MISS MARY PRATT

Evening Star, Issue 23724, 4 November 1940, Page 8

MISS MARY PRATT

WINKER OF QUEEN CARNIVAL ,SUBSTANTIAL LEAD ON OTHERS TOTAL OF £55,000 ANTICIPATED Miss Mary Pratt (the Air Force Queen) has emerged victorious from the Queen Carnival campaign, which ended on Saturday. Collections on her behalf totalled over £30,000, which was approximately £B,OOO in excess of the combined totals raised on behalf of the Army and Navy Queens. These figures are not complete, as numerous returns are still to come in, notably the art unions, but the position of the Air Force Queen cannot be changed. Both the Army and Navy Queens are so close that it is not advisable to nominate a second position at present, as the art union moneys will decide the issue here. It is expected that of the objective sought of £IOO,OOO for the rehabilitation of Otago’s fighting forces after the war the campaign will have_ resulted in approximately £55>000 being raised.

Miss Pratt’s advantages in the campaign were seen from the outset, for she had the support of the whole of the country districts, in addition to which she is a very well-known figure. Country people supported her with considerable enthusiasm, and her- very hardworking committee considered no trouble too great in order to further her cause. Miss Pratt also derived a fair amount of support from citizens who were duly appreciative of the

strenuous time she has had touring the country since the carnival was launched. Her victory is a very popular one, and on Saturday over £30,000 had been paid in by committee. The Army Queen (Miss Airini Grennell) and the Navy Queen (Miss Jessie M'Lennan) were actually not widely known apart from their connections with radio, and their interests in the city were divided. Nevertheless they received a considerable amount of support, and between them they have caused the fund to benefit to the extent of approximately £22,000. The “ listener speaks ” appeal, which closed the campaign on Saturday, raised approximately £3,000, the money being divided among the queens according to the donors’ requests. The crowning ceremony will probably take place on November 16. TAHUNA PARK GYMKHANA. The gymkhana at Tahuna Park was continued on Saturday afternoon and night, when large crowds were present, the peak pressure being estimated at about 15,000. The function,'which was organised by the various queen carnival committees and the Otago A. and P. Society, may be looked upon as one of the most attractive ever held in. Tahuna Park. Weather conditions, following an uncertain commencement, could hardly have been bettered, and .during the afternoon it was very pleasant indeed in the grounds. It is expected that by the time the figures are made up £7OO clear will be paid into the funds, a very satisfactory return indeed. Results of the afternoon equestrian events were;—

Hunting Competition (gentlemen riders).—Miss J. M’Gill’s Peter 1, Miss N. Kerr’s Mystery 2, W. Hastie s Johnnv Walker 3. Hunting Competition (lady riders). — Miss M'Gill’s Peter 1, W. Hastio’s

Johnny Walker 2, Miss N. Kerr’s Mystery 3. Leaping Championship of Otago.— W. Hastie’s Johnny Walker 1, Miss N Kerr’s Mystery 2, G. Kirk 3. Musical Chairs (sweepstake).—F. Ford 1, G. Kirk 2. Pony Trot No. 2.—F. Ford 1, R. Fox 2, W. Bell 3. . Pony Trot No. 3.—J. Geddes 1, R. Olds 2, A. Fox 3. • GAY ’NINETIES.’ Memories of the theatre when the stage was in its heydey were brought to the Dunedin public on Saturday night when ‘ The Gay ’Nineties ’ Revue, held on behalf of the Army Queen, attracted a good attendance to His Majesty’s Theatre.. It was a very well arranged revue, the greater part of the entertainment being so effectively handled that something of the spirit of the ’nineties really was caught, this being apparent in the costuming, settings, and general demeanour of the participants. TOWN HALL DANCE.

Mainly through the efforts of the manager (Mr Joe Brown), the Saturday night dances in the Town Hall, which lately have been in aid of the Army Queen’s funds, have furnished the sum of approximately £1.50 for the rehabilitation fund. The programme last Saturday was an attractive one, the hall being decorated to suit the maypole dancing. In the first of a series of weekly contests in this fascinating pastime the Dominion Manufacturing team defeated Sargood’s. Mat De Laney’s Radio Rhythmics provided the music in the main hall, soloists being Miss Alma Kitto and Mr Arthur Waller. Maori concert parties from Gtakou, Moeraki, and Puketeraki were present, and gave greatly enjoyed numbers. Wright’s Orchestra, played for the oldtime dancing in the Concert Chamber.