Indeed, indeed, Repentence oft before
I swore-but was I sober when I Swore?
And then and then came Spring,
And Rose-in-hand
My thread-bare Penitence apieces tore.

Omar Khayyam.

It is not long since we were feeling the chill blasts of winter, when our contemplation of the garden revealed a picture of sombre aspect in which a few late autumn flowers struggled fitfully to maintain the lingering memory of the past summer season, serving but to accentuate the approach of the season which spelt their doom. A few short weeks earlier these gardens had thrown forth their effusions of flowers and clothed the landscape in vivid colour-bright tokens of prosperity and joy.

When the gardens were at their best the annual competition among the station gardens of the district was held under the sponsorship of the Otago Women's Club. The interest was keen, and many fine displays were judged. The first prize and cup were awarded to Wingatui, Burnside and Fairlie being equal second, while Green Island and Allanton were equal third. The winning garden was certainly the result of tasteful planning and much hard work, reflecting the greatest credit upon those responsible for it. The other gardens, Balclutha, Port Chalmers, Waihola and Warepa were of a high order, and the margins between the respective prize-takers were sufficiently small to stimulate interest for next season, when it is hoped a still higher standard will be attained.

A most pleasing feature of the competition is the presentation of the gardening cup, and on a recent afternoon about thirty members of the Women's Club visited Wingatui to attend the function. There was a fair gathering of Wingatui residents, signifying the general interest in the competition. Mr. Benzoni, District Engineer (whose assistance has largely contributed to the success of the scheme), and the station staff, were also in attendance. The cup was formally presented by Mrs. Edmonds, President of the club, and received by Mr. Couch, Stationmaster, on behalf of the station staff. Many congratulatory remarks were passed regarding the success achieved by the various stations, and it was emphasised that the pleasing results showed the wisdom of the Department in fostering the initial movement of laying out the garden plots. After the little ceremony an enjoyable afternoon tea was provided by the Wingatui ladies. The gardening club members then visited the gardens at the adjacent stations.

Apart from the competitive aspect from which the participants derive such satisfaction, neatly kept gardens wonderfully improve the station surroundings and are the source of much favourable comment from passing travellers. The scheme is yet in its infancy and in the near future the garden will become a natural adjunct of the station premises.