EASTBOURNE FETE

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 24, 29 January 1923, Page 2

EASTBOURNE FETE

OPENED BY PRIME MINISTER

SHOWERY WEATHER DELAYS

preparations!

"There's something in the seaside air," was amply demonstrated at Eastbourne on Saturday, when even the showers, at one time of a,» tropical nature, failed to damp the energies and cheerfulness of a large gathering of residents and visitors on chs Eastbourne Recreation Ground. The carnival spirit was spreading rapidly from an early hour, and each boat from the city brought its complement of sight-seers. The heavy rain during Friday had considerably hampered operations on the ground, and things were hardly ready for the visitors when they arrived. However, the various works progressed steadily during the day, and when evening came the only thing lacking was sufficient light to enable the Battle of Confetti to take place. Electric light was not available until after 9 o'clock, but nobody seemed to mind, and the darkness was dispelled with the aid of benzine lamps, Chinese. 1" lanterns, torches, and even hurricane lamps. Side-shows commenced business at 11 a.m. and drew large "houses" throughout the day. The committees of the four queens were extremely busy pushing the respective merits of their candidates- by means of votes, games, guessing competitions, and other devices for "raising the-wind." A seaplane did excellent busi- ] ness during the day. ( In the afternoon a pageant of decorI ated vehicles proceeded. from the wharf to the carnival ground, but it was somewhat spoiled by rain, and by the fact that Friday having been wet had caused the work of decorating to be extremely hurried. A creditable display was made nevertheless^ several of the . decorative schemes being both pretty and novel. The evening was devoted to a variety concert and cabaret dancing. The four queen committees, again did excellent business, and the various side-shows continued to show, to $ apacity . houses. The Prime Minister (the Hon. W. F. Massey) arrived at Rona Bay in the Janie Seddou about 3 o'clock, and was motored to the carnival ground. He was accompanied by the Mayor of Eastbourne (Mr. F. H. Mather), Mr. T. M. Wilford, M.P.. for the district, and members of! the Eastbourne Borough Council and the carnival .executive committee. Mr. Mather briefly introduced the Prime Minister, who, :n turn, declared the carnival officially opened. He commented on the growth of the borough, and forecasted a prosperous future under the guidance of an energetic council. ■ Mr.Wilford reviewed the past history of the East Harbour bays and some of the causes of the rapid growth of the past few years. At the conclusion of the i opening ceremony the Prime Minister had 'afternoon tea in the new pavilion, and later returned to the city in the Janie Seddon. Yesterday there was again an excellent attendance, though the weather was again showery. The various Wellington life-saving clubs gave a demonstration of drill and reel alarm. The teams taking pa,rt represented Maranui (2), Lyall Bay, Worser Bay, and Island Bay Clubs. Land, drill display was given under the direction of Messrs. Hughes and L. Salek, after which a march past took place, the Boys' Institute Band providing the music. The demonstration ended with a reel alarm rescue from the beach in the vicinity of the recreation ground. The Wellington branch of the Royal Life-Saving Society supervised the demonstration. Sacred community singing was indulged in by those present;" this'part'of the : programme being led by, Messrs. C. A. Marquis and R. B. Witty. / The side-shows and queen stalls were not open' yesterday. Following are the results of the day's competitive events.: — Decorated Vehicles, IS entries (judges: -Miss Cooke^ Rev. O. M. Stent', and Mr. O. N. Gillespie):—Motor cars: Miss. V. j Shortt, car decorated in blue, represent-! ing the Eastbourne Borough Council, 1;; Mr. C. H. Andrews, Japanese design, 2; j Mr. A. Burch, food supplies, 3. Trades : Mr. W. Gardner, milk float representing the "King of Hearts," lj Lever Bros.. "Twink," 2. Children's Events: lan Major, "Carnival," 1; Bobbie Stephenson, aero- I plane, 2; Keith 'Johns, the new ferry | ■ steamer, Muritai, 3; Meg Robinson, I sunkist lemon, 4. 1 Baby Show.—Under 9 months: Mrs. Vickering (girl), 1; Mrs. Major (boy)_, 2; 10 to 18 months: Mrs. Wood (boy), .1; Mrs. Braddqck (boy), 2. Crawling race: Mrs. Munro (boy), 1; Mrs. Blongren (boy). 2. „ Toddlers' race:.Mrs. Johnson (girl), 1; Mrs. Braddock (boy)., 2. Souvenir spoons were given to all babies entered in the show. Several children were removed before receiving this trophy, and mothers are asked to apply at the secretary's pfflce for the spoons.. COMING EVENTS. To-day is kiddies' day, and bothjjeach and recreation ground were crowded this morning with young people taking part in an extensive sports programme. The sports are proceeding this afternoon. This evening the special features will be cabaret dancing and a variety concert. All. the side-s^ows will be open, and queen supporters will be given farther opportunities to support their favourite candidate. Late bout* will be run until midnight. ■ -, A new departure will be made to-mor-row, when the Wellington' Scottish Society and Pipe Band will handle the day's events. Scottish' dancing will be a feature of the programme. Frequent boats will be run from the city during the day, and the last boat back will leave Rona Bay at midnight. The Eastbourne Rugby Football Clubhas Wednesday's programme in hand, and announces a list of novelty events, all of which are post entry. Mrs. R. Stent, of Rona Bay, has presented an oil painting by J. Gibb for the council's queen candidate, to bs raffled for the candidate's vote fund.