ST. CLAIR CARNIVAL

Evening Star, Issue 22274, 27 February 1936, Page 7

ST. CLAIR CARNIVAL

SUCCESSFUL OPENING NIGHT FLOODLIGHTS ON BREAKERS The striking and colourful effect of tlie play of powerful Hood lights on the surf and the streamers of coloured electric bulbs illuminating the esplanade and surroundings amply justified the claims of the promoters of the annual carnival of the St. Clair Improvement Association, opened last night under happy auspices, that it was to be a “ carnival of a thousand lights.” r J he effect of the beautiful lighting on the sand and the sea was admired by thousands of people, and in itself was worth going a long way to see. Rut this unique spectacle was only one of the many attractions offered lor the enjoyment of the big crowd of people, who obviously entered into the spirit of carnival and found unbounded pleasure in making the round of the various stalls and games. Altogether the scene was one of colour, gaiety, and animation as_ the happy throng, estimated at over 5,000, sought diversion here and there. The organisation was well planned and executed. Festoons of coloured lights showed the way to the carnival, which had numerous up-to-date features, the stalls and tents being well arranged in and around the pavilion. Reminiscent of “ chocolate alley ” of the exhibition years were the games, which, though experiencing a quiet time at first, afterwards did particularly brisk business as the crowd entered into the spirit of the occasion and invested their proverbial nimble sixpences and threepences. Tlie band of the Otago Regiment provided an enjoyable programme during the evening. A note of amusement and burlesque was introduced into the opening ceremony, in which an aeroplane, members of the St. Clair Life Saving Club, and “ the governor and governess of White Island ” took a prominent part. Shortly before 8 o’clock the aeroplane, flying fairly low, circled in front of the esplanade, and dropped a flare and a parachute intimating that their excellencies from White Island were on their way to the beach to grace the carnival with their pifsence. Canoes manned by members of the life saving club put out to sea to bring the visitors to the steps of the pavilion. Much merriment was caused as the party came ashore, the band greeting them with the playing of the ‘ White Island Anthem,’ which proved to he the popular ‘ The More We Are Together.’ The mayor (Rev. E. T. Cox), in officially declaring the carnival open, congratulated the St. Clair Improvement Association on its organisation and trusted that its efforts on this occasion would meet with success. His AVorship referred to the excellent work about the beach which was the result of the activities of the association, and said it was hoped a great deal more would he done in the future to make the waterfront the most attractive in New Zealand. There was the proposal to extend the esplanade towards the St. Clair Baths, and later to have it stretching from >St. Clair to St. Uilda. The landward side of it could then he planted with trees and lawns and sports ground could be made, and it would be very attractive and beautiful. It was hoped the public would give the association the support jt deserved. At 9 o'clock the flood lights were turned on the surf, and an interesting display of rescue work was given by a team of the St. Clair Life Saving Club. Business was carried on briskly at the various stalls _ and games till a late hour, the takings being very satisfactory. Fortunately the weather was beautifully fine, and the large crowd had every opportunity to thoroughly enjoy the amusement provided. Credit for the success of the carnival this year is due to the president of the association (Mr R. C. Love) and an enthusiastic committee and the organiser (Mr F. H. Lam pen). The carnival will he continued to-night and on Saturday afternoon and night.