THE CARNIVAL OPENS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2479, 4 June 1915, Page 7

THE CARNIVAL OPENS

A MAGNIFICENT PROCESSION

ANIMATED SCENE AT NEWTOWN

PARK

THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH

When it was mooted a few weeks ago only that it was intended to promote a Carnival in Wellington on the lines of thoso held elsewhere in the Dominion some of our citizens shook their heads, and "were not backward at expressing the view that our folk were not given to that sort of thing—that the Wellington public were herefc of the gala spirit that is so essential to the success of such an undertaking Theu others took up the idea, examined it on every side, and thought well of it. Ihe.se were itlie members of the executive committee of the Wellington Branch of the A'ew Zealand Patriotic Society, which came into existence about a couple of months after itlie war broke oiit, and which is likely to continue its useful work until peace is declared.' The society listened to the proposals of Professor Cardston, a skilled carnival promoter, whose services were subsequently engaged ito organise a Carnival in aid of the fund for thei relief of Wounded Soldier 3 and Sailors and Their Dependents. "'Queen Carnival" competition aroused, an all-absorbing public interest unique in the' history of Wellington is now common knowledge. For the paat fortnight the battle has raged— there havo been pitched engagements in the halls and theatres, skirmishes in tho streets, house ito house fighting, whilst snipers located in the suburbs have been tiling valuable work. But that was all preliminary to the deciding action, which began yesterday morning, and is to continue for the whole of the current month in one form of distraction or another. >. An Auspicious Opening. Actually the. Carnival began at davlight yesterday, when with the. first streak of dawn a (thousand workers forsook their comfortable beds to commence operations for a historical day. And truly historical it was! Many in Wellington will long have cause to remember the fiftieth' birthday of His Most Gracious Majesty King George V, celebrated when tho nation was opposed to the might of Germany, and the hearts of those at home were stirred to great deeds calculated to assist the •Empire. It was not until after 10 a.m. that the public were permitted to grasp the immensity of the Patriotic Society's demonstration. Tho south wind blew chilly from a leaden sky, and occasionally a shower of light rain bespattered the streets, but that mattered not—the spirits of tile Carnival revellers and public alike rose above such considerations. The most magnificent of processions Wellington has kr.own formed up in Waterloo Quay, and promptly at 10 a.m. Major A. A. Corrigan (chief marshal) dashed to ithe head of the column at the Government Printing Office, and gave the word to start. Tho outriders of the Mounted Police cleared a lane in ithe pack of people massed before the Government. Buildings, tlie band of the sth Regiment stepped out fo a martial air, and tho Carnival was on! A Glittering Cavalcade. To 90 per cent, of tho spectators tho procession which moved forward at tho Chief Marshal's command was a revel.v tion of invention, ingenuity, and enthusiasm. The fact that it took forty-five minutes to pass a. given point is a faint indication of the number who took part in it, and it was calculated that the head of the procession was rounding the Basin Reserve when tho tail was passing the Bank of New Zealand on Lambton Quay. And every section of this moving gladcoloured cavalcade embodied something that arrested the attention—a pleasing colour combination, a happily-disposed group of girls, a merry troupe of youngsters, a tableau, or else an incursion into the fanciful, or a burlesque on this inconsequent dream we call life. The note patriotic was naturally the most insistent one on the processional scale, the devices showing a lively and varied invention. It was almost impossible to lake in every glancing bit of kaleidoscopic colour in the merry train, but a free impression can bo given of the remarkable display. Somo of the Units. Following the Regimental' Band, which, led the. procession, was a landau with the Mayor and .Mrs. Imke, accompanied by the Town Clerk (Mr. J. R. Palmer) as its occupants, and behind it came a string of decorated motor-cars containing Mr. H. G. Hill (chairman of the society)/ Messrs. J. Lewis and W. J. Colley (joint secretaries), Professor Cardston, and' the members of the executive committee, all wearing the brightest of smiles. Chattering, grunting, stopping, smoking mo-tor-cycles with side-cars, decorated most wonderfully, streaked along. There were lied Indians, Terrible Turks, soldiers, Punch and Judy, and one cycle disguised very prettily as a swan, which seemed to swim along on "the bosom of tho air," and another with the side-car transformed into an ambulance stretcher on whicli a live trooper reposed at full length. In amongst these snorting machines rede a tiny trooper on a tiny safety bike, perfectly equipped even to the rifle, which was slung below the main bar, barrel foremost. Japan and the Ark. The first complete tableau to loom into view was a typical Japanese tea-house, with its quaint architecture aglow with tho rosy pink of clusters of cherry-blos-soms. and within a group of "Jap" ladies looking very charming in their pretty kimonos. The tea-house of our Japanese Allies immediately preceded "Noah's u,u' f a ., splendid display made by the lads of the training ship Amokura. The „.[u was , a su rf boat mounted on a lorrv, with- a built-up deck-house, through the iooktl 01 with a V"? ly lot of animals looked with wQndering eyes upon a -tiange world, whilst old Noah in lons weepful sea-weedy whiskers conferm! * ; That touch"'f 1® the aftcr A,|- L- ? of t! ' e s ? suggested- by the Aik wa» harmoniously in accord with the Harbour - Hoards really fino display. Past the J • ™ steamer, then the oil-skinned Rocket Brigade and ■ lifeboat, a lorry stacked with wool and hemp disposed in such a manner as to display the flag under which fetich products are forwarded to tho uttermost ends of the earth. A Caged Kaiser. The Harbour Board's men also showed with alleged prescience the ultimate fate of the Kaiser, lie was shown glowering in tljo corner of a cago with tho devil as Ins "soul" companion, and the "Clown" Prince ticklhig him with a straw from without. "Can we do enough?" were the words that struck home from the front of the big lorry which had been exquisitely decorated in the colours of the drapers' Queen candidate—violet and gold. Following came the candidate (Miss Low) in a miniature car, and trailing out behind came n bevy of Messrs. Kirkcaldie and Stains' girls, in pierrot costumes, bearing aloft little fluttering pennons in the candidate's colours. Colo's selected "Britannia," as the subject for their picturesque display, and after the ruler of the waves came a troup of To Aro House employees as' pierrots and pierettes— <i gay, laughing galaxy of youth and be,tut,v. They had to hurrv along as tliev feared that tho big "Nugget" boot (size' I I I) that followed might becone animated at any tilne through being repeatedly hit by tho hard ball used bv the basebiillers,' who wcro close at heel. Gallant Fire Brigadesmen. One of the most impressive features of tllh pi'iices'sion wis the splendid turnout of tho I'ire Brigade. There Mere 00 nun, in gllsteninj; brass heln ris on |inr.-ide, and they mnrchcd as steadily and evenly I as trained Soldiers to running accom-

paniment of cheers that lasted throughout the long tramp to the Park. With the men was tho big ladder escape and engine, all a-flutter with flags, and polished brasswork gleaming l-ke gold in the light. The requisite relief was provided by the Darktown Fire Brigade, whoso chemical cylinder was labelled (somewhat suspiciously) XXXX. "Viva Italia!" . "Viva Italia!" Seeking an explanation, one could detect the green, white, and red of our latest ally—ltaly. She was represented by a boat-load of fair contadini, who were in charge of a very respectable gondolier from Makara Beach. In attendance were some .60 members of the Garibaldi Club, including three veterans who had fought .under tho gallant liberator. In the wake of Italy came the Government Printing Office, who furnished a patriotic tableau, and a very realistic submarine, which appeared to be constantly threatening to torpedo Peter Pan's Pirate Ship, which was busy in the offing hanging the Kaiser to the yardarm. The Wellington picture shows' representatives appeared on a lorry as the "Blood and Gore Dramatic Company," the incidental music to whose productions was supplied by the Natives' Association Band. The Boy Scouts were handy to preserve order, following up came* the green and gold West Coasters, with