WEEK OF GAIETY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 238, 5 September 1933, Page 5

WEEK OF GAIETY

CARNIVAL AT BLENHEIM. Per Press Association. BLENHEIM, Sept. 4. Dull skies and drizzling rain ushered in the “Come to Blenheim” week and thousands of flags, streamers, and bunting, with which the town is decorated, hung darkly, but the enthusiasm of the crowded town appeared too much for the clouds that fled before noon, giving place to glorious sunny weather for the official opening of the carnival in the afternoon.

The occasion was marked by a trades procession over a mile long, including many fine exhibits and two bands, while a brief opening ceremony was held in the rotunda in the market place. Speeches were given by the Mayor, Mr M. McKenzie, and Mr R. P. Furness, who mendaciously declared that ho “was probably ' the oldest inhabitant” as he was here when the Post Office was last painted, and Mr H. R. Dix, president of the New Zealand Boxing Association. Councillor T. Forsyth represented the Wellington City Council. Among the many messages of goodwill received are telegrams from the Mayor of Wellington, the* Minister of Internal Affairs, and former residents of B’enheim now in various parts of the Dominion. The crowd was full of enthusiasm and the shops, which are making special displays, were thronged throughout the day. The carnival reached its height tonight on the arrival of the boat train from Wellington. The pipe band headed the procession, which marched from the station through the town, the passing of the band being the signal lor the throwing in of electric switch after switch until Blenheim was outlined in thousands of coloured lights in the whole business area of Alfred Street, Market Street, Market Square, Queen and High Streets. Long strings of lights outlined the whole of the shop verandas with strings across the streets. Every few yards the more prominent buildings, such as the Post Office, were lit by concerted batteries of floodlights, while other lofty structures were outlined in coloured bulbs, the whole effect being very striking and ingIn the latter part of the evening most of the crowd joined in community singing and dancing, interspersed with novel competitions. . To-day marks the beginning of the gayest week in Blenheim’s history, and it is confidently believed that it will mark the end of the depression. Visitors unhesitatingly declare that the carnival represents the best community effort ever seen.