THE ONEHUNGA CARNIVAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 58, 9 March 1923, Page 8

THE ONEHUNGA CARNIVAL.

A MONSTER PROCESSION.

The Onehunga carnival, for which great preparations ' have been made, was inaugurated last night, with a monster procession. Headed by the Onehunga Municipal Band, the procession left the Royal Oak shortly before 8 o'clock. The first motor car contained Air. W. J. Jordan, the member for Menukau, and the Mayor, Mr. ; J.; Park. The procession took twenty minutes to pass a given point, and among thoße taking part were the local friendly societies . (represented by Court Pride •of Onehunga A.0.F., Druids, Rechabitcs, Oddfellows, and Hibernians), the cadets, boy and girl scouts, the Otahuhu Town Band, and the local fire brigade. There were numerous trade displays.' The Onehunga Cruising CIul) had two life 1 boats on wheels. Quite two dozen boys' trolleys also. took part, and competed for a special prize donated by Mrs. Moon, of the Railway Terminus. Hotel. Mr. F. Botrell acted as marehall. The procession was witnessed by several thousand people, and was voted the biggest that "has ever been seen in Onehungar All the vehicles were decorated, and looked very pretty with their Chinese lanterns. The usual comic element was provided by a Maori troupe and some nigger minstrels. When the procession reached the poet office it broke up, but two or three vehicles remained and an open-air concert was given by Messrs. E. and R. Sutherland, D. Black, A. Gow and Captain R. Gibbons.

The Mayor opened the entertainment with a short speech. He said On-hunga had woke up and would keep awake.

Mr. W. J. Jordan delivered a capital speech, and was loudly cheered at the close.

The Maori troupe entertained a large crowd further down the street, in their usual way.

The carnival has been promoted by the business men and others in the interests of the town, the object being to show the residents, of whom there' are 7000, that all their needs can be supplied in Onehunga.

■One good effect of the function was seen yesterday when the shop windows were tastefully dressed, and displaying goods of every description. Flage, ferns, and flowers decorated the verandahs and public buildings. Frizes will be given for the best arranged window, best decorated vehicle, bet comical display, and best, representation of Charlie Chaplin. There will be a big business drive tonight, when every shop will offer bargains and every purchaser can save money. There will be numerous street attractions. The carnival will cnncibie with an aquatic display on- the AidsnEau Harbour on Saturday.