diggers, prospectors,, and company promoters following the train of their "Queen" candidate, Miss Teresa M'E-nroe. Milk vans, cai'ts, milkmen, and milkmaids followed in decorative profusion; ambulance corps in mufti; and laundry vans rumbled by. "Scots Wha Has!" Making a gallant show and skirling delightfully the Wellington Pine Band swept into view with, that form of picturesque "swank" common to the kilts. They preceded the Wellington Highland's Society's representatives, who were there in support of their Queen candidate (Mrs. A. M'Vicar). The Island Bay Surf Club towed along another captured Kaiser in a crate, and following came the Commercial Travellers' turn-<-ut, the central figure of which was the Queen candidate, Miss Kitty Doughty, attired in a cream flannel cos- : tume, and riding astride a cream-coloured J horse. The tramway men had a decorated lorry with lady conductors and motormen, who made persistent demands in support of their candidate (Dr. Plaits-Mills). The tramway men were followed by the "Forget-me-Not" Club's candidate (Mrs. W. H. Smith). An overseas touch was lent the picture by the Amazonian figure of a Maori chieftainess "in full kit." Pefone's girls were in khaki, Godber's girls turned out in Christmassy scarleit dresses with white fur trumming, preceding Miss PaJmer (Civil Service candidate), who was given, a pretty pale blue and white setting. Tho "animated peanuts," cowboys, and cowgirls on horseback, and a Cadets' drum and fife band lent variety to the order; following came another good "Britannia" tableau, with Boy Scouts again in evidence. Tho If-egi-mental drummers deserted their customr.ry khaki for scarlet tunics and noses, but played as- inspiritingly as though they were playing ithe regiment into action. The Hibernians turned out in fine strength, as did also .the Druids.. The Stage Supers.' Society" presented a sanguinary battle scene, "The Last Stand," on a lorry. A Miniature Battleship. Between the band of the National Reserve and the Salvation Army Band was a burlesque of Napoleon nnd his staff, a vehicle display by tlie automatic bakeries of the city, and the Trades and Labour Council's Queen candidate (Miss Roseingrave). The G.P.0., Tourist Department (a Maori house surmounted by a fine display of stags' heads), the State Coal and Labour Departments were all represented. One of the best displays was reserved for the end. This was a comic representation on wheels ol "H.M. New Zealand," by the Union S.S. Co.'s hands. This ship was armed with guii3 that fired, a ship's bell that rang, sidelights that could bo lit, and a lively captain and crew, who entertained tho | public immensely. Every section of the procession had its money-collecting scouts in all manner of disguises—pierrots, khaki girl-boys, and boy-girls, little and big nurses, golliwogs, negroes, Indians, Ally Slopers, and male ballet-dancers. The procession was witnessed by a huge crowd of people, who packed "both sides of the route streets from Lambton Quay to Newtown, and the unanimous opinion appeared to be that Wellington 4i«d outdone itself in its Carnival efforts. At tho Park, "Here tlioy come!" As soon as the cry went forth that the procession was approaching, an army of busy stall-work-ers rushed into the open—fruit, lollies, cigarettes, and raffles were forgotten for the moment, all being so eager to see the Carnival theatrics at close range. The procession entered by the main gates and traversing the. .main western drive practically encircled the Park. On reaching the eastern extremity the vehicles left the grounds by the Daniel Street entrance, fvhilst those on foot deployed in the playing area. When about half the cavalcade had passed the central point a halt was called to enable the opening ceremony to be performed. As His Excellency the Governor mounted to the flagstaff, the Union Jack was run up to the mast-heail, and the sth Regiment Band played tho National Anthem. His Excellency was attended by the Countess of Liverpool Ino Mayor and Mrs. Luke, Mr. H G Hill (chairman), and Messrs. J. Lewis and W. J. Colley were also among the party concerned in the official openlii" ceremony, which was performed in tlie presence of about 5000 or 6000 people. A little Inter-the number of those present was probably three limes that total. THE FORMAL OPENING. GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS. The official opening was performed by His