CIVIC QUEEN WINS

Evening Star, Issue 21519, 18 September 1933, Page 3

CIVIC QUEEN WINS

CARNIVAL VOTING CLOSES SUM OF £4,300 CCLIEGTED ANIMATED SCENES IH TOWN HALL The final results of tlio queen carnival competition (sums collected being also given) were : CIVIC QUEUIN' (Miss HILL IK MITCHELL), £1,628 i Cinema Queen (Mrs 11. S. Black), £1,602 _ ... - Services Queen (Mrs Norali Boss), £864 Sports Queen (Mrs Richard Hudson), £766 ‘ Total amount taken, £4,860. The heightening interest in the queen carnival competition reached its climax on Saturday night, when the Town Hall was the scene of a gi’eat final rally hy the four queens and their supporters. One of the chief purposes of the demonstration was to bring the voting season to a close. Half-hourly progress re-

ports in regard to the state of the poll, were followed by the definite announcement of the winner. However, a remarkably fine musical programme was also presented, this feature of the gathering being in itself an entertainment which would have attracted a large audience, even without the excitement of 'the carnival election. By 8 o’clock the main hall was well filled, and as the evening drew on. the crowds became more dense, the maximum attendance coming shortly after the picture theatres closed down. The big floor was arranged so as to allow people to walk around in a free-and-easy manner, the band rotunda having been set up in the centre. The proceeds from the admission charges were equally divided among tho four queens, but all through tho evening amateur salespeople were busy in tho interests of their respective sovereigns disposing of tickets and various articles. Up till 11 o’clock the periodical announcements were greeted with _ loud applause and excited murmurings, and when Mr J. J. Marlow (chairman of the Central Executive of tho carnival

organisation) gave out the final result shortly after It there was a scene of tremendous enthusiasm, between 3,000 and 4,000 people loudly acclaiming the victor. From the sums collected it will bo seen that the civic and < inema queens did particularly well, and the total sum (£4,860) represents a very satisfactory attempt to reach the £5,000 which the officials had in mind as an objective when the carnival started. The crucial stage of the proceedings was in sight when a little after 10.30, the four queens, accompanied by the mayor (the Rev. E. T. Cox), took scats on the stage. From then on all eyes were trained on the stage, and all ears were open for the announcement of results. After the burst of cheering following the final statement had died down, each competitor returned thanks to her supporters, including those who had voted for her ami those who had helped to conduct her campaign. In making the announcement, Mr Marlow remarked on the closeness of the contest, pointing out the fact that only £26 separated the first two candidates. The total of £4,860, he. said, was a particularly gratifying one, because it was free of all expenses, and it was hoped that with the coronation undone or two further amounts which would be received the total would probably exceed the original aim of £o,ooo. The mayor congratulated all who had l iken part in the carnival on the wonderful success of their efforts, whichqhe described as a magnificent expression of the solidarity of the community, which was prepared, to come forward in such generous measure to_ help the more unfortunate of the citizens of Dunedin. As chairman of the executive Mr Marlow had worked wonders, and the success that had undoubtedly been achieved was duo in a large degree to his enthusiasm. CONCERT PROGRAMME. The concert portion of the programme opened with some spirited martial music from tho massed bands, the selections comprising 1 Colonel Bogey,’ ‘ Tho Groat Little Army,’ ‘ Invercargill,’ and ‘ Machine Gun Guards.’ Tho Cinema Queen’s display, which followed, was much enjoyed. In this section a male quartet sang some very attractive pieces, and the pupils of Miss Lily Stevens scored still another success with their delightful ballet work. A violin solo by Miss Eva Judd, a duet by Miss Tui Nor they and Mr Jimmy MVFarlane, and a solo by Miss Gwenda Burt completed a thoroughly satisfying bracket of numbers. The playing of the Stokes Banjo Band created a lively diversion, while Miss Webster’s_ golf ballet, which was appropriately featured in tho Sports Queen’s display, was enthusiastically received. Other dances wore given. Throughout the evening further band items were given by the St. Kilda Band (under Mr James Dixon), the Regimental Band (under Lieutenant Aston), the Kaikorai Band (under Mr A. G. Frost), the Stokes Banjo Band, and H.M.A.S. Australia’s Banco Band. Comprising the Coster Ballet, an attractive duet, and an entertaining item by some of the sailors from H.M.A.S. Australia, tho Civic Queen’s display was well in keeping with tho high standard of entertainment being provided, while the Services Queen’s representatives, the R..S.A. Choir, under Mr John T. Leech, sang several pieces with delightful harmony. its offerings being * The Song of the Jolly Roger ’ and ‘ Come Awav, Come Away ’ (soloist, Mr C. R. Williamson). Those who wished to dance found '"iich to attract them in the Concert Chamber, where there was also an item 'dven hy men from H.M.A.S. Australia. The Amusement Park, run by the Services Oucon Committee, was well patronised. After the final announcements n the big hall, the floor was cleared and dancing was enjoyed till midnight to tho strains of excellent music played by the Otago Regimental Band.

CORONATION GEREiGNY The closing scene of a most successful queen carnival will be enacted in the Town Hall on Thursday evening next, when the coronation ceremony will be carried out. The keen interest shown by the public in the contest is sufficient guarantee of the success of this last, and, perhaps, most impressive, of the many big events of the carnival. Indeed the demand for reserved seats has been heavy, and those people who delay booking wiil run the risk of disappointment. Arrangements have been made lor rehearsals oi the proceedings hy all the principals, and everything is being done to ensure that tho ceremony will bo conducted without a hitch. The “ royal ” procession will come from the rear of tho hall, up the centre aisle, and. by special steps, on to the stage, where the dais has been erected. After an appropriate offering of national airs by tho band of the Otago Regiment, the Returned Soldiers’ Choir will sing. Then will come the trumpeters, followed by the procession, and the crowning ceremony. The principal officials are; The Lord High Commissioner (Mr W. 11. Brugh), master of ceremonies (Mi Reg. Tapley), Lord High Chamberlain (Mr S. H. OsbornL The maids of honour to the Queen (Miss Billie Mitchell) will be the other three queens—Mrs R. S. Black, Mrs No rah Ross, and Mrs R. Hudson. Bearers of the colours, the bouquet, the crown, and the sceptre; the Royal Guards, and the sword-bearers will also form part of the procession. Tho box plan is at the D.1.C., and day sales at Jacobs’s and D.I.C.