Pittwater Online News (2024)

THE WILD FLOWER SHOW.

A novel floor show will take place at Manly Beach to-day. It will be an exhibition of wild flowers, and although no one who has rambled through the. bush at North Shore, or down by Coogee and Bondi, o could have failed to observe some at least of the multitude of lovely bush blossoms which excited the admiration a of the earliest visitors to Australia, it can with equal truth be said that the public has not hitherto had the opportunity of inspecting such an extensive, collection of these fragile flowers as may be seen to-day. The exhibition, which is under the patronage of his Excellency the Governor and Lady Augustus Loftus, will be in aid of the church enlargement fund. Masses will be provided during the day by the band of the Permanent Force, while at night there will be concert at the pavilion. THE WILD-FLOWER SHOW. (1881, October 1). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13495903

Wild Flower Show at Manly

A NOVELTY in floral shows was recently introduced at Manly, near Sydney, when an extensive and admirably arranged display of wild flowers took place in the pavilion, Ivanhoe Park. The show was held in aid of the fund for enlargement of St. Matthew's Church, Manly,

and the plan adopted was an excellent one in a moneymaking sense, being a combination of the principal features of a horticultural show and a charity bazaar. A number of energetic ladies had stalls allotted to them, as at a bazaar, with carte blanche to decorate those stalls according to their respective tastes, and exhibit as many native flowers as they could procure. The exhibits principally took the form of bouquets, button-holes, wreaths, mottoes, and baskets, and these were offered for sale, or raffled, from prices ranging from 6d. and Is. for button-holes, to 10s. and 15s. for bouquets. The stalls were ranged along each side of the building and down the centre, in the following order, commenc-ing at the entrance :-Public school children, under the direction of Miss Flashman ; Mrs. C. H. Hayes, Mrs. Augustus Morris, Miss Underwood, Mrs. Austin, Mrs. Geo. Thornton, Mrs. Alfred Hilder, Mrs. John Woods, Mrs. Willis, and Miss Cohen. All these ladies appeared to have devoted their best efforts to make the stalls attractive, with the most gratifying results, the only drawback being the impossibility of many of the visitors properly seeing the display in consequence of the densely crowded state of the pavilion. The varieties of flowers shown included waratah, native rose (both' red and white), zamia, rock lilies, mustard flower, Christmas bells, white heath, flannel flower, star of the south, and a hundred other varieties. Some splendid specimens of the gigantic lily {Doryanthus excelsior) from the National Park, at Port Hacking, were sent by the trustees ; Messrs. Searle and Sons sent (for exhibition only) a very fine bouquet of wild flowers ; Mr. A. J. Ralston exhibited a cutting of the Kennedya coccínea, a West Australian flower very rarely seen in this colony ; and Mr. W. M. Jackson sent a fine cutting of the white native rose, which was disposed of at a high price.

THE NATIVE WILD FLOWER SHOW AT MANLY.

Wild Flower Show at Manly. (1881, October 29). Illustrated Sydney News and New South Wales Agriculturalist and Grazier (NSW : 1872 - 1881), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64974679

Show of Wild Flowers at Manly.

It is only when an exhibition such as that at Manly, on Friday, Saturday, and Tuesday, brings vividly before us the bounty of our native soil, its harvest of beauty, that we learn how really great is the floral wealth of our own home. About this time of the year there often pass through the dusty streets parties of young people who have brought from far up the harbour, bunches of wild roses, or lengths of wild sarsaparilla knotted with clustered purple blossoms; and these and a few other of the commoner bush flowers constitute the great mass of the people the flora of the colony. They have really no idea of the wonderful variety of flowers scattered over the fields and hills around them. Those who despise Australian wild flowers, and whose notions of our indigenous vegetation is confined almost to the limits of a knowledge of the ' eternal gum tree,' should have seen the show.

It is two years since the last show of native flowers was held there, and for days past the hills at the back, and the rocky heights along the shore, have been searched by eager parties of amateur botanists and florists. Happy was the one who found a great piece of native clematis now just breaking into blossom, or a fine bunch of lilies, or rarer than all a plant of the pun white native rose. Then the damp dark gullies were explored, and lovely ferns were found hidden away in the moss that 'lies amongst the sleeping stones.' Great indeed was the work of the flower finders, and wonderful was their success. The pavilion in Ivanhoe Park was a very 'bower of beauty.' Nothing prettier has been seen this season. It was opened at noon on Friday, and was, up till 6 o'clock in the evening, when it closed, visited by nearly 2000 people. The early afternoon steamers to Manly from Sydney were crowded— with ladies especially, and also very many gentlemen. Ivanhoe Park was made gay with lines of flags looped from staff to staff, and the pavilion newly painted, and, with the entrance framed in green leaves, looked also as pretty as need be. In the vestibule was a general stall, contributed to by all the stall keepers at the show ; and here encircled by a band of bouquets, and sheltered by a canopy of leaves and ferns, the ladies sold their dainty wares. The stall was presided over by Mesdames Willis and Thornton and a cloud of attendant Misses. It was beautifully decorated ; here, rich scarlet waratahs being set against a background of dark hued leaves, and there being laid out bouquets of forest flowers of every tint and form. Entering the hall the visitor was almost bewildered where to first gratify his sight.

All round were stalls laden with flowers wrought into fanciful devices, or gathered into one concentrated bouquet of a multitude of lesser ones. From each corner of the hall a leafy cable was linked to a central point, from which depended a basket of ferns and creeping plants. At either end of the room sprang an arch and foliage, and ?n ?utS middle space from arch to arch were gathered fem trees, palms, and staghorns. To the left the first stall was that of Mesdames C. H. Hayes and W. M. Jackson. Here all the flowers, in bouquets and other forms in which they were grouped, were noncompetitive, though to these ladies fell the honour of the prize for the best arranged stall. One of the principal exhibits in the stall was a miniature carpet bed, laid out with flowers on moss ; native roses, honeysuckle, blue 'oats' eyes,' and a variety of other blossoms, being formed into stars and other shapes, and surrounded with moss. At short spaces mirrors were set on the carpet, and the toy swans upon them appeared as though swimming on miniature lakes. The ladies' in this stall had put together some really charming bouquets. The great fault, if one can be found in so excellent a show, would be, we should say, the rather crude and inartistic manner in which some of the bouquets were composed. They were too prim and set. Flowers to look their best must be arranged most naturally, and a series of concentric rings or bands of flowers of similar colours, or spaces of white picked out at regular intervals with patches of red or blue flowers, do not represent the acme of beauty. In avoiding this fault, so general among amateur florists, the ladies of this stall were most successful, and some of the bridal bouquets, with beautiful crisp little mow flowers, relieved by lemon-coloured sprigs of rock lily, and the whole seen through a lace work of delicate green maidenhair fern, were perfect little works of art.

