Confidence Carnival

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 280, 22 August 1933, Page 11

Confidence Carnival

we are going to hold a carnival. Well, I trust that this time we are going to have something, worth while. I must say up to the present I have ■been very disappointed with the suggestions put forward. If it is to be a Confidence Carnival, let us make it worthy of its name. Jet us give something that will draw visitors from the north and south; not only draw them here, but send them home well pleased with their visit. If we are going to make it a cadging carnival, then it is bound to fail, because everyone in the Dominion has had more than enough of that kind of thing in his own town. What we want is a carnival that wiii bring happiness, that will encourage the spending of some of that hidden money, so sorely needed these days, that will put more hope and vigour in our citizens, shopkeepers, workers and manufacturers. I would suggest: A prize for the best illuminated building in the city. A prize for the best decorated building. The manufacturers to make a Shopwindow display of their best wares, some of these goods to be given as prizes, to be awarded by ballot. To get a chance for these prizes, every purchaser during carnival week purchasing New Zealandmade goods, for every shilling spent will receive a ticket giving a chance of winning one of the many prizes. Besides offering visitors many bargains, we will offer a week of pleasure and surprises. Say we start off with something like this: A procession showing milestones in the history of Wellington.—The Maoris in costume, a Maori war canoe, model of a sailing ship, a tableau of Maoris in ambush, followed by tableau of a pioneer’s wife cooking with a camp oven while her husband keeps guard with his guns. A bullock wagon, an early mail coach, and other pictures of early Wellington, such as a top-and-bottom sawyer at work, early weaving, etc. Then in contrast a model of the latest steamship. Pakeha and Maori friends sitting side by side iii an up-to-date motorcar, the latest motor-bus. aeroplane, etc. Each school could be asked to supply children to represent the Empire. They would be carried on a lorry, each child carrying the flag and singing a national song of the country they represent. Following these would be trades, lodges, humorous, decorated motor-cars, manufacturers’ displays, etc. The procession could start on Saturday about 3 o’clock, marching through the eitv. At a given spot, the Carnival Queen will take the salute. In the evening the coronation of the queen. On Sunday a mass service on the slopes of Mount Victoria. The children will have places allotted to them near the queen, and will assist with the community singing of old favourite hymns. In the evening after church, open-air concerts at various parts of the city. Monday evening could be made returned soldiers’ night, with popular wartime songs led by returned soldiers, military display by Army and Navy. Tuesday evening, a burlesque cricket matc.i, Maori v. Pakeha. with Maori poi dances, hakas, etc. On Wednesday the Carnival Queen could declare a half-haliday in honour of the visit of Father Neptune, who for the first-time in history has left his vast domain to pay homage to the Queen of Wellington. He would arrive with great pomp and ceremony, led in by a huge whale, who more than likely ifould have Jonah aboard. Sea serpents and other dwellers of the deep would also accompany the great monarch. His escort would be his beautiful white seagulls and porpoise. Having payed his respects to the queen, he would hold his court, ana citizens would witness the trials of passengers crossing the line for the first time. In the evening a great “National Derby, the horses to be barrels: also clowns, dummies, swimming, diving, etc. on Thursday evening all breakers or tne Queen’s Jaws will be tried. Friday, shopping day. ’The Queen expects everyone to buy something that is made in New Zealand that day. There will be a treasure hunt, to find the clues vou will have to spend a shilling in st least three different shops. Sntnrdat, Aquatic Day—rowing, sailing and launch racing, and in the owning the Battle of Flowers. Old Man Depression will be made prisoner and handed over to Father Neptune, who will order him to be burnt, and blown up with fireworks. I have made all the chief attractions in the evenings. That is to give our shopkeepers a chance. .Vor the entertaining of our visitors during the day I would suggest the throwing open of some of our industrial works, "nd perhapssome ot our shipping would throw open the! boats. I also would try to arrange tennis. howling, cricket, golf and swimming matches. I have just given a rough cast of events, just the crust yon may say. but when the filling has been added I am sure we would have a carnival that would put US on the man.— Wellington. August 21.

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