PENINSULA WAR FUNDS APPEAL.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15487, 14 January 1916, Page 9

PENINSULA WAR FUNDS APPEAL.

SOLDIERS' QUEEN ELECTED. NEARLY £10,000 RAISED. Yesterday was a red letter day in tho history of Littlo River, for it marked the culmination of the Queen Carnival, which has been exciting such keen interest. The two candidates were Miss Bruce, daughter of Mr J. Brucc, chairman of the Akaroa County Council, and Miss Myrtle Birdling, daughter of Mr F. Birdling, of Birdling's Flat. For some time the Peninsula has been divided into two camps, and has conducted a most friendly contest as to which shall bo the country nomineo for the Queen at the ensuing great Queen election. Though cocksfoot in full swing and harvest operations demanded attention, there was an exceptionally good attendance of country residents.

The Awa-iti Domain presented a brilliant spectacle. Jt was dotted with groups of girls in fc>wiss costumo selling flowers, etc., for tho Soldiers' Queen (Misg Birdling). Maoris dres.«ed in native costume were to bo seen all over the ground, now ,and then giving hakas and poi dauces; men and girls, decked out with tho gay colours of the candidates, which wero red, white, and blue (Miss Birdling), and green and khaki (Miss Brucc). Tho Girls' Friendly Society had a special stall, and their members wore the Swiss costumes. There was a, "silkworm tent," in which tho whole life of tho silkworm, from egg to the moth, was demonstrated by Master Mariow. Jumble stalls, refreshment stalls, etc., were here, there and everywhere. and all were wonderfully well patronised. Tho Mock Court, under ''Judge" Hutchoson, brought in a steady stream of contributions to the funds, and causod much amusement. Tho stalwart constables dragged in ihany a well-known resident, their first "criminal" being the local sergeant, who was charged with riding his bicycle in the daytime without a light. The auction salo of gift stock was conducted by Mr David Matson, .and was a great 60urce of revenue. Mr Matson *lso conducted the sale of the Union Jack, for which £2000 was paid some time ago. Tho buyers were: — Messrs J. F. Buchanan £5, "W. H. Montgomery £5. J. Johnston £5, J. Chapman £2, J, Parkinson £1 Is, J. Kennedy, J. Reynish, F. Barclay, John Reid, and Orton Bradloy £1 each. It was finally bought by -the auctioneer himself, and by him presented to tho Awa-iti Domain Board.

At. throe o'clock the competition closed, but the committee were n long time counting tho final incomings, so numerous wore they. When they wero accounted for, it "was discovered that tho two candidates were equal, and it was resolved to allow a little girl to choose the candidate by lot. Shedrow the Soldiers' Queen, Miss Myrtle Birding. The announcement, which was made at close on six o'clockj provoked cheers from the crowd, and theAkaroa section took tho selection with tho most sportsmanlike grace. The crowning then took place. Tho Queen, preceded by Mr Bruce and tic crown-bearer, Mr J. F. Buchaiian/at once proceeded to the throne, attended by two pages, Masters Barley Birdling and George Turrcll, and her ladies in waiting, Miss A. Turrcll and Miss Tini. Miss Bruce was attended by Masters Reid and Wilkin as pages, and as attendants had Miss Dorothv Williams, while Mrs Reid acted as Mistress of the Robes.

The Maoris, who were delighted at the election, greeted the Queen with wild hakas of welcome, and formed a Igtlard in front, of.-iho throne. Mr Bruce congratulated the Queen in very graceful words, promising her in the more severe contest yet to come tho most loyal support of all the supporters of the Akaroa Queen. Tho Queen was then crowned. Mr Bruce read the Queen's address to th'e people, in which she said that she reoognised the honour done her, but only took it as a desire on tho part of tho people of the two counties (Akaroa. and Mount Herbert) to honour and to take over the guardianship of tho widows and orphans and dependents of tho gallant mfen who wero sacrificing their lives that "the fate of Belgium and of Poland might not bo ours." After tho chairman had presented tho /maids of honour and ladies in waiting and Princess Tini, as representative of the Native race, to tho Queen, her Majesty. knighted Messrs Gordon O'Callaghan, E. E. Lo Lievre, W. H. Montgomery, and Walter Parkinson. There was » concert and danco held in the evening, which wero eminently successful. <-

The sum of £9766 was brought in by tho Carnival.