Wairoa Carnival

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20137, 5 January 1940, Page 9

Wairoa Carnival

Sir,—At the conclusion of the Wairoa Queen Carnival, I would be grateful if you would permit me to thank all those people who worked so hard to make it the success that it undoubtedly was. From its commencement the carnival seems to have been dogged by misfortune. The war was, of course, a major disaster, and indeed for some time it was doubtful if we would be able to continue. I would like to pay tribute to those who assisted in those anxious days. Ii is most gratifying to know that whilst similar Centennial projects were either being abandoned or lapsing for lack of support, the people of Wairoa were able to carry their carnival through to such a successful conclusion.

Originally planned for six candidates, the war and other circumstances compelled the withdrawal of two of the strongest. Bereavements also affected two’of the candidates’ campaigns, and the necessary lengthening of the carnival by two months, made it exceedingly difficult for other committees to keep going. Yet in spite of this the Queen Carnival was brought to a most successful conclusion, and the amount raised, £BSO, was, I think, an excellent achievement.

Whilst it would be impossible to mention all those good people who assisted there are a number whose work demands public recognition. For the winning candidate great credit is due to the Maru Maru committee, who were her main bulwark, as well as all her other committees, and particularly to Mr. W. G. Brownlie, County Committee chairman, who was a major factor in Miss Delaney’s success. The Maori Committee put up a wonderful light to take second place. With a late start, and only a short time in which to work the amount they raised, over £240, was a remarkable achievement. I would in particular commend the secretary, Mrs. J. Macgregor, for the tremendous fight she made against so many difficulties. I should like also to thank that extremely busy man, Mr. D. Glengarry, as well as the members, of the Citizens' Committee, for devoting so much of their lime to their candidate’s campaign. I have a particularly soft spot for Miss Kath Foley, the P.W.p. representative, and the members of her Tuai committee, who put up such a gallant light against odds. Mention should also be made of Mrs. A. Moloney, who single-handed did much to assist her, as well as her Kopuawhara committee.

I should like also to pay tribute to the courtesy, and the great assistance at all times given to the campaign by the press, which was a tremendous factor in the success of the carnival. To all those I have mentioned, and to the hundreds of others who assisted, may I just say “Thank you.” JOHN WOOLF, Organiser.