ST. ALBANS FETE.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20091, 21 November 1930, Page 14

ST. ALBANS FETE.

* NEW SWIMMING BATH, j TUG-OP-WAR COMPETITION. The St. Albans Public Swimming Bath fete, which forms part of the cam- ] paign to raise fundß for the construction of a swimming bath, on the site given by the City Council in Edgeware road, was formally opened by the Mayor (Mr J. K. Archer) last evening. Although" the weather conditions were far from favourable for an open-air gathering, there was a good attendance, and the various attractions were well patronised. The Mayor was introduced by Mr B. B. D alley, president of the St. Albans Swimming Bath Committee, who said that the fete waa part of the general endeavour to raise funds to build a swimming bath on the site so generously given by the City Council. He was sure that they would be able to provide the best bath in the City, and there was no reaison why St. Albans should no®'become the swimming eentre of Chrißtchurch. A large committee had been working strenuously for some time, and though it was true that the various attractions were provided as a means to "fleece" the public, lie hoped everybody would support them. Mayor's Goodwill. "The chairman at least is honest; he admits that the object of the fete is to 'fleece' you/' said the Mayor. "I must congratulate you on the progress made toward the provision of a swimming bath for the district." Mr Archer continued that it was a pleasure for him to open the function, even though the weather was not friendly. The action of the Council wai a good one, but they realised that it was for the benefit of the community. He had to congratulate the committee on the preparations made, and he considered it remarkable that so much had been achieved with purely voluntary labour. He Aoticed that people always went in for side-shows, hoping to get something for nothing, but he hoped they would spend all they could afford, and that the financial result would be all that could be desired. In conclusion, ho hoped they would have bettor weather and continued success for the remaining two ddys of the fete. Following this, the Mayor went the round of tho various side-shows, winning a prize at one of them. All variety of entertainment was provided among them, from eoconut shies to a merry-go-rouad. Music was provided by the Woolston Band. The Tug-of-War. The main interest of the evening centred about the tug-of-war competitions, for which 17 teams were entered. Preliminary pulls were held last evening, # and the finals of all but the heavyweight will be held to-night, while the heavy-weights will be concluded on Saturday evening. Kesults were:— HEAVY-WEIGHT. Lyttolton (57st 9lb) teat Graham and Sons (63st) by EJ incli&s. Naval Reserve (61fit lSlb} b»at Williamson's (61st sib) by 8 inches. , r . MIIVDtiE-WEIGHT, Mead s, Rfkaift (S7st 6lb) beat Lytteiton (56st iSjib) by 4J inched. Graham and Sori3 (57efc 71b) beat "Wero'fl (Mat 4lb) by 2J inches. r>aris Geisiine (55st slbj beat JTaral Reserve (55st 121b) by S inches. LIGHT-WEIGHT. Shannon, Rakaia (51st lOJtb) beat Davis Gelatine (52st -iV:li) by inches. Hardie and Thomson No. 1 (52st 6lb) beat iUiaiuson's (51st 4lo) by 5 inches. Inavftl Reserve (50«t ll|lb) beat Hardi© and •inomson Xo. 2 (52st lib) by lg inches. Th • fair is to be continued this evening, when the tug-of-war competition will be continued, and on Saturday afternoon and evening. On Saturday afternoon a demonstration of wood chopping and sowing will be given by M. Doody and B. Garlick, who will also compete against other entrants in friendly Contest.