An Exquisite heart Service was one of the best of the exhibits, and seat to this emblem of charity were kindred services of the emblems of faith and hope. The next stall— at the head of the hall was that of Mrs. Morris and Miss Miller. There were two very prominent exhibits at this stall, one a dado, from three to four feet in height, formed of squares of different coloured flowers, such as waratah, native rose, daphne, and paeans, in all about eight varieties : and the w... at bank of flowers containing about 8 different varieties, and whose apex was downed by a magnificent Prince of Wales feather formed of rock lilies. Some splendid waratah and lilipilli were also shown in this stall. Mrs. W. R. Rowe and Mrs. Warburton had the next stall on the opposite side of the li'l. Here a most perfect Japanese garden is laid out. It was a charmingly pretty presentation of a lake scene in miniature. A square of mirror was the lake, and the basket were built of very fine velvety moss, fine ferns and little buds serving for the shrubs and flowers and clumps of trees, and miniature fonts being made with larger ferns and plants. A Iittle house perched on a distant hill overlooks the lake on which boats were placed JitlWlsset as if filled with a light wind.

Q-rsice bouquets and baskets of flowers were shown, and also the novel device of two crowed tennis bats worked in flowers. The stall next in order to this 5' tat of Mm. Medcalfe and Miss Underwood. There were several novelties, such as a parasol of flowers and a Union Jack worked in native roses, white

SKETCHES AT THE MANLY FLOWER SHOW.

forget-me-not, and blue flowers. A bridal wreath, some very pretty bouquets, and flower baskets, where among the other exhibits. In the next stall, Mrs. George Smith had s very beautiful anchor worked in violet and white blossoms, and at the back of the many pretty bouquets on the stall was a rockery. Meadames Robey and Tedd had a very abundant display of bouquets, many of which were worked fancifully with stars and crosses. Here also was certainly the most perfect plant of the white wild rose m the hall. A handsome basket was worked in pink roses, spider flower, and lilipilli. At the back of the stall was very elaborately worked design in leaves and flowers bearing the Irish welcome. Mesdam.es Christian and Doddemead had a very neat fanner arrangement of wild flowers and some very large floral 'fl baskets. They, too, were the envied possessors of a quantity of white clematis, difficult to get so early in the season. A fine Prince of Wales feather in flowers was also a noticeable feature of this stall. Miss Smith had a novelty in the way of a Persian carpet in native roses, with a Prince of Wales feather embossed on it in small white flowers. Miss Stubbs showed a very fine bridal bouquet, indeed so fine that it found a purchaser at a guinea. A heart worked in native roses and native may and fringed with fern leaves, a harp whose strings were beaded with golden-hued blossoms, and other pretty devices were among her exhibits. Miss M'Keown had some Very nice flowers, and next to her stall was that of the school children of Manly, presided over by Miss Bardsley. The young people had succeeded in gathering a goodly quantity of flowers, and some of them showed a little taste in their arrangement. Some beautiful clusters of waratah were conspicuous. Miss Woods' stall had many flowers, and a model of the steamer Brighton framed in leaves and blossoms was a prominent exhibit.

During the greater part of Saturday there was a constant stream of visitors going to and from the pier at Manly and Ivanhoe Park. The steamers carried between 4000 and 5000 persons to the watering-place, and it is hardly necessary to say that the pavilion which had been made attractive with its wealth of flowers and so instructive with floral designs, was thronged throughout the afternoon. Among the visitors to the show were the Premier, (the Hon. Alexander Stuart), the Hon. L. E. Cohen, the Hon. F. A. Wright, Sir John Robertson, Sir Alfred Roberts, and his Honor Mr. Justice Windeyer.

Between 5 and 6 o'clock the crowd began to thin and the stallholders commenced to illuminate their stalls for the evening exhibition, which was also largely patronised. The illumination of the main building was accomplished with patent portable gas and coloured lights, whilst a number of Chinese lanterns were suspended in the Rotunda. The scene was very charming. We understand that the Port Jackson Steamship Company have promised that they will give to the church building fund 50 per cent, of the receipts in excess of the ordinary traffic.

According to special arrangements, made at the instigation of Mr. John Woods, the native flower show was reopened on Tuesday, for the purpose of raising funds to assist the movement in aid of the widow and family of the late Captain Moreton.During the day additional steamers were put on by the Port Jackson Steamboat Company, and all necessary steps were taken to provide for the speedy transport and convenience of passengers. The flowers were fresh gathered for the occasion, and, as was fully anticipated, some hundreds of persons took the last opportunity offered of visiting the show. The show was closed at 10 o'clock at night, when the proceeds were found to be most satisfactory. The net proceeds of the day are expected to add £150 to the widow's fund. Manly has made the wild flower-show an institution of (he land. Is there anything else Manly can do ? There is indeed much, very much, if the people were fully worthy of the place. Old-world travellers have looked down from the peninsula upon that narrow sand neck between two seas, the satin robes, the harbour within, and the unwoven wool or the wild sea fleece without upon the point beyond point of the seaboard : noon thelakelets, each, as the eye of divinity, fringed with the forest skirts : and have said out of fall hearts and broad understanding, ?' There is no fairer spot in all the world;' but then, most bitter supplement, 'Nor a place with great opportunities so utterly neglected.' Has Manly aught besides wild flowers? As well ask has heaven aughtbetidethe moon.

Manly has many delights, each as effectually buried as were the true beauties of the wild flowers a couple of years ago. Let us imagine Manly as it might be : with a perfect garden from 'sea to sea ; with a well-made drive about all that peninsula which is not surrendered to quarantine ; with those little lakes along the northern coast, approachable by railway, each made merry by half a dozen toy steamboat*, and with quaint pagodas about all their shores ; with a great sea field fenced against sharks, but free to all who would conform to simple rules to frolic or to swim ; and with another enclosure for those who loved better to roll in the foamy billows of the open sea. '. Manly with half-a-dozen wharfs, and as many Brightens and Fairlights up and down, and a railway running from the city a dozen times a day : that is the Manly which will certainly be a hundred years hence, which might be in the next decade, which should be now. Show of Wild Flowers at Manly. (1883, September 22).The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser(NSW : 1871 - 1912), p. 545. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162027920

Sketches from Manly Wildflowers Show of September 1883 showing pavilion and original hotel in Ivanhoe Park, Manly and one of the displays within

A WILD-FLOWER SHOW.

