KING EDWARD PARK CARNIVAL.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 8052, 4 August 1904, Page 2

KING EDWARD PARK CARNIVAL.

FIRST DAY'S PROCEEDINGS. The weather was distinctly unfavorable for the first day of the King Edward Park Carnival. In the morning it was bitterly cold, and a slight fall of snow did not improve the prospects. Shortly after noon the climatic conditions became much more satisfactory, but the finer weather was only temporary, and as the afternoon advanced rain again descended, and completely spoiled the enjoyment of the outdoor proceedings. Owing to the unfortunate circumstances already referred to, the procession was a complete failure, although the Borough Band turned out in full strength, and played a march to the park. OFFICIAL OPENING OF GATES. Arrived at the park the band played a musical selection, and a large crowd gathered to witness the ceremony. The Mayor (Mr Robbins) said it was a great pleasure to officially open the gates, which had been erected to commemorate the great success that had attended the industrial exhibition held in Hawera. They were all proud of their town, which, for its size, was as up-to-date as any other # in the colony. A reproach so far had been that they had no suitable park, but that reproach was now to be removed. They were now but making a beginning, but all who assisted would in a snort time have the satisfaction of having one of the pret tiest of parks. The speaker referred in terms of the warmest eulogy to the farsightedness of the early arrivals in Hawera, who had been responsible for securing the endowments that were now bringing in a revenue equal to 6d in the £ towards the rates. In the pioneering work Mr Robbins made especial reference to Mr J. Davidson. Those present could now see before them the nucleus of the future park. A number of trees and shrubs had been purchased and donated, and altogether about 500 had been planted. In that connection townspeople were under a debt of gratitude to Mr C. Goodson, who was Chairman of the Works Comnr.ttee. That gentleman had brought expert knowledge and enthusiasm into the work. The idea of having seats presented to the park 1 had been initiated by Mr Macklam, who had donated one and other gentlemen who i had followed that example were Messrs Wrigley, W. A. Parkinson, Goodson, Symes, and the speaker. Mr Roboins drew the attention of the public to the j plan upon which • they were working. A statue would form a central figure to commemorate the good work done in this district by the late Mr A. A. Fantham, while greenery would be planted according to the set design. The Bpeaker concluded his remarks by calling for three cheers for the park, which were lustily given. The gates were then officially declared open. > • FOOTBALL. At tho conclusion of the above function ; a football match in fancy costume was played, and cause some amusement. This was followed by a practice representative 1 match, a notice of which may be found in another column. CONCERT. '■ The weather 'that had marred the days . proceedings became even worse towards- , evening. Snow, sleet, and rain fell almost continuously from 5 until after 8 j o'clock, but in face of that there was a fairly numerous attendance at the Opera House. And the audience was in excel1 lent humor. The programme submitted ' was a distinct improvement upon the gen- ' «ral run of local entertainments. The 1 principal feature of the evening was the | fancy dancing by Miss Putnam's pupils. ' The arrangements were delightful and the '■ picture presented by the graceful movemonts of the gaily dressed girls was en- ' hanced in its charming effect by limelight i Rashes. The pupils appeared in eight dances and were undeniably encored on • five occasions. The audience was manifestly delighted with their performance. , The musical portion of the programme was hardly less pleasing. An orchestral . selection by the Hutchens family opened > the programme. Miss B. Flynn render- . Ed two songs in perfect style, and was twice recalled. Mr Swan's recitations [ were given in his own finished style, and „ he had to respond to three encores. Mr . Brown sang well. Miss Cook was re- , warded with a recall for her contribution, and a violin solo by Mr W. Hutchens was ', similarly honored. A vocal duct by Mrs ' Berry and Mr' W. Hutchens and a . vocal quartet by Misses Barley (2) and^ . Messrs Keen and Grace were warmly ap- , planded. All things considered the opening day of the carnival was generously supported, > and the committee have reason to expect that the entertainments arranged for the 1 remaining nights will be largely attended. TO-NIGHT'S ENTERTAINMENT. i _____ A first-class programme has been ar- ' ranged for to-night, consisting largely of '■ tableaux, in the preparation of which, & considerable amount of care has been expended. Th.c skirt dance and hprnpipe, 1 which were so highly appreciated last night, ai'G to be repeated. The ethe;.* ; items include songs by leading amateurs of recognised talent. The entertainment ■ fthould prove thoroughly enjoyable and be 1 largely patronised.