CHRISTMAS GIFTS FUND.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VI, Issue 269, 30 October 1916, Page 3

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FUND.

NAPIER’S EFFORT. COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS “ON THE JOB.” SATURDAY’S GYMKHANA. There are some who think that trivblities should not be indulged in during the terrible struggle for supremacy that is embroiling all the nations of the world, but the broader minded, who realise that misery and hppiness are separted by only a hair’s breath, and that light hearts are good assets, see no harm i i certain festivites provided the same are directed to a good purpose. Many of our soldiers will he gladdened by the Chrismas gifts for which money is now being raised. The effort on this occasion is justified, and it was pleasing to note that hundreds took part in the entertainment. The Napier Christmas Gifts Fund Committee were wise in accepting the assistance of the Commercial Travellers, who are showing such determination that every person who becomes the subject of their attention has to pay the P nalty. On Friday evening the men “on the road,” clad in white, took charge of the Marine: Parade in the vicinity of the band rotunda, ami with the assistance of the Napier C ity Band gladdened the hearts of the multitude, and emptied their pockets. '’lron Crosses,” made of aluminium, and bearing the word 'exempt eel.” sold freely at 10 6. while a brisk trade was done in sv. eets. etc. Occasional raiding parties made sudden dashes into isolat-f-n places, and emerged with the financial scalp of some modest victim. The Minister of Public Health (Hon. G. W. Russell) was captured on the Masonic Hotel balcony, and, after paying his way. compelled to fire a few verbal shots at the crowd. In the course of his remarks, the Minister said Hawke’s Bay held the record amount supplied by any district in the Dominion for the. sick and wounded. The patriotic funds amounted to nearly £2,660,01)0. He then referred to the fact that 60.000 New Zealanders had gon? to fight fi,r the Emnire. The dull day wa.s passed. and the dawn of a dav w;::-: undoubtedly breaking when th“ trained hordes ot German infantry would fall in the dust. In conclusion the Minister said any complaint f’om a returned soldier who became i’i as the result of active service would always receive his persona! attention. The Minister was cheered, and the figures in white went in search of other victims. SATURDAY’S DOINGS. Shortly after 7 o’clock on Sa’urday morning the men in white were again on the move, and by 9 o’clock the town was the subject of another attack. ORCHESTRAL PARADE. At 9.."' the Commercials, or “white angels'' as the Hon. W. G. Russell termed them, paraded in full dress to the tune of their unique but jovial orchestra. They presented an exceedingly happy crowd, as they journeyed through the main streets, in drags, each one sending forth, on his own instrument— which by the way consisted chiefly of tin whistles and paper trumpets—an unnatural little air, supported by hearty choruses oi patriotic songs.

MANY FUNNY ATTRACTIONS. At 10.30 a.m. a large crowd as-s'-m'bled at the Marine Parade Rotunda to witness the bestowal of the “Freedom of the City” by the Mayor (Mr. J. Vigor Brown) to the Commercial Travellers. The ‘'white angels” formed a guard of honour from the Soldiers’ Club to the rotunda, through which Air. Brown, clad in raiment of many coloured flags, passed through, preceded byBugler Slater and a gay Scotch piper, two Boy Scouts acting as train bearers. In a few well chosed words, Air. Brown presented them with this valuable document, stressing the fact that this was the first time he- had been able to bestow such a great honour and especially o-i the C.T.’s. He hoped the people would open their purses wide and assist these hard workers, who threw body and soul into this great work. He wished them all luck.

Mr. Griffiths thanked the Mayor Gil behalf of the Travellers, and after stressing their intentions oi ever supporting the Empire trade, presented him with an historical old Zulu sword to be placed in our Museum. In accepting it. Mr. Brown said, he hoped and felt sure that vert scon we would have German gunand weapons to put with it. He regietted this one remark—but he said he did not care even if (he trades people objected, but the si opkeepers had refused to close their shops even for two hours in order to assist the C.T.’s in theii “fling.” At this stage Colonel Hughes. D. 5.0., an old Napier boy, was seen in the assembly, and three hearty cheers were called for and accorded the returned hero. The procession then proceeded t<. the scene of the “Mock Court, headed by the Mayor, carrying his Zulu sword. THE MOCK COURT. The marquee erected at the top cf Emerson street was the scene of this great sporting event, “The Mock Court,” where Mr. Roy Lee. of Palmerston North, formerly o> Napier( acted as “His Honour, the Chief Justice.” The majority of charges were handsome, and'the laughter caused thereat was a treat for all. The charge sheet was so lengthy that its publication would fill the “Tribune.” To avoid being charged with intent to victimise certain offenders, >&■> we probably would be if we published an incomplete list, our readers must rest content with the report of the case against the Chief Citizen of Napier, whose portrait happens to be the main feature of the Christmas number of the “Auckland Herald” this year. THE MAYOR’S CHARGES. J. Vigor Brown was charged with being found in disguise, resembling Jacob, in manv colours, being connected with the firm of Neal and Close, and for not drinking his own beer from the brewery. On the first charge his defence was that a certain Councillor would_ not know him unless in disguise.** Fined a total of £l2.