Referring to .a show of wild flowers held at Manly last week, the Sydney Morning Herald of the I5th inst. observes : — " It is only when an exhibition such as that brings vividly-. before us the bounty of our native soil, its harvest of beauty, that we learn how really great is the floral wealth of our own home. Asia child-

ictwiiya laucra mac toe case as outers nomes la better than the cake at his hom*o,- ab the'childreri bf a larger growth seek lilies from Japan, brchids from Java, and even simplodat.4i.es from the Erig-iish meadows j whilst they lock coriteniptuously on the wild flowers of our/own/padilbeks,and hills, of our river banks and .-mountain .recesses. ?hue, with our bush flowersj/there is no delight-ul perfume, bu t they lack only iii this;- for .who that saw yesterday's show fcould say they, have no 'infinite variety' of tiut,lno"be5uty./of form. About this time of the Year thsfa . often pass through the dusty streets paf ties- ohyoung people who have brought from fkr,up"'the lifirbdur bunches of wild rosesjor /lengtiis-'' of , Wild sarsaparilla knotted \ -With '/ ciusteted purple blossoms ; and jUjbsb and a fejv other of the commoner buali fldwers-j bonstitutq' td the great maas/r-dR . tfio , people -the /flora of the colony. 'r;They . hkve /'really hp , idea of the wonderful,-, jvhridfiy, ,of, fioSer! scattered over tfie nel'dl and-'-' hilie - ato'urid them. Tliose ivho despise Australian wild flowers, and whose notionafbf our indigendbs vegetation: is confined aim oat" t6 ihfi'- limit a of -ii, know ledgo of the ' eternal gum:trdd;\ih(>hlcl Amake ri riote/ and go to Manly this afternoon. It is two years qince the last show of native, flowers was -held there, and for days past !fhdifii.lla ,'iit/tha ,Bact, and the rooky heights alqfi'g th| silorbi: biv.e bfipn searohed by pager parties' of amatdilr botanists and florists. Happy was the one who found a &reat piece of native clematis, now just' breaking into blossom, or atfine bundh pf lilies, pr,. rarer than all, a plant of the puts wliite. native roSe. then the damp, dark gullies, were-oxplored, -and lovely flowers were found hidden away in the moss that 'lies amongst- the Sleeping stones.' Great indeed wdBtllh w'ofk'of tlib fldiVer-fiji'dbrs, qnd wonderful was their /sucoeas. The pavilion in Ivanhoe-bark was a very ' bower of beauty. Nothing prettier has been seen this season." A WILD-FLOWER SHOW. (1883, September 29). Mount Alexander Mail (Vic. : 1854 - 1917), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200417860

THE MANLY FLOWER SHOW.

Somewhere about three years ago the Anglican congregation at Manly was short of funds. There is nothing extra-ordinary in such a fact, truth to say, it would be remarkable if there ever was or ever will be a church with all its pecuniary wants fully supplied. Many plans were discussed for raising money in any of the many elastic methods sanctioned by ecclesiastical usage, and when the bazzar, the raffle, the picnic, and other ideas had been discarded one after the other, a suggestion came in that fructified into the first wild flower show in the colony. Like that peculiarly blessed institution of Hospital Sundays, known to almost every English speaking community but our own, the Manly shows have developed into something far above and beyond what was originally anticipated. Instead of being now a mere local affair, it has attained a celebrity entirely dissociated from any creed or class, in short, it has become the fashion, and there is very little doubt that it will continue the fashion till the Manly people find their pavilion utterly inadequate to meet the requirements of the annual festival. It is only fair, perhaps, having said so much, to add the name of the suggestor. It is that of one of the most representative men in all Manly, one who has done as much, if not more than anyone else, in developing a quiet seaside nook into the Brighton of New South Wales - Mr C. H. Hayes, the mayor.

The Anglican people got not only the proceeds of the first show but of the second, the one held last year amounting altogether to about £700, a figure that they would probably have neverdreamt of receiving at the inception of the affair. This year it was thought fit to give the Congregational Church a fair show, as it had a manse fund showing a yawning gap of £400 ; so it was resolved to wipe off this incubus, and to give the surplus to the 'park' recently acquired by the corporation wherein the pavilion stands, a rather primitive piece of land with everything wanting to be done that could justify the title already bestowed upon it.

Manly was looking at its best yesterday, and that is saying a good deal. The gentle rain of the previous day had laid the dust excellently, and had caused every green thing to blossom and spring forth abundantly. There was none of the languid heat of early summer, for a smart, fresh southerly breeze was sweeping across the harbour in a bracing, joyous manner, showing its effects plainly enough on the faces of the youth and beauty who went to see 'alf the fun of the fair'. It has often been hinted that the natural loveliness of the sand-girt peninsula is by no means confined to its inanimate flowers ; and possibly it would have been a hard task for any spectator at the pavilion yesterday to say whether the very animated native blossoms, costumed in all the glory of fashion, were more perfect than the wealth of floral beauty all around. It is hardly necessary to say that nobody in Manly was 'at home' yesterday ; all the 'society' such as there was of it appeared to have migrated with one consent and accord to the show early in the morning, for masculine digits could never have performed such marvellous devices in such exquisite taste as were exhibited in the stalls. Beside most of the stallholders were local ladies, and it has been a custom from times immemorial that every stallholder shall be glorified by the entire circle of her available acquaintances.

The Emu went down with a fair boat-load from Sydney at a quarter-past 10 a.m., and all the space on the Brighton was occupied an hour or so later on. The passengers by the latter boat were just in time to witness the opening ceremony, which was performed by Sir Alfred Stephen in the place of honour almost underneath the inevitable "Welcome to our Village" arch, at the eastern end of the building. Mr C. H. Hayes appropriately received the venerable Lieutenant Governor, and led off the proceedings by requesting him, on behalf of the ladies and gentlemen connected with the show, to formally declare it open.

Sir Alfred Stephen said that he need hardly say that he had the greatest pleasure in acceding to the request of declaring that admirable exhibition open. It had been the custom for some years to give Australians generally credit for exaggeration and boasting, and with the fact before him he should be careful to avoid anything like over-praise. But he could say that they had that day before them an exhibition full of all the attractiveness and bounty that could delight the senses - an exhibition of a kind that could hardly be surpassed in any part of the world. That opinion was pronounced in a London newspaper concerning the last show. For his part he knew of no employment so elevating as that of cultivating garden flowers and when one passed by a cottage, however humble it might be, in front of which were flowers cultivated and tended with loving care, it might to a great extent be assumed that that home was a happy one. He had not come there to make a long speech, but simply to express the pleasure he was feeling at being present. He was sure that the public were very much in-debted to the ladies and gentlemen who had been good enough to give their time and energies to an exhibition of that kind, and of all the entertainments incidental to this gay season of the year there was none that surpassed in attractiveness, beauty, and refinement such a one as they now had the pleasure of attending. He himself was no gardener, but as a trustee of the Hyde Parks he had pleasure in announcing that it had been determined to set apart a plot of ground in one of the parks which should be sacred to wild flowers alone. He had much pleasure in declaring that grand exhibition open.

