Fig Gala And Fair For Town Hall Fund

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29068, 3 December 1959, Page 16

Fig Gala And Fair For Town Hall Fund

By far the biggest effort so far planned for the town hall fund in Christchurch is now under way. This is the organisation of afternoon and evening gala programmes in Hagley Park in association with the opening of the floral festival on February 20 and of the town hall fair on March 17 to 19. Together, these major functions are expected to produce so many thousands of pounds that “Christchurch will be surprised at itself.”

All arrangements are subject to confirmation; but, to inform the public of what it may expect and also to solicit co-operation from the thousands of persons who will be approached for assistance, the Town Hall Fair Committee yesterday issued the following progress report:— Floral Festival Committee members have welcomed the proposed gala as a means of sustaining longer interest in the floral procession and the festive opening of the week’s celebrations. They recognise that many hours of work go into even the miniature floats yet “the whole show is over in an hour.” Floats

This time it is suggested that the dozens of children’s miniature floral floats be supplemented by larger trade exhibits and the Junior Chamber ,of Commerce has offered to sponsor this effort as an official project. If present ideas are supported, this procession will be held early on the afternoon of February 20, there will then be a parade of vintage cars, and the two will then move into North Hagley Park for closer inspection and the opening of the gala.

From within the, park, children’s rides in boats on the Avon and in vintage cars will continue throughout the afternoon. There will also be demonstrations by the police dogs, Ace and Buck. . The combined New Zealand military services and possibly units of the United States Antarctic expedition, are likely to stage manoeuvres and other displays. Bands will be present and other afternoon entertainments are planned. It is hoped' that the evening programme will begin with a parade of decorated boats on the Avon along Park terrace. Boating clubs will be asked to promote this feature with the alternative suggestions of boats illuminated from on board with festoon lighting or from searchlights, perhaps set on the Carlton Mill and Armagh street bridges. “Dancing on the green” will be offered for all ages in the park and permission to use the lighted ground will be sought. Water Display Another highlight, which it is hoped to arrange, is a coloured water display on Victoria lake with the jets from fire hoses floodlit from changing coloured lights.

Biggest feature of the evening will be a “monster barbecue.” The organisers say they mean “monster” because the popularity of smaller ones has shown their attraction. Barbecue cooking stands are expected to line hundreds of yards along the fringe of the park, and Army and Air Force cooks, possibly supplemented by American experts from the Antarctic expedition, will officiate. Town Hall Promotion will seek from the City Council permission to charge for admission to these functions. It will submit that roads be closed for motor racing and that a small part of the park might be closed for these efforts to raise town hall funds. But the Town Hall Fair Committee’s sponsorship of the gala and barbecue is only a build-up for the fair on three days in March. “We want everyone to think and talk ‘town hall fair* from the time of the gala to the fair itself,” said a member of the committee yesterday. “At the gala we will make clear how everyone can help the later effort.” 40 Stolls At least 40 stalls are proposed, and application has been made for use of King Edward Barracks. So far the honorary fair organiser (Mr G. A. M. Hilson) has approached 30 to 40 major organisations and been promised their full co-operation. They range from big church groups to womens’ organisations. All told, these groups have already offered thousands of helpers, but thousands more are wanted. Mr Hilson’s aim is that every-

one in the commuiity should give something saleable for the fair. Big gifts already promised include 100 yards of shingle, 150 dozen soft drinks, a consignment of fencing wire, a truck load of flour, and a bulk order of men’s clothing; but a single oven cloth, a child’s garment, or a pot of jam will be equally acceptable. Besides' the individuals and organisations who give, big staffs of volunteers will be needed to collect and sort goods, manage bulk stores, arrange deliveries to the fair, and man the stalls. Detailed lists of wanted items and staff required will be published later. It is expected that mystery envelope sales will be a major fund-raising feature of the fair.

Schools, churches, and other groups have raised funds up to £2OOO at recent fairs. Another group made £5OOO in 15 hours’ selling. With the whole community behind the town hall fair, the organisers believe that there is no limit to the multiples of these amounts which could provide for the town hall fund.