened at 2.30 p.m. by the DeputyMayor (Mr. W. A. Collis), who offered his congratulations to the committee, the growers, and the exhibitors, on tbo excellent display arranged. He then referred to the outstanding features of the show, which he said was intended to eclipse last year's effort, when £l3O had been raised. Mr. C. Carter thanked the DeputyMayor on behalf of the iSliow Committee. In both quantity and quality of the blooms staged the show far surpasses any of its predecessors- Amongst the exhibition displays, for quality of blooms, that of Mr. C. Goodson (Hawera) stands prominently the finest in the show. The great feature of this exhibit is the large number of unnamed blooms from seedlings of Mr. Goodson's own rearing, some of which have taken eight years to develop- They were .wnttv admired. The display by Mr. J- Gibson is the largest 3ver made locally by any one exhibitor, and occupies the whole length of one side of the hall. All the well-known varieties of the narcissi family are represented, conspicuous nuongst them being the giant Leedsii, Longfellow, Lord Kitchener, and Lord Clandon. The Bernardino was regarded a? probably the most beautiful bloom in the show. The stand is centred by a beautiful vase of the favorite buttercup, and is relieved by 'bowls and baskets of anemones and asparagus. Messrs Duncan and Davies, Ltd., have staged an attractive exhibit of flowering shrubs and narcissi- Adjoining their stand is a show by Mrs. J. H- Frethey, very attractively arranged, comprising narcissi, interspersed with bik&us, and ferns and flowering plum. F. Cooper and Co. (Wellington) have a display of narcissi, with which arc staged some very fine hyacinths and friesias Other exhibits include those of Mrs- A. T. Moore, Mr. T. French (Waitara), and Mr, F. J. Morshead (arranged by Mrs. Morshead). One of the most attractive features of the show was' a decorated basket (for exhibition only) by Miss M'Gahey, done in scarlet anemones. The competitive classes drew a large number of entries, and some excellent exhibits have been staged. 'ln*connection with the State schools' shield competition, although 13 schools were supplied with bulbs free by Mr. Gibson, on condition that ftbey entered, only three exhibits have come forward. A number of the other schools sent in letters stating that but for the fact that their bloooms had matured too early they would have been in the show. The decorated table.?, in both open and novice classes, drew good entries, while in the decorated basket, bowl, or vase there were over 30 cQiffjftitors. The children's button-hole classes were also popular. Following are the results, the judging being done by Mrs. R. Cock and Mr. C. Good son: —

Decorated Tables—Open class: Miss Irene Frethev 1, Mrs. N. Allen 2, Mrs. Frethey 3, Miss Curtis 4. Novice class: Mrs. M'Gahey 1, Miss Horsup 2, Mrs. Richards 3, Russell Grave 4, Miss Chatterton 5; there were eight entries-

Button-holes—Girls over 10 years: Margery Boon 1, Beryl Taylor 2, Edna Wilson 3; five entries. Girls under 10 year?: Jovce Short 1, Ma via Short 2, Tna Lawrence 3. Boys over 10 years: Cecil M'Gahey 1. Decorated Basket, Bowl, or Vase.— Mrs G IT. M"Gnhev 1. Miss Curtis 2. Public Schools' Shield Competition.— Comii 1- Frank-lev "2. TCorito 3. In addition to the flower show, there arc a nnmher of attraetivelv-arranged and well-<toeked stalls for the sale of poods. ' These are under the control of the following—"Plain and fancy work. White'ev (Ladies' Guild: sweets and produce, Mesdames Morey and Sharp; art stall. Whiteley Club; and a country produce'stall, given by the friends in the mitlvins districts of the circuit, is in charpe of Mrs! Downs (Bell Block! and MrsrMarsh (Bills'boroujrh). To-dav the ladies of 'Omatii ml? have charge of tliis latter stall, and will brine in a full suppU of produce. The refreshments (including afternoon tea, and snyerl are under the charge of Mrs. T- G. Sole. A programme of musical selections has heen arranffed for each afternoon and evening. Mis* Collis having undertaken this work. The show was well patronised in both afternoon and evening yesterday, and will he open acrain this afte.vnoon and to-nignt and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.