Three cheers were then given for Sir Alfred, and the ceremony concluded.

Immediately on entering the building - which, by the way, is approached by a small desert of black sand - is a pretty octagonal structure, which one of the lady stall-holders described as a pagoda, which takes up most of the space of the vestibule, the many windows of the pagoda forming so many counters for the retailing of various floral niceties. Overhead inside them are festoons of lilly pilly crossing from side to side and uniting in an evergreen wreath, in the centre of which the waratah roses were peeping out. Baskets of flowers hung all around, and inside and outside the pagoda were cabbage tree palms and ferns et hoc genus omne. The children of the Manly Public School have contributed a good many of the flowers in the pagoda, and Miss Bardsley, daughter of the sohoolmasler, with Miss Hagon and Miss Ponton, have supervised matters generally there.

On entering the main building the first thing that strikes the eye is a large fountain, some ten feet high, adorned in the usual manner with lilies and rock ferns, arranged with a decided turn for effect. At the eastern end is the ever-green arch previously spoken of, with the floral inscription "Welcome to our Village," worked in native roses. At the rear and in the comer of the building is a very handsome fernery, arranged by Mr Yates, of the firm of Messrs Seattle and Sons, of the Central Markets. There is a rustic waterfall in the middle of the fernery, and the "gentle murmurs of the stream" plashing into the little lake beneath make up a charming picture. On either side of the fernery, and between the end of the building and the arch, are the two stalls presided over by Mrs Hardie (wife of the Mayor of Sydney), which, it is scarcely necessary to say, were tolerably thronged throughout the day. The arches over the stalls are of the ubiquitous gee bung, interspersed with waratahs and cabbage-tree palms, while the stalls present a number of tasteful devices in native roses, maiden-hair ferns, daphne wreaths, and so on. Adjoin-ing is a stall belonging to Miss Barker and Miss Hawson, whereon the exhibits are of the same character.

On theopposite side of the building close to the entrance is the stall belonging to Mrs Olley, the wife of the pastor of the Congregational Church. Prominent among the attractions there are a splendid "crown" of rock lilies, a bouquet of native roses, a floral heart, cross, and lamp, the effect being exceedingly chaste and pretty. The supports are gay with cabbage palm flowers, and the favourite waratah is seen in every direction. A very unique design with cherry-tree leaves and native roses is also exhibited. The motto "The Earth is the Lord's" is worked over the stall in native roses amidst a wreath of foliage. The floor of the stall is covered with moss, and at the back and sides are mirrors to enhance the general effect. But, probably, one of the most perfect specimens of what feminine taste and ingenuity can accomplish with wild flowers is seen at thisstall in the shape of a dainty bonnet, that would need alady's praise to do it justice.

To the right at the entrance to the main building is Mrs C. H. Hayes' stall, a particularly well-arranged collection of floral beauty. There is a harp, cross, and anchor, representing faith, hope, and charity, and devised cunningly with rock lily and actrontus major. There is a magnificent lyre, with the now famous initials S. D. underneath, which should present a peculiarly agreeable appearance to Herr Vogrich. There were baskets of flowers, and bouquets and button-holes, in fact flowers in every shape and form, that were reflected in numerous mirrors, framed in waratahs.

Not far off this stall is Mrs T. Littlejohn's, the chief feature of which is a splendid parterre, arranged on the floor of the stall, the supports being covered with geebung leaves, ferns, and palms. There are leafy festoons running from one end of the stall to the other, and here and there the native dogrose shows its modest little blossom. The whole of the exhibits at this stall were characterised by exquisite taste. The stall at which Miss Cunningham and Miss Mul-lins presidod is not a very large, but a decidedly pretty one. Some designs in rustic ornamentation are well worthy a notice. There are bouquets from tho bridal to the buttonhole, wreaths; and the supports are one mass of cabbage tree palms and waratahs. Mrs. Underwood and daughters occupy the next stall, where some dainty-looking floral and fern parasols are shown, the fringe of rock lilies being parliculatly effective, tho summit being decorated with native roses and other flowers. There are also a couple of lovely crosses of rock lilies and maiden-hair fern, the chef d'oeuvre being the Prince of Wales feathers in an excellent combination of liyronica and the ordinary wild flowers. Portraits of the champion and the ex-champion sculler adorn the back of the stall. The style of general decoration exhibited at this stall is very rich and handsome. At the extreme right is a stall inscribed "Middle Harbour" owned by Miss McComb and Miss Fraser. There are numerous designs in bouquets, rock lilies, and other flowers, some artful combinations of cones and flowers made into little baskets while tho ferns are lavished all around wherever there is room for them. In the middle of the building is a Japanese pagoda, errected by Mr Smedley, who has spent several years in Japan. The propriety of a pink and white covering at the top might appear questionable as contrasted with the absence of any colour around save that of the flowers, but at any rate, there can be no question as to the floral excellence of theo exhibit. Sir Alfred, in particular, was warm in his expressions of approval. At one end is a Japanese parquet laid out in a most curious manner with moss, a pretty arrangement of ferns formsa fringe. In the centre of the pagoda there is another profusion or confusion ot floral emblems and devices, sur mounted by a garden basket of peculiarly pretty design. At the end of the pagoda is a charming combination of looking-glass ferns and flowers, with a toy house at the rear, to represent a Japanese country seat - that is, supposing that a Swiss and a Japanese cottage are similar. Adjoining Mrs. Olley's stall is one at which Mrs Spear and Mrs Austin offi ciate. Like all the rest it has its special good point, that consisting in a miniature rockwork wherein are corals and shells in artistic disorder, fringed with maiden hair fern. Some of the baskets hanging from every available point look very tasteful. A harp, a star, and a Maltose cross look very nicely finished off, and for general effect there is plenty of geebung, cabbage-tree, palms, waratahs, while the native roses and boronias serve to add to the attractiveness.

Another exhibit by Messrs Searl and Son, in the corner by the mantelpiece, deserves a word. The ferns, palms, and maiden-halr, rock lilies, with the orthodox fringing of waratahs, make a pleasant break in the line of stalls. Mr. Cyrus E Fuller, of the Stationers' Hall, who has lately been residing at Manly, has a stall close by the last-named exhibit. Mr Fuller, always looking far ahead, has appropriately shown a large and interesting variety of Christmas cards. It would be almost superfluous to say anything of their excellence, but some of the hand-painted gelatines are perfect gems of their kind. The proceeds from this stall go to the general object of the show.

