TABUNA'S GALA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 7 August 1928, Page 6

TABUNA'S GALA

TO AID FIRE BRIGADE

Vm% SUCCESS!"fI,)b ATTENDANCE OVER TWO THOUSAND More than two thousand people attended the gala held on the .Tahuna beach yesterday in order to raise funds for the benefit of the Tahunanui Fire Brigade. The clear sunshine which continued all day more than overcame the westerly breeze that blew for some hours and the scene of the gala was by no means a cold spot. The children were specially catered for and they seemed to be everywhere enjoying themselves to their hearts' content. The many stalls and competitions attracted large crowds anxious to win the large boxes of chocolates that were given as prizes. Appetising afternoon tea was provided in a. large enclosure amongst the stalls and was liberally patronised throughout the day. The ankle competition attracted a number as aspirants and a still larger number of "judges" for the shapeliness of the ankles was decided by the votes of those who viewed them. The winners were as follows:—Miss Ruby Andrews, 1; Misses Jellyman and J. Andrews, equal, Q. Oiio of the most popular sections of the day's entertainment was the children's dancing competition which brought forth a small regiment of '"kilties" and others. Music for the Scottish dances was provided by Pipers Patterson and O'Hara. The winners were as' follows: Highland Fling (girls under 10): Peggy Freemani 1, lona, Nelson 2. Highland Fling (girls over 10 and under 16): Jessie McKenzie 1, U. Nelson 2. Sword Dance (under 10): Jean McKenzie ■l, Peggy Freeman 2. Sword Dance (over 10): Jessie McKenzie 1, U. Nelson 2. Eileen Tregidga won prizes for Ranting the Sailor's Hornpipe and the Irish dig. The pnze for the Shean Trubhias went to Jessie McKenzie. At the conclusion of the competition dances, an exhibition of double sword dance was given by the Nelson sisters.

Amongst the many novelties that were provided for the public was the "lucky spot" box of chocolates (a coveted prize valued at £2) to be given to the wearer of a "T.F.8." badge found neaiv est to a certain point on the beach at 4 o'clock. Little' Miss Kathleen PyeSmith was the lucky person. The baby competition did not iittract many entries but the babies that were on view were a credit to their parents and to Nelson. They were all healthy and pretty and the judges must have had a hard task. The mothers of the prize winners were: —Baby under 6 months : Mrs Burns 1, Mrs'.Stagg 2: Over 6 months: Mrs T. Goodman 1, Mrs Ivil 2. Other competitions resulted as follows: |

Harriers' race—over 12 years: TJJ. Tanner 1, R. Day 2, A. Friend der, 12: P. McConchie 1, J. Jackman 2, F. Hibberd 3.~

Relay cycle: A. amj^W.rß. Neale 1. One mile cycle: M. 'Kitt 1, J. Sullivan 2.

The event of the day as far as the children were concerned was undoubtedly ' "Captain Cook's landing" an historical tableau carried out by the Sea Scouts. Shortly.after 3 o'clock the great navigator's vessel was seen in the offing but she was making heavy weather of it and it was some time before she was well in shore. The Captain then took to his brig which was ■ soon ploughing through the surf. He arrived ashore more or less dry shod and was met by a group of suspicious Maoris (of the vaseline and cocoa tribe). The Captain's friendly overtures soon disarmed all suspicion and he Was able to run up the Union Jack unmolested and declare New Zealand under the Crown. He brought with him a "cow" and a wild pig to the great Joy of the many children who had gathered at the water's edge. The gala ended shortly before ,5 o'clock. The day was suitably rounded off by a dance in. the evening.