Excellency the Governor. His Excellency said that thero were two ways of 1 w bat was right in the cause—bv I the State alone, and by the State assisted by well-wishers desirous of giving exj P? 05310^1 to their esprit da corps. To nil of us esprit de corps" had great signifi- | cance, especially in the circumstances in which we were now placed. Ho would be sorry indeed to see individual efr, . stifled and everything done on hard nnd fast lines. The Patriotic Society had appealed to the Wellington people to help the movement along because they felt, that everyone_ would like to take a personal interest in it, and to do something for r t l™ mcul ° nH "I'l'eal to the people of New Zealand a fortnight ago simiar sentiments had actuated him. He had been well aware that it did not depend on any party in the State whether the wounded were well caied for; he had known tliale they would be properly looked after in any case; but tlie expressions* of feeling that had reached hiln had assured him that the appeal had touched a large number of people who desired an nppnrtunil.v by giving per-oniil expression lo their feelings. There were hard times ahead, and it was well to lvi prepared. We should all try to avoid criticising those who were doing their bivd ■ it was rather n time when we might be a little blind to faults. As fo the Mo-iiilnl .ship, lie inlended to see thai it lel'l N*ew Zealand ■IS well equipped as if was possible to equip it. He wished to thanl; the f'ross for having taken, ub tho as tb,<»

had done, and also those who had otherwise assisted tho undertaking. At tho invitation of tho ilavor, the gathering gave three hearty cheers for tho men at the front, and accorded His Excellency a vote of thanks. THE SCENE AT THE PARK. Tho scene at the park wua extiuoidiunry [or tue tuue ol the year. .\ui only iviu the crowd vast, il was ibe liveliest ami most enthusiastic crowd wntcli has ever niado hohuay lu Wellington, anil probably in New Zealanu. i\ever uelore has tliero been a Carnival which so called up tlie entliuaiasni ol the wholu puijlii. Everyone was "in it" to the lull, .-udem workers were everywhere in stores, aim as they had a population of some 20,01111 people to work on, Uleir results must navo been good. Tnere was eVery indication that the response to ttio call was lree aud generous. People who went prepured tu spend found uo difficulties piaceit in thuir way, and those wno merely went to see the urn found the call to contribute tar too pressing to atiow it to pass unheeded. i'he stalls (like the ticket-sellers) did great business. As an instance, one stall which had a turnover of ±1 at oue of tho Easter Carnivals look in JMo yesterday. The attractions were maniiold; there was scarcely anything in the way ol' Caruival fun wnich was not on tho bill. And the people rushed it all, regardless of kind or cost. A mock Court of Justice was one of tho features of yesterday. Hardiy had the ceremony of opening the Carnival been .completed when His Worship the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luko; was seen struggling in the arms of two burly policemen. Tnough the Chief .Magistrate resisted strenuously he was dragged away to tno Court, where ho made a speech lo the Lord Chief Justice (Mr. A. W. Newton),, protesting against the indignity to which he had been submitted in the' presence not only oi his beloved 'public, but the King's personal representative. The Mayor received a patient hearing, alter wnich he was arraigned oil. a charge of "sleeping out since the war commenced." His \t orihip pleaded not guilty, and put in a strong plea for mercy oil tho ground that his wife also had been absent from homo inculcating a spirit of patriotism and self-sacrifice, but it availed him nothing in view of the strong case the Crown Prosecutor (Mr. EiUgibbon) had made against him. The jury without hesitancy brought in a verdict of guilty, nnd His Worship, was lined "ono pound one shilling" for sleeping out, and sixpence for damaging a policeman's uniform. The fine was promptly paid. Whilst this case was on several other delinquents were arrested about the grounds on various charges. Indeed, throughout the afternoon the Court had a very busy and exceedingly lucrative 'time. THE SPORTS. The sports programme consisted of Rugby football nnd foot races. The Itugby match was between teams selected from the leadiug Wellington players, and the sides may be known as Black and White. White won. Matters were fairly even until nearing the end, when Black allowed the opposition to have all its own way. White's total was lo points and Black's 8. For While, morris scored two tries. Dent oue try, Nicholls potted a. smart goal, nnd Corson converted a try. Algar crossed the line for Black, and Tilyard converted the try; and A. Wilson kicked a goal from a mark by Algar. Mr. R. Evenson was referee. The results of the races were 100 Yards—P. Burrell, 1-; S. Hall, 2. Sack Race.