So far for the exhibits. Passing out of the main building, a room similar in size to the one containing the pagoda is reached, where there is another fernery with much rockwork in the usual style. The bank entrance door is at the end of the room, and not far off, in the open air, and stood the German band, who played all day yesterday, their programme being :- Boocaccio march, Silver Rhine, waltz, Martin's selection, Pirates of Penzance Lancers ; duet, Bohemian Girl ; Blue Danube waltz, Heart's Delight schottische ; selection, La Favourite ; selection from Maritana, Dream Faces valse.

Not far off was the inevitable Quong Tart pavilion, which one now looks to find at every affair of this kind. There was a considerable run on tea and muffins yesterday, for the place was fitted up to give ample sitting room to all comers. Mr Tart's pavilion was, of course, decorated inside in strictly Celestial fashion, even to his own name, in scribed in Chinese hieroglyphics at the end of the place on a kind of shield, underneath which were mirrors and drapery of the various unobtrusive colours peculiar to Chinese ornamentation. In the centre of the pavilion was an abnormal fountain, the sides Icing built up in pagoda fashion of gilded carvings, with woodwork in all the most brilliant possible hues. Mr Tart said that it had been impossible to get Europeans to make this wonderfully elaborate structure, and the Chinese workmen had been employed on it for several months past.

The financial outlook of the show, as far as the Congregational Church is concerned, is so far most encouraging. Yesterday £120 was taken at the gate, and in addition must of course be reckoned the gains made inside. To-day the show will open at noon, and will close at 6. as there is no boat back between 6.30 and 10. On Saturday, the last day, the show will be kept open till 9 o'clock, when it is extremely probable that, judging by the present rate of progress, the required debt will be twice provided for.THE MANLY FLOWER SHOW. (1884, September 12). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13565454

MANLY WILD-FLOWER SHOW.

I, Preparations oa an uupreco<icntcd scale are ; Wng made for the Manly Wild-flower Show, L tfhvli nii) be opened on September 10. Stimulated by the success of previous years, the executive committee has spared no expense in making preparations — erecting stalls .and providing additional space by adding an annex to the pavilion, putting the park in order, &c. Th committee seconded in their efforts by the Manly Council having carried out several important works which will tend to make Manly all the more sittraclive on the occasion of th I tliow. Wild flowers in the district are said to I U backward this season, but should the weather I continue favorable til the show, and for the I : show, a splendid, collection will be obtained, and I; the show will be an exhibition on a peale never I Ufore witnoAied ip the colonies. Lord Augustus I Lohus has sigmfltid Ui$ willingness to perform i the opening cereuiou/ should Iub engagements I. permit, but in the event of his inability to be Present, the Hon. \V. B. Dalley will be asked to I- do the. honors. Bishop Barry ha$ also promised I to be present at the opening. MANLY WILD-FLOWER SHOW. (1885, August 31). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 5. Retrieved , from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article237252955

WILD FLOWER SHOWS.

THE MANLY FLOWER SHOW.

The wild-flower show at Manly, which was opened on Thursday, the 10th instant, by his Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, in the presence of a large assemblage, was closed on Saturday evening. The attendance during the first three days of this aesthetic exhibition amounted to upwards of 8800 souls ; but there was a marked falling-off, which was only to be expected, after the novelty of the show, and in some degree the freshness of the flowers, had passed away.

Still the pavilion at Manly was daily visited by hundreds of interested, or perhaps it might be more properly said, charmed spectators, upwards of 600visiting it on Saturday. It would only have been naturalto expect that the flowers would lose their freshness, and the leaves their gloss and crispness, confined for upwards of a week in a building ; but the marvellous freshness of plants and flowers was a matter of general observation and surprise on Saturday, and it must have been exceedingly gratifying to the management to be able to provide such "good wine" at the end of the feast. Fresh charms seemed to disclose themselves at every turning, and all the more noteworthy features of the exhibition- the bank of flowers, the oriental arches, the miniature lakes, the -grottoes, &c.,-as well as the minor but not less beautiful objects, were the delight of the spectators. Kuster's band band performed choice selections during the afternoon and evening, the exhibition closing at 10 o'clock. The attend-ance from the opening of the show until 9 o'clock on Satur-day night numbered 10,673°½, but this number was slightly exceeded before the closing hour. The gross proceeds amount to about £1600 from all sources, and it is antici-pated that after paying expenses there will be a balance in hand of about £1000, half of which will be devoted to the Manly Park, and the other half towards the extinguishment of the debt on the Church of England at "Our Village." A number of flowers from the pavilion have been forwarded to the different hospitals in Sydney.WILD FLOWER SHOWS. THE MANLY FLOWER SHOW. (1885, September 21).The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28363938

The Manly Wild-Flower Show

it is pleasant to observe that the aldermen of Manly have adopted the system of having a permanent bushhouse structure, in which all the epiphytal wonders of our bush find a genial home. The only fault we have to find is that the structure is too small and too low in height. We ex

pected, when we heard that such a building was to be erected, that it would be more consonant with the surroundings. To be such, its height ought to have been double its present extent, and more capacious in other details, and in which not only should ferns, rock lilies, and staghom ferns find a home, but by having an additional height goodly specimens of palms might therein be planted. As it is, it is a step in the right direction, and by the manner in which the interior is laid out with rockeries and stumperies, well-laden with the above plants, it presented at the period of our visit a very pleasing appearance. We hope, however, to see the structure extended as we have suggested, as by doing so the councillors at Manly will be setting a good example for other municipalities. The handsome green arches in the annexes of this bushhouse were certainly very picturesque, as, while the greenery and tho geebung bushes were plentifully laden with flowers of our , wonderful telopea, the delicate creamy flower pedestals of | palms were brought into use, and thereby created a veiy I pleasant effect. This mixture of deep-green, brilliant I

