"MISS VICTORIA"

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 148, 19 December 1935, Page 18

"MISS VICTORIA"

CHARMING YOUNG VISITOR

UNUSUAL BEAUTY CONTEST

A charming young visitor to Auckland on Tuesday was Miss Peggy Gamble, "Miss Victoria," and the winner of a recent Australian beauty and personality contest, states the "New Zealand Herald." Tall, with a naturally vivid colour and long, curly, dark hair, Miss Gamble was dressed in a smart, little, blue frock and tarn o' shanter beret as she left the ship. Although Miss Gamble is only nineteen years old she has only just left school, and has succeeded in winning the contest from 2500 competitors.

The contest differed from ordinary beauty contests in that its tests were very strict and included, as well as personal attractiveness, such qualifications as education and sport. Literature, general knowledge, writing, handiwork, and physical fitness were all considered in the tests.

"I am afraid I am just an ordinary girl," said Miss Gamble. "There were dozens of competitors much better looking than I am, but I happened to be what we call an 'all rounder.'"

The contest, which was open to all girls and women in Victoria, carried with it as first prize, a free trip to the United States and a two months' tour of the country. In addition, Miss Gamble received over £1000 worth of presents, among which were a motorcar, jewellery, and clothes. The judges for the contest included Sir John Longstaff and Mr. Charles Wheeler (two Australian artists), Dr. Julian Smith, Dr. Hilda Greenshields, Miss May Maxwell, and Miss Beryl Mills, who won the "Miss Australia" title in 1926.

Mrs. Walter Gamble, who is travelling with her daughter, attributes much of her success to the fact that her daughter never uses cosmetics and to her very youthful and natural manner. Miss Gamble was born and has lived all her life in East Malvern, Victoria, and she has spent much of her time in open air sports. .She is an enthusiastic swimmer and rider. Her ambition lies in fashion drawing, and some time after the conclusion of her tour her mother intends taking her to Paris to study in that direction. Before she left Australia Miss Gamble was the guest of honour at many receptions, including one given by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Sydney.