—S. Bedell, 1; J. Gilmore, 2. Two Miles.—P. J. Byrne, 1; L. Culverwell, 2. Boy Scouts (300 yards).—R. Silencer, 1; L. Alexander, 2. Silly Sally Race.—G. Wood, 1; D. Gallichan, 2. Other races could not be run owing to the crowd on tho ground. THE NIGHT ATTACK. The 'Park was brilliantly lit at night. Tho electricity employed totalled 35,000 candle-power, said to be the greatest niglut lighting undertaking in Now Zealand. The chief event of the night was a serious fire, which might have led to disastrous resul'ts had it not been for the promrt arrival of the Fire Brigade, which the Patriotic Society wisely kept on the scene to cope with any such outbreak. The fire originated in a one-story wooden building erected in the middle of the Park, nnd quickly secured a good hold. The brigade was alarmed, and set out at tho rate of a mile an hour for the scene of trouble. En route a white hen esctped from the fire wagon, and as the fowl had to be recaptured before the vehicle could proceed, the fire made excellent progress. However, at length the fiiM fighters arrived, and they immediately set about quenching the blaze with kerosene. Efforts were made lo blow it out with a hand-bellows, but the flaines took n} notice of the firemen. Hand squirts were employed at close quarters by intrepid firemen, who constantly ran a grave risk of securing V.C.'s ,but .still the flames roared on. At last the building collapsed, aud shortly afterwards a familiar red motor appeared on the scene and blew the blaze out with a mighty draught of water. The insurances could not be ascertained last evening, and the casualties are not known. Altogether the fun was kept going at a rapid pace right throughout the evening. MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. Ag to-day is Children's Day, theh executive desire to encourage the children as much as possible, and to show consideration to their parents, so the Park will be open free to all. There will be a baby show at the Park at 2.30 on Saturday afternoon. The prizes consist of two silver cups and 28 other trophies. The cups will be awarded according to weight for age—ono for a boy, and one for a girl. Tho sailor who took the part of the wounded man in the St. John Ambulance display in the profession was in no way a make-believe "casualty," but a member of the Philomel crew who was wounded and is now convalescent. The collection 1 annexed by the St. John's workers amounted to a very considerable sum. THE DAY'S TAKINCS. The total amount- actually received by the treasurer of the New Zealand Patriotic Society in connection with yesterday's Carnival was £1508 145., of which £1003 2s. 6d. was taken at the gates at Newtown Park. The whole of the money was lodged with the National Bank last evening. TO-DAY'S PROGRAMME. CHILDREN'S DAY AT PARK. To-day will be Children's Day .at Now. town Park, and as all the State schools are now closed for holiday, it is anticl- 1 pated that tlie big recreation ground at Wellington South wil be a sight for all childlovers fo-day. A splendid programme of sports for children of both sexes and all ages has been arranged, and every winner of a race will be given prizes wh'ich havo been donated by the citizens. Apart from the sports there will be many diversions for tho young, which are calculated 'o give adults a reflected pleasure. This evening there will be a torch-light procession fo flip Park, nnd a grand di«pl;iv of fireworks. FESTIVAL AT REEFTON (By Telegraph—Press Association.) Reefton, June 3. A patriotic festival was held at Reefton to-day, and resulted in n record crowd attending. The Queen Carnival resulted in Miss Myrtle Osborne being elected Queen, and the competition brought in .£l-132. The crowning ceremony lakes place to-night. In the quick-step band competition, tho Blackball Band beat Inangahua bv 120 to 126. The military tournament was also run off between Kokatahi. fireynioulh, and Inangahua.