scarlet, and creamy-white, had a fairy-like appearance, and formed a fitting introduction to the alcoves, fitted up by the patriots of Manly for the display and sale of native flowers. Very pretty, indeed, and, we suppose, very expensive also, must have been the large Bpace fitted up and occupied by Mrs. Alexander Dean. Banks of wild flowers, having a fair imitation of such in the native state, formed attractive features in the affair. Miniature rocks of timeworn appearance were so arranged as to recall scenes of long ago, that were observable around the harbour. The goodly -sized plant of the albino variety of Boronia serrulata made one wish that it could be as easily propagated here as in the mother country. Unfortunately, however, our native flora does not appear to agree with to the operation of the propagator, and therefore we must be content to dull and grow with what success we may these albinas when found growing in their native state. Whether or not the pale varietv of Boronia pinnata is distinct, or whether the habitat in which it is grown brings about this paleness, we are hot prepared to state ; but as a variation from the original type it was pleasing in its diversity. To enumerate all the wild flowers exhibited would entail a long list of names ; suffice it to say that the two above-named boronias. and their varieties, the native fuchsia or Epacris grandiflora, conospermums, the pultonias, diwillwynias, and telopeas, form, for their variation, the principal items. In Mr. John Wood's alcove a similar condition of affairs presented themselves, with the addition of representatives of our celebrated kangaroo and emu. In Mr. Austin's stall, the fittings up were also of a very similar character, but rather more artificial, owing to the introduction of lloyal portraiture. Might we suggest to the Manly authorities that, having a goodly surplus over from the event, a certain portion of the park should be laid out as a wild flower garden ; and as the soil is emiuently suited for the growth of such plants, we might predict a great success. There would be little trouble in obtaining, plants, aud as the ground consists of soil perfectly similar to that in which tliey grow wild, the Manly wild flower garden would become quite as famous as is the annual wild flower exhibition. A great deal of trouble must have been expended in the gettingup of the exhibition ; and we are pleased to notice that the professional assistance of Mr. Paul Lairing has been fully recognised by the press.

The Manly Wild-Flower Show. (1886, September 18). The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), p. 594. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article164381379

The Manly Wild Flower Show

The show of wild flowers lately held at the pretty little watering place of Manly was a thing to be remembered as a gathering of the beautiful bothin nature and art. It must be thatall kinds of loveliness possess affinity, for that quality could not be attributed to the flowers alone ; the eye of the visitor straying frequently to the fair faces and figures that passed him, decked in robes which were sufficient to cause a Greek goddess to forswear her nudity.

Rich glowing colour was everywhere; in the clusters of Waratahs which graced the greenery of decoration pillars, in the dressmaterials which flitted between the fern fronds of the rockery, in the giant lilies which towered above their fellows, and in the features of the flower sellers as they charmed victims to their doom, forcing them to disgorge whatever they had about them, and decorating them for the sacrifice in countless bouquets. The band of the 1st. Regiment was in attendance in the grounds, and above the hum of many voices rose the sound of music softened by distance,inducing a soothing effect upon the male portion of the visitors, which lulled them into a false sense of security from which theyawoke but to find that the combined attractions of flowers and faces had strippedthem of their wealth.

On entering the pavilion, the exterior of which somewhat resembles the Mormon Tabernacle at Utah, one found oneself in a building decked to the roof in flowers and ferns, whilst in front a wing extended where rock lilies gleamed amongst a wealth of native foliage. To the right and at one end of the main building the principal feature was a stall presided over by Mrs. Willis, assisted by Mesdames Ger-man and Ridge, and the Misses Hamilton, Biddulph, Lovegrove, Drake, Wilson, Deuchar, M'Kenzie, Shaw, Wadsworth, Thomson, Willis, and Hawkes.

This arbour of beauty was separated from the public by three splendid arches com-posed of lilly-pilly leaves and berries, facedwith clusters and columns of waratahs andpink heather. The interior radiant with masses of yellow and white rock lilies, nativeroses, boronia, heaths and cabbage-tree palms, arranged in a mostartistic manner.

Opposite to it a stall of some-what similar proportions and style was presided over by Mrs. A. Morris and Miss Miller, assisted by the Misses Gore, Docker, Morse, and Hoskings. The principalfeature here was a bank of flowersat the back, capped with a plumeof feathers of rock lilies resting upon a background of zannias, whilst a pyramid of blossoms, topped with a fountain, occupied the centre.

To the right and left of the entrance were two exquisitely decorated stalls, presided over respectively by Mrs. Smedley, assisted by Mrs. Watson, the Misses Russell, Campbell, Jenner, Watson, Grafton, Scarr (2), Lyne (2), Kirkby, and by Mrs. Ritchie, who has for her assistants Mesdames Farmer, Garde, and Harris, and the Misses Orr, Richards (2), Montague, Hoskings, Russell, and "Watson. Both of these stalls were perfect bowers of blossom and fern, reflecting the greatest credit upon the taste of the proprietors ; indeed, the labour which the arrangements must have entailed throughout speak volumes as to the indefati-gable qualities of the so-called 'weaker' sex.

Passing into the fernery, under arches of mosses, lilies, and greenery, beautiful in design-the work of Mrs. Townsend-one passed on to 'Fernholm,'where Mrs. Chamberlain and the Misses Pym, aided by the Misses Gibbes, Wilshire, and Stevens, reign supreme. Here was a bush scene of a swagman camped out, apparently undisturbed by a phenomenal fall of gigantic leaves, any one of which, striking him, would be calculated to do himgrievous bodily harm. The idea was exceedingly novel and interesting, and was carried out, as far as possible, with due regard to detail.

At the next stall Mrs. C. R. Austen and Mrs. T. C. Haylock presided, assisted by Mrs. Craven, the Misses Craven, Ada Austen, Lillie Austen, Robinson, Hack (2), Eastwood, Morgan-Williams, Haylock, Hensley, B. Kilminster, and E. Kilminster. Everyone has experienced the effects of the craze for wall decorations, consist-ing of embellished gin bottles, frying-pans, rolling pins, etc., but here we come upon the Ultima Thule of this eccentric taste, a severe parody on the society and fads of the day, in the shape of a hand-painted boot of antique structure, now turned into a flower vase. There is more pathos, however, about an old boot than an empty liquor flask. It was once a sturdy, matter-of-fact sort of foot covering ; now, with its painted toe, and gaudy pink silk lace, with flowers and ferns waving above it, there was something of a want of reverence about its look, against which the yawning holes gave feeble protest. Underneath this exhibit were printed on a card the following words :

By dainty foot I have been worn
O'er hill, or vale, at eve, at morn,
In mazy dance, at banquet hall,
Now finding rest on flower stall.

Tho' old and worn, yet you will find
Art and beauty in me combined,
Transpos'd by chance from mud or snow,
To grace a Manly Flower Show.

A distinguished personage who was present suggested the change

Transpos'd perchance by many a toe.

At a stall adjoining Mesdames Haylock and Austen's display is one presided over by Mrs. Bow, assisted by the Misses Eox (2), Shorter, Ahronson (2), Graham, Bow, and other ladies. The stall is exceedingly prettily arranged, with the words ' Consider the Lilies ' worked in flowers upon a crimson ground. Besides the stalls a refreshment tent is conducted by Mesdames Tibbits, Barton, and Moore. A maypole dance, performed by a number of little girls dressed in Watteau costume, takes place in an ad-joining tent, and is superintended by Mesdames Lowe, Mostyn, Hawkes, and Miss Rolfe.

