QUEEN CARNIVAL

Evening Star, Issue 23718, 28 October 1940, Page 7

QUEEN CARNIVAL

SUCCESSFUL DAY AT RANFURLY FAIR F4R AIR FORCE QUEEN A .boisterous cold wind made conditions unpleasant at Ranfnrly on Saturday, when the carnival and sports spirit prevailed during the gala organised to raise funds for the Air Force Queen. ' Despite the weather, however, the day, financially, was an outstanding success, £7OO being raised. Pony races, sideshows, a greasy pig race for the children, steer riding, and sports and .pastimes of all kinds, all well .patronised, helped to Contribute towards the desirable end achieved. The outstanding feature of the day was a procession, which led off the proceedings, and was notable for the wide „ variety and amusing nature of many of the costumes and outfits. Old-thn* buggies and gigs, with the drivers cos- ' turned to suit the part, .were well to the fore. The children’s costumes were outstanding. Pride of place was given to Miss Nellie Herlihy (Countess of Maniototo), who was given the setting of a special float suitably decorated. She vas welcomed by the chairman, Mr Ira Fraser, who made an appeal to all present to support the fund generously. Mr Clive Wood (deputychairman of the Central Co-ordinating Committee) alio issued an appeal, after which Mr W. J. Crawford, a member of the Central Co-ordinating Committee, made a special canvass of farmers present and collected no less than £307, mostly in amounts of £lO and £5. In the evening a casino was run in the local hall, and the tug-of-war and ether events were completed. The proceedings, both in the afternoon and in the evening, were brightened considerably by the presence of the Dunedin Highland Pipe Band, the members of which gave their services gratuitously for the occasion. The result of the day’s effort, £7OO, including the £307 previously referred to, reflects great credit upon the local committee. RODEO AT OMARAMA. The rodeo at Omarama was affected ■ to'some extent- by the cold .wind, but there was a very representative attendance. The day took the form of a 1 sports meeting, and there were no sideshows or other money-making devices, so that the takings for the afternoon, £4O, were a good effort. Miss Mary Pratt and party were present and were welcomed by the chairman, Mr Arthur Monro, Mrs Monro, and other members of the committee. Later the party was entertained at Mr Arthur Monro’s homestead at “Dunstan Peaks.” The social and dance held in the evening. was an outstanding success, and there was scarcely standing room for those who wanted to get into the hall. Mias Pratt received an ovation as Mr Monro escorted her to the platform, accompanied by two of her maids-of-hon-our, Mrs J. H. Stevenson and Miss Betty Thomas. Other members of the party included Mesdames Monro. A. Cambridge, and D. E. Neave, Miss Dora Drake, Flight-lieutenant Stevenson, and Messrs A. C. Cameron and I. Hodding. Mr Arthur Monro, who presided, welcomed the guests, after which Miss Pratt and Flight-lieutenant Stevenson ■poke. Mr Cameron, chairman of the Central Co-ordinating Committee, thanked the people of Omarama for the fine response they had made to the rehabilitation appeal, saying that he understood £4OO had been collected, apart from that day’s activities. Miss Pratt and Miss Dora Drake sang, the flag appeal resulting in the collection of £ls 5s Bd. At a later stage a further £5 was offered, with the request that Miss Pratt should sing a Scottish song, which, to the delight of the crowd, she did. The total takings, for the evening amounted .to approximately £6O. During the evening three soldiers on leave were bidden farewell and presented with mementoes, and Miss Pratt presented the trophies which had been won at the rodeo and sports gathering. TOWN HALL DANCE. A satisfactory sum was raised for the Amy Queen’s funds at the weekly Army Queen dance in the Town Hall ' and Concert Chamber on Saturday night, when there was a large attendance of dancers and spectators. The principal attratcion of the evening was i an exhibition of maypole dancing by the New Zealand Paper" Mills team, which won the competition at the “ Olde English Fayre.” Under the coaching of Miss Joan Walsh, the team, in attractive costumes, gave a spectacular exhibition of the traditional dance, the gay ribbons and background of flowers and greenery adding to the brilliant effect. Coloured lightinn was also used to advantage, and the exhibition was greatly admired by those present. Modern dancing to music by Mat de Laney’s Radio Rhythmics was enjoyed in the main hall, and oldtime dancing attracted its patrons in the Concert Chamber, where Wright’s Orchestra supplied the music. . Queen Airini was. present, and was given an enthusiastic reception. FOR ARMY FUNDS. The printing and allied trades, which are working actively in support of Prinoss Stella, will hold a function in aid >f Armv Queen funds on Friday evening next in Messrs Coulls, Somerville, Wilkie’s new premises at the corner of Cumberland and St. Andrew streets. It will take the form, of a fair. Mr Gerald Lane will perform the opening ceremony at 8. when Queen \irini and Princess Stella will be present. Maypole dancing and the many games and competitions provided for the entertainment of both young and old will be the principal, attractions. There will also be a variety of wellstocked stalls, where there will be on sale vegetables, cakes, sweets, produce, etc. A visit to the fair will pay before laying in week-end supplies.

Lucky tickets will he on sale. 6d each, entitling the holder to a chance in a valuable cash prize. With the keenness and enthusiasm already shown, the fair promises to be a great success. Patrons should follow the coloured lights down St. Andrew street from Macdonald’s corner. AIR PURGE QUEER ACTIVITIES GALA AND SOCIAL AT WAIKOUAITI Taking into consideration the size of the district, and the population, no part of Otago has done more for the Air Force Queen than Waikouaiti, which added to its laurels on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon by collecting an additional £lO5 for the funds Organised on Friday evening by the ladies bowlin"’ club and assisted by the W.D.fTU. and the Women’s Institute, a social evening proved an outstanding success. Dances were interspersed with

items by local artists, assisted by Mr Arthur Robertson (baritone) and Miss Jessie Brown (dancer), of Dunedin. Miss Alwyn Nicol, Countess of Waikouaiti, played Miss Pratt’s appeal song, ‘ England,’ and this brought £5. The gala day held on Saturday, organised by Mr C. T. M'Callum, aided by an energetic committee, reflected great credit on all concerned. The function went with a swing, and the pony trots, side shows, and other amusements were thoroughly enjoyed by all. Special mention is deserved by the decorated tricycles and perambulators paraded, while the chocolate wheel proved a very popular rendezvous, and mado quite a lot of money. On Thursday evening a further appeal will bo made by a social and dance at Merton. _______