AT McLEAN PARK

MANY ATTRACTIONS

At 1.30 p.m., the City and Regimental Bands, and numerous gaily decorated -motors, assembled at the Marine Parade Rotunda, and formed a procession which journeyed via Herschell and Hastings streets, en route to McLean Park, where several thousands of people assembled to

view the numerous attractive events mapped out on the programme. Appropriate music was supplied by the two bands alternately, and the Park presented an unusually gay appearance, thronged with myriads of happy hearted folk young and old alike, following the dictates of the Summer weather, and donning their pretty light suits. The school events, in which several hundreds of boys and girls partook, caused a large share of interest, especially to the. younger folk. The military exercises etc., by 7 the boys, showed well found training, while the Alaypole dance by the girls, was an. exceedingly pretty affair. The poi dance and singing by the Convent Alaon girls, was also a pleasing event, lhe flower and sweet sellers, as well as the afternoon tea stalls, found business very brisk. The jovial Commercials continued their mock Court throughout the afternoon. In the motor events, which were of interest to lovers of motor indulgence, especially, “See-Saw/* and Straffing the Zeppelins,” were the cause of much laughter. The C.T.’s Alock Court was continued in the marquee on Saturday evening, when many interesting charges and fines were made. Following are the results of the events: — MOTOR EVENTS. The motor eents resulted as under: — . “Straffing the Zeppelins.— Miss Kettle 1, Airs. Ziele 2, N. Mackersey 3. Seventeen entries. Stopping competition. — Airs Ziele 1. H. Nattrass 2, Aliss Olive Codd 3. Fifteen entries. See-Saw.—H. Gould 1, Anderson 2, D. Henning 3. Sixteen entries. Tilting the Ring.—T. Calder 1, H. Natrass 2, Aliss Codd 3. Twenty entries. Musical chairs.—Aliss AX . Rundle and D. Henning 1, Aliss Brabant and A. Brown 2, Airs. Cato and .A. C. Mathieson 3. Fourteen entries. Driving Competition.—AV. Larew (1.37 3-5) 1. 11. Bate (1.41 2-5)2, Alacfarlane (1.57) 3. SCHOOL EVENTS.

The stewards in charge of the school events were Messrs. AV. A. Armour. E. Ah Hudson, AV. G. Martin. E. Bissell, E. A. Garry and Brother W Segifride. Lieutenant-Colonel Hislop filled the roll of adjudicator. The results are as follows : —- Girls’ Chase Ball, 15 girls a team. -Napier Alain B 1, Napier West and Alain A (tie) 2. Boys’ Chase Ball.—High School 1 Alain School A 2, Marist Bros. 3. Relay Race. 1000 yards, 10 a team. — Napier Alain School 1, High School 2 South School 3. Twenty-four small girls under the direction of Misses Craig and Northcroft, partook in the Alaypole dance. Th 3 High School boys gave a display of Swedish drill and the Technical College boys a surprise drill.

“MY SWEETHEART.”

AT MUNICIPAL THEATRE

The Municipal Theatre was again well packed on Saturday evening, to witness the second staging of ‘‘Aly Sweetheart,” under the excellent direction of Air. Sidney Davys. Though the first iierformance was considered excellent, the second showed marked improvement in many ways. Great credit is due to the organiser, and his band of helpers, who brought about such great success. The result of both performances will be a handsome sum towards the “Christmas” gifts. After the conclusion of the play, the happy “white angels” appeared on the stage and treated the audience to tricky little snatches of song, during which many coins were thrown on to the stage. Three cheers were called for “The Boys at the Front,” the drawing of the C.T’s Art Union bringing the programme to a close.