LODER CUP

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 February 1939, Page 10

LODER CUP

PRESENTATION TO MRS KNOX GILMER.

PRESERVATION OF NEW ZEALAND FLORA.

Mrs Knox Gilmer was the first woman to be awarded the trophy, said the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. Lee Martin, presenting the Loder Cup to Mrs Gilmer at the Wellington Horticultural Society’s mid-summer show yesterday.

No person had a deeper appreciation of the wonderful natural beauties of New Zealand than Mrs Gilmer, who throughout her life had been a foremost champion for the preservation of

the scenic resources of the Dominion. No person had more richly earned the honour of holding the Loder Cup. which was awarded in recognition of work for the preservation and development of the flora of New Zealand. Mrs Gilmer’s nomination for the Loder Cup had been sponsored by the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture,

the Forest and Bird Protection Society and the Wellington Horticultural Society. Horticulture throughout New Zealand owed a great deal to her enthusiasm, and as president of the Wei- I lington Horticultural Society she had infused the greatest possible interest into gardening and the beautification of the city. She was one of those responsible for the revival of Arbor Day. The passing of the Native Plants Act, 1934, was to a great extent due to her efforts. She was a member of the executive council of the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, and on its recommendation was appointed an honourary inspector under the Scenery Preservation Act. . As a member of the horticultural committee of the New Zealand Centennal Exhibition she had interested her-

self in the planting of native trees and shrubs in the grounds. Her own garden at Te Marua, Upper Hutt, had been awarded Viscount Bledisloe’s challenge trophy as showing the best and most attractive use of New Zealand plants. Mrs Gilmer said she regarded the award as an honour, not only to her but to all those who had been associated with her.