NEARING THE END

Evening Star, Issue 19408, 17 November 1926, Page 5

NEARING THE END

“MISS NEW ZEALAND” QUEST An excitement most feverish continues to be aroused in Auckland by the “Miss New Zealand” beauty contest. The selection of “ Mies Auckland ” is still under way. ■ On Saturday Miss Sutherland was leading, with Miss Strange, Miss Ford, and Miss Grahame coming after in that order. There is still very little difference between tho totals of any of' the girls, and each night tho positions are altered. The southern beauties appear each night with the Auckland candidates, and they get their full share of applause. Mr G. A. Wycherley, the Otago judge, left for Auckland yesterday. The judges will meet on Friday morning in Auckland, and their decision will be announced on Saturday evening. An idea of the continued excitement in Auckland is conveyed by tbo follow, ing extract from the Auckland ‘ Star ’ of Saturday:—“Again last evening a great crowd gathered ; outside tho theatre to await the arrival of tho visitors and the local finalists. As the girls arrived they were cheered and clapped, the crowd pressing about them, so that tho police had to clear a way for people entering the theatre. When the girls left the crowd had assumed vast proportions. The cheering was tremendous. It drowned the music of tho orchestra inside the theatre. At first it was impossible for the cars to more away, and the police had to be appealed to. The last car to leave was that of “Miss Wellington,” containing Miss Doreen M'Cubbm and her maid of honor, Miss Isobel Wilson. The car was practically carried along by. the surging crowd, which followed it down Queen street, many people running behind it. At the Customs street intersection the car was forced to stop, and there again was another great press of enthusiasts.”

Ou Friday tho Auckland candidates and tho southern girls visited the disabled soldiers' in the Evelyn Firth Home, and were escorted round, stopping for a few moments at each bed or wheeled chair to chat with the occupants, who made much of tho girls, and offered each and all hearty congratulations. An action, typical of her ever natural manner and sweet disposition, was performed by little “Miss Canterbury” as the party was saying farewell to the men. She was carrying a tiny bunch of flowers, and, passing down the ward, she stopped at tho beds and handed the ex-soldiers each a flower.

The party enjoyed # themselves immensely at the beautiful home of Mr and Mrs Wintlo iu St. Stephen’s avenue. “Miss Otago” had her first game of tennis in Auckland, and won it, while “ Miss Wellington ” and Miss Distin Strange, one of the Auckland finalists, braved the cold waters of tho Parnell baths.