NELSON NOTES

Greymouth Evening Star, 31 January 1923, Page 6

NELSON NOTES

(Own Correspondent.)

NELSON, January 29.

The long-looked-for carnival to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the province of Nelson commenced to-day. The

weather since the New Year has been very changeable, and grave doubts were felt if the weather would prove line for the week’s festivities. The morning broke fine, with a few clouds hanging around, but these soon dispersed, and brilliant sunshine was experienced all day. A large number of visitors arrived, many of them being old identities, one <>f them Mr A. B. Jackson, of Sydney, one of the oldest born settlers, his father having arrived iii 1842, and it is 45 years since Mr Jackson left Nelson. The city streets are gaily decorated with flags, nikau palms and festoons of creeping ferns. Ihe old settlers were entertained at luncheon at

Ti'athen’s Dining Rooms, over twenty of the old pioneers being present, and a. pleasant time was spent by the guests in reminiscences of the early days.

The road roller Marathon was the first official event, the course being from the Cathedral Steps to the Post Office and bark to the starting point, and the ..race was watched by thousands. There were two entries, the Nelson City Councils “Wairoa Belle,” weighing 12j tons, and the Waimea County Council’s “Sasanolf, weighing 10 tons. “Wairoa Bello” was conceded a fifty yards’ start. At the Post Office “Wairoa Belle” had gained considerably <>n its opponent. The driver, in true sporting spirit, waited for “Sasanolf’ to come up, and both started on the return journey from scratch, Waiioa Belle” winning in a canter, amid vociferous cheers. The time was about ten minutes.

At the Port a number of canoe races were held, at which a large number attended. Tuesday is the Children s Day, Wednesday Boxing Tournament in Trafalgar Park, Thursday (Anniversary Day) Grand Carnival and crowning of the Queen, Friday motor cycle sports at Richmond, and Grand Finale on Saturday consisting of athletic and cycling sports, at Trafalgar Park, and at night lantern parade and fireworks display.