Only small crowd at carnival

Press, 30 December 1976, Page 4

Only small crowd at carnival

In spite of warm, sunny weather and a variety of sideshows, the first-day crowd at the Diamond Harbour carnival in the local domain was disappointing. One of the organisers, Mr Roger Farmer, said about 500 people attended, but many more had been expected.

The carnival has been arranged by the Diamond Harbour Rugby’ Football Club, and is supported by’ other local organisations and some Christchurch firms. Its aim is to raise funds to provide changing rooms and showers as an extension of the existing community hall.

; For the muscularly’ inclined there is a chance to toss a wheatsheaf. The New Zealand record is said to be about 26ft, and anyone exceeding 18ft is considered to be in pretty good shape. There are daily tug-of-war and nail driving contests: and. for the less active, “housie” games under the marquee.

In the community hall there are opportunities to play poo! or to eat pies and drink a cup of tea.

Each day the main attractions on the stage in the middle of the domain are a “contented couple" contest, junior bathing beauties and “junior muscle-men” competitions. In addition, there is a raffle offering some attractive prizes.

For guessing the number of inflated balloons in a Japanese car there is a free car radio, and the person who estimates the weight of a young sheep correctly will receive a dressed sheep. Pony rides and tractor drives proved very popular with young children.