“Jacaranda Queen” On Prize Trip

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31922, 25 February 1969, Page 2

“Jacaranda Queen” On Prize Trip

Three workers in the newspaper industry arrived in Christchurch from Australia yesterday but the purpose of their trip is not to gather news. The winner of Australia’s first floral festival, the Grafton “Jacaranda Queen,” Miss Robyn Bartlett, was starting her prize of a New Zealand tour. Miss Bartlett, aged 19, is accompanied by Miss Eleanor See, also aged 19, who is “Jacaranda Princess,” and by matron-of-honour, Miss Mavis McClymont, 0.8. E. Travel by Qantas and expense allowances for each has been provided for by the Grafton Jacaranda Festival Committee. “I had been thinking of going on a working holiday to New Zealand,” said Miss Bartlett, whose hobbies and interests are surfing and swimming in the summer, hockey in the winter "and I love dancing.” She also likes sewing and knitting. Boro in Melbourne and educated at Grafton High School, she works as a shop assistant in a news agency. 75 Functions Speaking about her duties as “Jacaranda Queen,” she said that during the festival week she went to about 75 functions.

"During the year the ‘Queen’ usually attends functions if they'd like someone to represent youth,” she said. Recently, she was also named “Debutante of the year." The title of “Jacaranda Princess” was won by Miss See, who works on general duties in the office of the Grafton “Daily Examiner." “1 like cooking, sewing, dancing and surfing,” said Miss See who won this title from five other girls, one of whom was an Aborigine. It is awarded to the girl who raises most money for a nominated festival project. Miss McClymont is chaperon to the girls on their South Island tour. She is the deputy mayor of Grafton and has been associated with every Jacaranda Festival in the 27 years it has been in existence.

She is a senior journalist on the “Daily Examiner.” “I am not in favour of con-

tests judged completely on beauty and this is why I like the ‘Jacaranda Queen* contest,” Miss McClymont said. “The girls are judged not only - on beauty but on personality, speech, deportment, intelligence, and on community activities. The contest gives girls the opportunity of being ambassadors for their city.” The girls were judged in street clothing at a public judging. All must be over 17 years of age. “The girls who come forward are mainly those who have done something for the town,” said Miss McClymont.