ROTORUA CARNIVAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2120, 20 February 1908, Page 2

ROTORUA CARNIVAL.

A SUCCESSFUL OPENING. Press • Association. ROTORUA, Feb. 19. The opening of the carnival was an unprecedented success. Fully four thousand people were present. The procession was very unique. Sir Joseph and Lady Ward joined in the procession. The Raouls were in strong force, all dressed in native costume, and in my mounted'on horseback. Maoris-gave Sir Joseph a warm welcome. On air-rival at the cafuiival grounds thirty children danced effectively a maypole. Lady Ward, on .behalf of the carnival committee, rewarded them each with a box of chocolates, shaking hands with each performer.

The chairman of the carnival committee, in .inviting Sir Joseidi to open the carnival, referred 'to the first carnival held five years ago, and compared that with, the present function. The programme Mas am ambitious one, but the committee M as confident of success. The object of the carnival Mas to provide evening entertainment for visitors.

Sir Joseph said it gave him pleasure to bo present t-o open the carnival as the head of -the Government, Rotorua being a Government -township. 'He quoted statistics .to show ivhat expenditure had been made by the Government on Rotorua. He referred t-o the progress of the toM'n, and wished the"organisers of -the carnival every success. Many side shows were on the ground. The town is quite full of visitors, many from oversea. A complimentary dinner takes place tonight, tendered to Sir Joseph by the Chamber of Commerce. The .procession passed off without a hitch. The proceedings on the ground M’ore verv interesting. The weather was fine," and a cool breeze was blowing throughout the day.