GRAND CARNIVAL BAZAAR

Evening Star, Issue 15891, 25 August 1915, Page 6

GRAND CARNIVAL BAZAAR

AN ENORMOUS ATTENDANCE. CLOSING TO-NIGHT. The expectations of the executive o! the Otago Queen Carnival with regard ta patronage at the Grand Carnival are now being realised. The public, who were at first somewhat chary of bestowing theil patronage on the carnival, have at length realised the importance of the function, and those who have attended have been impressed with the magnificence and magnitude of the splendid efforts put forward by the executive. The result was a very large attendance last night at tha Drill Hall, the number present being variously estimated at from 6,000 to 8,000. At times and in some places there was- a crush, but generally speaking the’ commodious nature of the hall prevented over-crowding. The wide promenade gallery which surrounds the interior of the hall proper was packed last night, tha promenaders viewing the busy scene below. Business seemed -to be good, and most of the assistants, and those in charge of stalls and side shows, report that coin of the realm was fairly plentiful. The Queen of the Allies’ group arranged a torchlight procession on a moderate scale last night, and this assisted greatly to draw attention to the bazaar and to swell the crowds proceeding towards the Drill Hall. The procession started from Frederick street about 7.30, and proceeded via George street, Princes street, and King Edward street. Tire St. Kilda Band led the way, and the queen was escorted by riders gaily attired in military rig. The “ Hardware ” Band was present in full force, and a torpedo vessel, drawn by sailors in uniform, and a number of motor cars formed the remainder of the display. The miniature telegraph and telephone office has been a wonderful attraction since the carnival opened, and last night so great was the crush, to see the instruments and hear their working explained that many were unable to gain admission. This morning groups of - senior pupils, accompanied by their teachers, visited the exhibition, and Mr D. T. Allen, of thetelegraph engineering staff, was in attendance and explained to the children the working of the telephone and telegraph instruments, and of the wireless installation which has been in operation during the carnival. This proved most interesting, as well as most educative for the boys and girls. This afternoon, up till * 5 o’clock, the carnival was thrown open to all school children free of charge, and special invitations had been extended to private schools, to the Caversham Industrial School, and to the orphanages. It is to be-'particularly noted that the town office of the Queen Carnival will be shut at 6 p.m. to-day, and will be transferred to the Drill Hall for the remainder of the evening. The poll for the election of queen will close at 11 p.m. A hoarding similar to that used to display election results will be erected in the hall, and during tha last few hours numbers will be constantly posted up, showing the positions of the various queens and the total votes they have received. Very complete arrangements have been made for the receiving of cash and the recording of votes, and it is anticipated that the final result will be known between 11 o’clock and midnight. Special arrangements have been made with the tramways department for the cars to run as late as is found necessary. It has been arranged that the Cam am poll shall close at 11 p.m. also, and the result will be telegraphed to Dunedin shortly afterwards. It will be received at the telegraph office by one of the organisers and taken out to the Drill Hall by motor car.