The very greatest credit is due to the mayor of the borough (Mr. J. Cameron), Mr. C. W. Marshall (hon. sec.), Mr. Et. M. Shannon (assistant hon. sec.), and Mr. C. GK Warburton (hon. treasurer), who carried out the arrangements connected with theholding of this exhibition.

THE MAY-POLE DANCE.

The MANLY WILD FLOWER Show (1889, September 19).Illustrated Sydney News(NSW : 1881 - 1894), p. 15. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63622020

Manly Wildflower Show.

Over 1500 people visited the show yesterday, and the floral decorations were greatly admired. The Maypole Dance is a great attraction; also the waxworks, theatricals, &ci, the tents being crowded every day and night. The refreshment tent is also doing a roaring trade. Manly Wildflower Show. (1890, September 26). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113338361

MANLY WILDFLOWER SHOW.

The annual wildflower show at Manly was yesterday formally opened by Lady Jersey in tho presence of a large number of spectators. The charming marine resort, which has longborne tho title of " Our Village," was en /tie, and on the way to the show lines of flags were stretched across the streets. Lord and Lady Jersey, accompanied by Mr. Goschen (private secretary), arrived at the wharf shortly after 2 o'clock, where they were mot bv the Mayor (Alderman J. Cameron) and the aldermen, and presented with an address of welcome. The address contained views of the ocean and harbor from Manly, the wliolo being surrounded by wildflowers. The party were then driven round Manly and shown all the local "sights," tho pavilion in which the show was held being reached at about a quarter to 3. The Vice-regal party wore received by ex-Mayor C. R. Austin, and Lord Jersey was asked to declare the show open. Lady Jersey, however, undertook the duty and expressed her admiration for the scenery in and around Manly. She was, she said, glad to kno w that those flower shows, instead of tending to the destruction of the beautiful native Uora, tended to increase the interest and eare of tho public in the flowers. She then formally declared the show open, and was presented with a bouquet of flowers by a little girl. > The show itself compares favorably with any previous exhibition, both in extent and variety of the flowers shown. In the main hall the style of tho show has been totally changed, and instead of the heavy moss of foliage with whicli the building in previous years was decorated, it is made to represent an old stone structure covered with twining creepera and clinging moss. Tho proceeds of the show are to be devoted wholly to the improvement of the park and each stall has been prepared by one or other of tho various clubs which use the ground. At tho northern end the cricket club have formed a perfect bower of wild flowers, and from among masses of native roses, flannel flowers anu waratalis may be seen bats, stumps and the various other auxiliaries to the game of cricket. Stalls aro also held by the riflo club, tho lawn tennis club, tho Natural History Society aud tho football club. The Mauly Rowing and Sailing Club's stall, in addition to being splendidly decorated with flowers, contaiusamodel of theclub'sshedsond a model of the yacht Sao. "An Aborigines Camp" is the title given to an interesting portion of the show occupied by the Manly harriers stall. A scene from near Broken Bay is painted aB a background, and in front, surrounded by masses of wild trees, are a number of aborigines seated round a camp, while somo distance away a native warrior, boomerang injiand, is " cooeing" to his mates. The fernery lias been considerably enlarged and forms quite a feature of the show. At the rear of the pavilion aro tho refreshment booth and tho Maypole danco booth, where entortainmeuts are given at stated intervals. The show 1ms been devised and carried out under the superintendence of Mr. C. R. Austin, to whom praise is due for the excellent manner in which the oxhibits ore shown. Tho following aro the ladies in charge of the various stalls : — " Rifle Club stall, Mrs. Haylock ; Lawn Tenuis Club stall, Mrs. T. Smith and the Misses Ranson ; Cricket Club stall, the Misses Wood ; Rowing and Sailing Club, the Misses Hack ; Bicycle Club stall, Mrs. C. R. Austin ; refreshment booth, Mrs. Mooro and Mrs. Anslow; Maypole tont, Mrs. C. R. Austin and Mrs. T. C. Haylock. The show will raraain open until Saturday evening. MANLY WILDFLOWER SHOW. (1891, September 24). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article235936502

Manly Wild Flower Show.

Time was when the people of the ' little village by the sea ' felt -a yearning to assist some local charity they could create a wild -flower show by merely wandering round the vacant allotments at the backs of their houses, and gathering the flora in cartloads. But time, principally in the shape, of the ubiquitous professional flower-gatherer, and more recently the destructive bush fires, has changed all that. A showsuch as was opened on the 1st is a thing to be undertaken with fear and trembling — and much expense. The material for the display is only to be obtained ' way back,' and the cost of cartage is heavy. Hence it is not surprising to find that the ' committee has rendered itself responsible for large sums in the preparation of this exhibition ; but '

results are everything, and the members deserve much credit, not only for the wealth of the display, but for the manner in which it was disposed. There were five stalls in all, besides a charming little retreat for the dispensing of tea and light refreshments, and other side-shows, including a Maypole and a see-saw. The ' Waringah ' stall, emblematic of the pastimes of the electorate, was presided over by Miss Butler and Mibb Phillips, these ladies being assisted by Mesdames Butler and Frost and the Misses Bedwell, Wilson, Halloran, Walton, and Kirkpatrick. Next in order came the ' College' stall. This was fashioned on the model of St. Pat* rick's College, which is such a conspicuous landmark all round the neighbourhood of Manly. Mrs. James Falloa was in charge, assisted by the Misses Levy and Mesdames Furlong, Hanson, and Haylock. Facing the platform was the ' Esperanza ' stall, artistically arranged, and having as a centrepiece the Spanish coat of arms, the design of which was the work of Misses Warburtou and Richards, who secured the prize for excellence in design. The stall was in charge of Mrs. M'Farlane, assisted by Mesdames Littlejohn, Eobev, Bobiu Littlejohn, King, and Misses Badgery and Carmody. The ' Palace ' stall, also a model of artistic skill, was presided over by the Misses Kelly, . with whom were Mrs. and Miss Adams and Misses Kirkham, Peasley, Morgan, and Lea. Last, but not least, came the ' Fairy Bower ' stall, with thatched roof and enchanting alcoves and prettily-dressed young ladies. Mrs. Freehiil was in charge, and as assistants theie were Misses Baxter, Scanlan, M'Donald, Clune, Morgan, Levy, and Hilder. The whole of the general decorations were contrived under the direction of Mrs. Townsend Bobey. The opening ceremony was performed in the presence of a large gathering of people. Lady and Miss Darley, attended by Captain Dangar, A.D.O.,— -travelled down to Manly in a special launch, and were met at the wharf by the committee of the show, who drove them round the town before conducting them to the Aquarium, where the ceremony was to be performed. Arrived at the hall, they were welcomed by the stallholders and visitors. Among those present were his Eminence the Cardinal, Monsignor Verdon, Monsignor O'Brien.VeryRev. Dr. O'Haran, Bev. Fathers Sl'Dermot and Hayden (hon. secretary of the show), the Mayor of Manly (Alderman H. E*. Farmer), Aldermen Passau, Carroll, German, Warburton, and Montagu, Mr. Dugald Thomson, M.L.A., Dra. Thomas and Watkins, Messrs. S. C. Sadler, J. J. Oalvert, G. A. Hoskings, and others. The Mayor, in asking Lady parley to declare the show open, said the exhibition would compare favourably with its predecessors, notwithstanding the disadvantages with which they had had to contend. In opening this show her Ladyship was not Bflnnfinninflr anv not. of vandalism- A cwnnn final liajf

