There was quite a large attendance at the Balclutha railway garden recently, when a number of visitors from Dunedin, railway officials, and local residents, gathered to witness the presentation of the cup presented by the Gardening Circle of the Otago Women's Club, to the local railway station in recognition of their having the best-kept railway garden in the Otago district. The afternoon was beautifully fine and admirable for such a ceremony. The gardens looked splendid, and many complimentary remarks were heard on all sides (says a report in one of the Southern papers).

His Worship the Mayor (Mr. S. V. White) presided, and said they were gathered together to congratulate the Balclutha railway staff on winning the cup, and to welcome Lady Ferguson, president of the Otago Women's Club. He extended to her, the railway officials (Messrs. Sword and Benzoni) and the members of the Gardening Circle a hearty welcome. It was some years since the competition had been inaugurated, and they would agree with him that a great improvement had been effected at the various railway stations as a result. They were proud to know that Balclutha station had won the cup, and he congratulated the staff on their success. He also paid a tribute to the good work done in connection with the garden by Mr. W. Stewart, when stationed at Balclutha. The staff gave a good deal of their spare time to the garden, and it was gratifying to know that their efforts had been rewarded.

“Well Done Balclutha!”

Lady Ferguson, who was greeted with applause, opened her remarks by saying, “Well done, Balclutha! You have a beautiful garden, and I am proud of it and pleased you won.” She then went on to describe how the competition was started. She said she had travelled up and down a good deal and used to be worried over the untidy grounds adjacent to the railway stations. She approached the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, when Minister of Railways, and put a proposition for the beautifying of the station gardens to him, and the competition was the result. It had been commenced five years ago, and the first to win the cup was Burnside. Then Wingatui had won it, followed by Fairlie two years in succession, and now, this year, Balclutha had won the trophy, and the garden would be hard to beat. She had much pleasure in asking Mr. Pope to accept the cup, which was to be held for a year and the miniature cup which was to be held for all time; also the monetary prize which went with it. (Applause.) They would agree with her that these beautiful gardens made travelling a pleasure and also provided for the people of the town a pleasant resort. She concluded by paying a tribute to the judges, and asked them to accept the warmest thanks of the club for their services.

Miss Martin, one of the judges, was the next speaker and she outlined the various things for which points were awarded. Balclutha garden had a lot of special features which had helped them considerably. This year the gardens had been judged twice, as it was considered a railway garden should have flowers all the year round. On the first visit Balclutha had secured 67 points and a similar number in the autumn judging, giving them a total of 134 points. Fairlie and Sawyer's Bay had each scored 132 points and were equal for second. She wished to congratulate Balclutha station on its garden and also to express her thanks to her co-judges.

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The Reward of Twelve Years’ Work.

In the course of his reply Mr. C. Pope, stationmaster, said he felt highly honoured at receiving the cup. The garden had been originally started by him twelve years ago and it was very gratifying to him to have the cup presented that day. He would like to thank publicly Messrs. R. R. Grigor, C. E. Naish, A. Wood and C. Wyber for donations of plants. His chief gardener, Mr. Edwards, and himself had practically attended to the garden this year, and at times had been assisted by other members of the staff. He might tell them it was more by good luck than good management that the present colour design was obtained, as they had worked in the dark at times, and did not know what colours their plants were. (Laughter.) He thanked the ladies for placing the garden first.

Mr. Benzoni, District Engineer, extended congratulations and paid a tribute to the work of the Women's Club, of which Lady Ferguson was the head. The Railway Department was under a debt of gratitude to the club, and particularly the Gardening Circle for what they had accomplished. The result was most pleasing. Not only had the Club donated the cup, but members devoted their time to judging the gardens. They also supplied plants to stations which applied for them. The district extended from Clinton to Fairlie, and the judges had to visit these stations twice a year, so that they would see that a lot of time was required. It was pleasing to have Lady Ferguson present to present the cup and for her to see the progress of the scheme inaugurated by her.

Mr. Sword, District Traffic Manager, also extended congratulations, and paid a tribute to the work of the Otago Women's Club. He could not say too much regarding the interest taken by these ladies in the railway garden scheme. He was sure Mr. Pope and his staff must feel proud that day.

On the call of His Worship, hearty votes of thanks were accorded Lady Ferguson, the judges, donors of plants, and the railway officials.

Thereafter, the visitors were entertained at afternoon tea by the railway ladies in the social hall, a very nice repast being provided. Before dispersing, Lady Ferguson expressed thanks to the ladies for their hospitality, and a hearty vote of thanks to them was carried by acclamation.