Scene Unparalleled

Evening Star, Issue 19412, 22 November 1926, Page 5

Scene Unparalleled

Cheering Heard All Over City An Aucklander’s Account [Speciae to tee ‘ Star.’] To Otago has gone the honor of owning “ Miss New: Zealand,” for on Saturday the special Judging Committee selected Thelma M'Millan, the beautiful nineteen-year-old , f Otago girl, as the dominion’s representative beauty. Wei* lington gained second honors through Isobel Wilson being chosen as Maid of Honor., , It will be a long time ere Aucklanders work themselves into such a pitch of excitement as that which had its grand climax at His Majesty’s on Saturday night, and on the streets after the performance. A great crowd had gathered in Durham street and' His Majesty’s Arcade, while the theatre was packed to the doors. The atmosphere was electric when Mr Louis Cohen (judging chairman) walked on to the stage at the end of the vaudeville show. The eight finalists were lined in front of a \ huge dais, packed with bouguets and a profusion of presents. Miss M'Millan was on the left and Miss Wilson on the right, and the ovation was the most spontaneous to data of many wonderful receptions. Wanganui’s leading barrister did not keep the audience long in suspense. He spoke of the glory of beautiful girlhood as typified by the examples on the stage, and said the loveliness of these gulls spoke louder than any words of the success of the beauty contest. Not realising that these few brief remarks were his speech, the audience was totally unprepared for the dramatic announcement: “ Miss M'Millan, of Otago, is Miss New Zealand.” Then there came a tremendous roar of applause that positively shook His Majesty's, and this increased as Mr Cohen decorated Thelma with the ribbon of honor. Then he led the girl to the footlights to receive round upon round of thunderous applause, the audience rising spontaneously to cheer until its vocal organs failed. The queen of beauty retained her usual composure, and,' blushing delightfully, bowed to those paying her heartfelt homage. Hundreds of streamers were thrown to the stage. The demonstration continued for some minutes, and the’ applause was taken up by the tremendous crowd outside, so that the cheering could be heard all over the city. The first to congratulate “Miss New Zealand” were her seven associates, who immediately surrounded her and kissed her in turn. The chairman waited for dead silence to announce Miss Isobel Wilson (Wellington) “ Miss New Zealand’s ** Maid of Honor, and again the house let itself go, cheering,; clapping, and shouting tumultously. The Wellingtonian was obviously taken aback at the decision, and it could be seen that it was totally unexpected. She, too, was warmly con* gratulated. “ Miss New Zealand ” and the other six con* testants kissing her. When order was once again restored Mr Cohen handed Miss M'Millan cheques for £250 and £so*. and to Miss Wilson £IOO and £25. The other provincial finalists received cheques for £SO, and the Maids of Honor, £25. . Then followed the presentation of countless bouquets; and many fine trophies associated with the competition,; These included a white fox fur for “ Miss New Zealand ’’’and a fox fur for her Maid (the gifts of Mr H. Blandford, Pal* merston North), which the girls immediately donned. Tha hou«e continued to applaud as Mr Cohen handed the presents around, and there was another amazing outburst as the' curtain fell. There was great excitement in the streets; but Auckland had not finished its tribute to the chosen beauties,- “ Mies New Zealand” and her Maid appeared at the theatre balcony and waved to the waiting thousands, who cheered them to the echo. There were further remarkable scenes of enthusiasm; while the girls were leaving in their cars, Miss M'Millan getting a terrific send-off. The traffic in Queen street was congested, and it took the police and the inspectors all their time to keep and restore order. At the Hotel Cargen another great crowd congregated, giving “Miss New Zealand” and Miss Wilson a rousing reception, and refusing to leave until, , the girls again appeared before them. There can be no shadow of doubt that the decision of the Judging Committee was popular to the last degree. On all sides on Saturday night, yesterday, and to-day could be heard remarks upholding the verdict. To any disappointed people the six unsuccessful finalists are showing an excellent lead by the adoption of a truly magnificent sporting spirit. In the face of their defeat the sextet is still the happiest lot imaginable, and full of praise for “ Miss New Zealand ” and her attendant.