been said on this subject, but the flowers now exhibited had not been gathered by those who destroyed roots and everything in their desire to make a good display. The very men who had collected these flowers were the men whom it was intended- to license under the proposed bill for protecting the native flora.

Lady Darley said : I thank you very much for the hearty welcome you have given to me in coming to open your show. It is a long 'time since I was at Manly, and I see a great change and improvement in the whole of the town, through which I have just had a very pleasant drive. I never before attended a wild flower show here, but I think it is one of the most beautiful exhibitions I have ever witnessed. The tasteful arrangement of the flowers, and the harmonious effect of colour, are something such as I have never before seen. I wish the show every possible success, and have very much pleasure in declaring it open. (Cheers.) At the instance of the Cardinal a vote of thanks waB accorded to Lady Darley, The proceeds of the show are to be devoted to the Roman Catholic Church at Manly. Manly Wild Flower Show. (1895, October 12). The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), p. 771. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162672536

MANLY WILD FLOWER SHOW.

the opening ceremony. CARDINAL MORAN ON "THE ATTRACTION OF MANLY."

The annual wildflower show at Manly was opened yesterday afternoon in the presence of a largo attendance of local residents and ot visitors from Sydney. The show is one of the greatevents of the Manly year, and upon this occasion special efforts have been made. Tho proceeds are to bo devoted to the aid of tho Roman Catholic Church at Manly; and so far, judging by the results of tho opening day, the prospects are highly encouraging. The Rov. Father Hayden Is tho hon. secretary, and Messrs. Macfarlano and Phillips are the hon. treasurers; whilst the committee consists of the Rev. Dr. Burke, Alderman F. C. Passau (Mayor of Manly), Alderman Owen Carroll, Alderman Quirk, Dr. Thomas, Dr. Wat-kins, and Messrs. Hoskings, M'Dermott, J. II. Butler, Mullett, Dargan, aud C. J. Smith. The show Is being held In tho Aquarium-hall, tho stalls being located under the galleries. The general designs for theso stalls are duo to Mr. F. Tronchard Smith, and tho stalls themselves are built up mostly on a groundwork of geobung and lilyptlly. The reBt is a wealth of yellow knob,

pink neatu, Doronia, wurauiu, uiuiuci huwci, mu.-den wreuth, and a hundred other varieties ot native flora. Just at this period of tho yoar the blossoms aro all at thoir freshest and best, and tho effect Is altogether admirable. But there are other features ot Interest. A maypolo dance by children, directed by Mrs. O'Grady, attracted a good deal ot attention yesterday, and SIgnor Schlavl'3 orchestra discoursed selections at intervals. Naturally, the fancy fair element was largoly In evidonco, and a host of ladles spent n busy time In persuading folk to purchase flowers, cigars, cigarettes, lollies, and ribbons, whilst those who lilted to try thoir luck found plenty of opportunity In tho Inevitable rafflo. In tho nbsonco of Lady Hampden, . the opening ceremony was porformed by Mrs. F. C. Passau, tho Mayoress of Manly, nt the request of his Eminence Cardinal Moran. The Cardinal, In a fow preliminary remarks, said that every suburb had Its peculiar attraction; and the attraction ot Manly was Its wildflower show, which, moreover, had, on this occasion at least, an excellent object to recommend It. Tho native flowers of tho district were famed not only throughout the colony, but throughout Australia; and they had done much to make the seaside villago of Manly known. Federation was no longer only In tho air, and he hoped that in tho near future Manly would have the wildflower show of ii Federated Australia. (Cheers.) In fact, It was the wild-flower show of Australia already. Among the elcrgy present, In addition to tho Cardinal, wero tho Rev. Dr. O'Haran (private secretary to his Eminence), tho Rov. Dr. Murphy, the- Rev. Dr: Burko, Monslgnor O'Brien, and tho Rev. Fathers I-Iayden, M'Dermott, Brosnan, Dow-ling, Prondcrgast, and Fitzgerald; whilst other visitors Included the Mayor of Manly (Alderman F. C. Passau), Mr. J. T. Toohey, M.L.C., Mr. F. B. Froohlll (Consul for Spain), Aldermen Quirk and Owen Carroll, and Dr. Watklns. The stallholders wero as follow: — Ma Normandio Stall. — Mrs. F. B. Freehlll, Mrs. J. T. Toohey, and Mrs. Aloysius Macdonald. .Assistants: Miss Marlon Plomley, Miss Allco Ir-

ving, Miss Sylvia Williams, Miss May Baxter, Miss O'Grady. and Miss Ruby Carroll. Post-ofllce Stall.— Mrs. J. Ferris, Miss Jenkins, and the Misses Kelly. Shamrock Stall— Mrs. W. Douglas, Mrs. Joseph German, Mrs. J. H. Butler, nnd Mrs. Prender-gast. Assistants: Miss Bryan, Miss Fltzslmons, Miss J. Hanson. Mi6s Lane, Miss Neodham, Miss Harvey, and Miss Montagu. I Boomerang Stall. — Mrs. Herbert Murray, Miss M. Phillips, and Mrs. P. Burko. Assistants: Miss Kirkpatrlck, Miss Gwladys Ralfe. Miss Passau, Miss A. Bedwcll, Miss Mollie Watklns, Miss M. Bedwell, nnd Miss Line. Cafe Espagnol. — Mrs. Macfarlano. Assistants: Mrs. C. R. Murray, Mrs. Bronnan, Miss Baxter, Miss Mackfer, Miss Oxenham, Miss Macfarlano, and Miss Green. Tho Gunyah. — Mrs. C. Fltzoll, Mrs. C. Smith, Mrs. Trim, and Mrs. Maybcrry. Assistants: Miss Farley, Miss Montefiore, and Miss O'Keith. The show will be open for the remainder of the week. MANLY WILD FLOWER SHOW. (1898, September 28). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239469739