BABY CARNIVAL CONTEST

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22877, 25 November 1939, Page 4

BABY CARNIVAL CONTEST

FILM OF SEVENTY CANDIDATES

DISTRICT VOTING OPENED

More than 500 mothers and fathers have so far entered their babies for the St. John Ambulance national centennial baby carnival. Entries are still coming in so fast that the closing date for Christchurch has been extended to next Wednesday. Last night the St. James’ Theatre had a “full house,” the undoubted attraction being the screening of 70 of the prize contestants. ... - Inaugurated to assist in raising £50,000 for ambulances, brigade services, training of the general public in first aid, hygiene, an'd homernursing classes, the carnival had its beginning in Christchurch, where for several weeks Mr Lee Hill, of Cinetone, screened the entries in the lounge ot St. James’ Theatre. All the babies who had their first and novel experience of being filmed did not take kindly to it; yet of the 70 babies who appeared in the film screened for the first time last night only two were tearful. The photographer and his staff had no easy task in photographing the Christchurch aspirants for the £SOO prize. The babies had no knowledge of the pride of their parents; and some of them acted naturally by being perverse, obstinate, or petulant. Cajolled by toys and other distractions devised by students of child psychology, most of the babies were persuaded to smile their natural smiles, or to act as children on their best social behaviour should act. Only a few disappointed their proud mothers and perturbed the patient photographer by being perfectly childlikein strange surroundings and with queer noises about them by bursting into tears and opening their lusty young lungs. The result is a picture that has much entertainment value and considerable juvenile charm. The audience was delighted with the picture, which was introduced by Major J. W. Crampton, of the St. John Ambulance Association. The babies in the first screening arc those numbered ivo-m 33 to 133, all having their homes in the Christchurch district The rule for voting is that one vote is allowed for each fid paid for admission, and many hundreds of votes were dropped in the ballot boxes last night. Besides the rich prizes for the national competition, district prizes are also being given. The carnival has caused considerable interest, and the expectation is that when entries finally close, 1000 Christchurch babies will be nominated.