CARNIVAL FAIR

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 7, 7 December 1936, Page 9

CARNIVAL FAIR

HOKOWHITU SCHOOL. GALA. SPECTACULAR PROCESSION. Much enthusiasm marked tho Hokowhitu School procession and gala on Saturday afternoon. Organisation extending over a period of some weeks was responsible for the assembly, outside the Opera House, of an exceptionally good procession. It was a big undertaking for the hard-working school committee to carry through such an ambitious project, but the complete success which attended it made it an even bigger achievement. The weather was warm and line in the early part of the afternoon. Mr S. F. Collier (chairman of the School Committee), who was largely responsible for the splendid organisation, was in charge. The procession assembled in Church Street and moved off promptly to scheduled time, every driver knowing beforehand the exact position assigned to him. No marshal was required. Seven lorries carried children from tho school, and represented distinctive colour schemes. The procession was led by the Highland Pipe Band, with the Garrison and City Bands also participating. There was a very good collection of commercial floats and trade displays, their bright and original decorations adding to tho effectiveness of the procession. Hilarity was stimulated by many features, including a pair of impersonators masquerading as “Mother and Baby.” The careering antics and jumping propensities of a “bucking car” added to the fun as its team of comedians drove an erratic course round the city. Proceeding round the Square, the procession, which attracted a large following, went up Church Street and down Victoria Avenue to Milverton Park, where waiting school children in fancy costumes and with gaily decorated cycles and trolleys joined in. Girls, dressed in pink, threw petals and a merry battle of flowers raged round Manapouri Crescent to the school as the procession assumed the aspect of a floral fete.

Invested with a carnival spirit, the gala at the school took on the atmosphere of a fair, and about a thousand patrons flooded the school grounds in search of the amusements offering. For a period after the procession had passed, Albert Street, in the vicinity of the school, was jam bod with traffic. Stalls commenced to do splendid business, an energetic band of ladies being kept busy fulfilling the requirements of an endless stream of customers.

Exhibitions of dancing were given by the pupils of ALiss June Scott and Miss Gwen Gibbs. Under the supervision of the men’s committee, activities were brisk with the aerial boats, shooting gallery, dart board and other competitions. Mr H. H. Blake was established in the school building as a conjurer and hypnotist. There was a large entry of infants for the baby show, which was judged by Messrs L. J. Plank and G. A. Melville. Tlie lion, treasurer (Mr P. E. Crowther) spent a busy afternoon as the official receiving the cash which poured in for the committee’s funds.

The function was officially opened by the Mayor (Mr A. E. Mansford), tho Mayoress, who accompanied him, receiving a pretty bouquet from the hands of Shona Melville.

TRIBUTE TO LADIES’ COMMITTEE The chairman of the committee (Mr Collier) liiuouuceil Mrs M. 13. ilarroU as the very efficient convener ot the ladies' committee, slating tout she hail shown tlie utmost initiative, and capable leadership. He warmly . praised tue work ui the ladies' committee, which lie stated was one of the best which bad ever been associated with the school. The chairman paid a tribute to Mrs Manstord tor the keen interest winch she showed m functions tor the wel l are and happiness of children, and also to Mrs I'iank (wife of the headmaster), stating that both past and present pupils had for her the greatest affection and esteem. Concluding, the chairman thunked all the motor vehicle owners and tradesmen who had helped to make the procession such a success.

Returning thanks for the invitation to be present, tlie Mayor said lie could endorse all that bad been said concerning the very able ladies’ committee of tlie school. He praised the enterprise shown by the committee chairman (Air Collier), and said he trusted that the anticipations by the committee of large contributions to the funds would be realised.

Many of the children now leaving school, said the Alayor, were destined to be the leaders in the community of to-morrow, and the influence which they exerted would make or mar the lives of those who followed. Endeavours were made in the schools to implant in them the highest ideals. Those who took the line of least resistance would be tramping the road which led to weakened personal character and national disaster. They must never be afraid to face difficulties, because in overcoming them they improved themselves both mentally and physically. He hoped none of them would ever before “jelly-fish,” without the backbone to overcome temptations, and slip down the ladder of human achievement. If they always Remembered the Hokowliitu School they would never go far off tlie main highway of life.

The Mayor extended the season’s felicitations to the pupils and staff, and declared the gala open. Cheers were given for the Mayor and Mayoress. The principal stall-holders, who had a host of willing helpers, were as follow: —Tea-rooms: Mesdames P. E. Crowthcr and H. W. Cox. Cakes: Mesdames A. E. Stephens and J. H. Taylor. Ice cream and sweets: Mesdarnee J. Larsen and A. T. Bedingfield. Sewing: Mesdames L. Davis and F Bee. Novelties: Mrs J. B. Fleck. Produce: Mesdames W. S. Cooper and C. O’Brien. PRIZES AWARDED. Mesdames Mansford and Plunk judged the children’s decorated exhibits, awards being made as follow: tricycles: Joy Medway 1, Gretchen Taylor 2. Trolleys: Russel Harwood 1. Trevor Collier 2. Boys’ cycles: Alec McLeod 1 Billie Hannah 2; special, 'Ken Smart. Girls’ cycles: Julie Dean 1 Verna. Kingsbeer and Dorothy Drake equal, 2. Perambulators: Nona Bell 1, D. Gardner 2. Special: Noeline Starnes. Placings in the baby show were as follow: —Under 6 months: Yvonne Howe 1. Under 12 months: Marion Bailey 1. Under 18 months: David Hannah 1. The Manawatu Amateur Cycling Club held a ten-mile road race in connection with the gala, the course being three times round the block via Manawatu Street. There were eleven starters, and the result was as follows: O. Campbell (3min.) 1, P. Hulbert (2 min.) 2, F. Manning (2min.) 3. Rogers (scr.) made the fastest time, 26min. 20 sec. Mr J. Rush was the haudicapper and starter, the judges being Messrs Tingev, 0. Little and C. Sta-gpoolo. It was very unfortunate for the committee that misty rain set in at 5.30 p.m. and continued in a heavy drizzle throughout the evening, forcing the cancellation of the boxing and wrestling arranged as out-of-doors attractions. It also precluded a large at-

tendance in the evening, when the stalls had to be moved indoors. However, there was a fireworks display given with star-shells and rockets, and dancing and competitions wound up the gala.