PETONE EN FETE

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 78, 27 December 1923, Page 3

PETONE EN FETE

OPENING OF CARNIVAL GAIETY ON THE FORESHORE

Tlie spirit of gaiety reigns at Petone. Yesterday, when the biggest carnival effort in the history of the progressive suburb commenced, was a led letter day for tho residents. From 9 a.m. until a late hour at night the foreshore, an attraction in itself, was thronged with holiday makers, and many and varied were tho sights that presented themselves. Almost every form of amusement imaginable was to lie found. There were all manner of novelty side-shows, a razzle-dazzle, a merry-go-round, a circus, dart booths, lioop-la booths, rifle range, coconut shies, Aunt Sally, Punch and Judy, <:o say nothing of tho smaller attractions so dear to tho heart of rhe youngster. Enlivening music was supplied by the municipal band. Sport was catered for in tho shape of rowing and swimming, and the followers of the ‘light fantastic” found that the dance floor of the Herctaunga Boating Club’s pavilion left nothing to be desired. Ihe foreshore presented, if anything, a gayer scene in the evening. Powerful electric lights illuminated the beach, and everywhere the same happy, carefree spirit predominated. Easily’ the largest gathering that has ever lined Petone beach listened to the speakers at the opening ceremony in the morning. The Mayor (Mr. J. W. McEwan), in the course °f his remarks, observed that ihe Harbour Board controlled two miles and a half of foreshore, and ho trusted that that body would permit the people of the district to make use of its advantages in the interests of public health and recreation generally. He apologised for the absence of the Acting-Prime Minister (Sir Francis Bell) and Mr. T. M. Wilford, M.P. for the district. Mr. G. Mitchell, who opened the proceedings in the absence of Sir I'rancis Bell, said he did not consider that the Harbour Board (of which he is chairman) would place any obstacles in the way of the use of ihe waterfront advantages. “It is yours,” he said. "We are only controlling it on your behalf, as trustees, and it is our duty’ to conserve those interests.” The harbour, he declared, was one of the finest in the Empire, and he looked forward to the time when the surrounding hills would be covered with residences. The people of Petone would soon be brought within a. few minutes <f the city, and would no longer be hampered by bad transport difficulties. He hoped that electric suburban services would soon come. The men guarding the destinies of the Hutt Valley carried a great responsibility, and lie trusted that the mistakes made in V'ellington through lack of foresight would not be repeated there. He wished the carnival every success, and conveyed the regrets of the Mayor of Wellington (Mr. R. A. Wright, M.P.) and the Mayor of Eastbourne (Mr.—F. H. Mather) for then inability to be present. In wishing the effort success, Mr. W. T. Strand (Mayor of Lower Hutt) referred to the valley’s unique combination—a splendid harbour, with excellent foreshore, and surrounding 'country. Movements such as the present helped to foster the community spirit, and were worthy of the greatest amount of support. . Swimming races held during ihe day resulted' as follow: —100yds. inter-club race: Watson, 1; Howe, 2; Lees, 3; time, Imin. 13 3-ssec. 33 l-3rd yds. schoolboys’ race: Fitch, 1; Arnold, 2; Mcßride, 3. 50yds. breast-stroke: Howe, 1; Humphries, 2; Dolling, 3. Diving: Hichs, 1; Nesbit, 2. League dash: Lindock, 1; Hansell, 2; tune. 33 3-ssec. The half-mile event produced an exciting finish.. Humphries (Imin. 20sec.) led until within 20 yards of the -tape, when he was overtaken by Mollier. the scratch man, who forged ahead and won by five yards. I 1 itch (20sec.) was third. A fancy-dress parade attracted a large number of entries, and the following awards have been made:— Ginger Nuts,” N. and I. Cunningham; •‘Pea Nuts,” A. McMillan and F. Black; ‘‘Bride and Groom,” H. Nott and B. Turner; “Lord Nelson, R. Flux; “Tabby Oats,” R Cates; “Lost Spirit,” H. Stone; “80-Peep,” G. Packard: “Puck,” Lois Mair j Sheik, F. White; “Nurse,” D. Simmons; “Bundle of Straw,” H. Hughes; ‘‘Jonquil,” M. Ashby; “The House that Jack Built,” A. McMillan; “Cowboy, E Flax: “Tyrolese Boy,” J. Majr, “Country Girl,” H. Williams; I‘P* perary,” N. Wilds: “Folly,” E. Bradstock; “Country Boy,” A. Milford. The awards in tho tradesmen s turnout competition went to the Gear Company for the best horse-drawn vehicle, the Municipal Queen for the motorcars, and the Industrial Queen for the inotor-lorries. Interest in the Queen contest continues apace, and the three committees are leaving no stone unturned to bring about the success of their respective candidates.

The gala will be continued to-day