“MAY FAIR WEEK”

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 191, 15 May 1928, Page 6

“MAY FAIR WEEK”

ENTHUSIASM AT INVERCARGILL SUCCESSFUL OPENING CEREMONY .

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

Invercargill, May 14.

Business at Invercargill was completely suspended this afternoon for three hours, during which the official and unofficial opening ceremonies of "May Fair Week” took place under ideal weather conditions. Weeks ago popple of the province were inoculated with the fever of excitement in anticipation of a joyous week of revelry ahead, and the opening proceedings to-day were marked with unbounded enthusiasm which augured well for the success of the fair. A lengthy procession of ingeniouslydesigned displays set the ball rolling and proved of absorbing interest to the fifteen thousand spectators who lined the streets, included in the number being many visitors from the north. The official opening ceremony was performed by the Hon. O. J. Hawken, Minister of Agriculture, who represented the Government. Addresses were delivered by the Mayor (Mr. John Miller) and other prominent citizens. Then followed a burlesque of the official opening, during which the "keys” of the city were handed over to the'King of Uarnivalia. under whose control the fun of the fair will proceed till Saturday. The principal streets have been bedecked with greenery, and resemble wellkept avenues, the appearance of which is greatly enhanced to-night by thousands of multi-coloured electric lights, which are suspended across the streets and worked into attractive designs on the buildings. Revellers in fancy dross were early astir this evening, and gave themselves up to unrestrained gaiety. To-morrow an aeroplane from Sbckburn is expected to arrive in charge of Captain Findlay, and the more venturesome will have opportunities of viewing the proceedings from the air. Diverting programmes have been arranged for each day, one of more than ordinary interest being set down for tomorrow. when a pageant of Southland and a military tattoo will be staged.