CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 21 December 1937, Page 11

CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL

AT TAHUNA BEACH N u MI ; RO U S ATT FACTIONS The carnival at Taliuna Beach during the Christmas and New Year holidays will be the first of its kind yet attempted in Nelson, and the numerous novelties which have been secured for the programme of events should draw large crowds of sightseers. Gala days have been held on the Beach in other years, hut they have been single day efforts only. Nelson has lagged behind other centres in this respect; many of the cities hold sustained periods of revelry in the course of which large sums of money arc gathered in towards the objects in view. The "mardi gras” festivals that have been held in Napier on numerous occasions arc an example so also are the numerous beach carnivals and sports meetings held on Caroline Bay, Timaru, which have gone far to make Caroline Bay the Mecca of beach bathing and sport in the South. Island. Not before has Nelson attempted a carnival extending over a week. The combination of the Taliuna Sands Association and the Garrison Band in this effort is a happy one. No citizen can afford to disregard the claims of the band for financial help from time to time and this will present a golden opportunity to the people to help its funds, and at the same time lo reap the enjoyment that will be provided for them. So far as the Taliuna Sands Association is concerned it exists for the express purpose of improving the attractions and facilities at Taliuna Beach, and its share of the proceeds of this carnival will go back on to the beach in the shape? of further improvements. Lastly, it may be rembered that the word carnival means “a solace of the llcsli,” and was the name applied to religious feasts in days gone by. Given line weather, there should be much of sand, sea, and good entertainment to solace the weary workers of the past year during this week upon the beach.

A novelty not yet attempted in Nelson is the “Miss Nelson 1938” Bathing Beauty Competition, lor which the most handsome prizes of any event on Uie programme have been awarded. It is to be hoped that this most interesting competition will be supported by the lady swimmers and bathers of Nelson. It is a voting contest, and tickets will be sold at a small sum to be used as voting papers lor the chosen candidate. The entrants will parade on the afternoon of the two main holidays and, moving pictures will be taken of the parade. Each entrant will carry an arm band showing her number, and the voting paper will be endorsed either with the number or name of the one voted for. A large number of entrants should be forthcoming, and masks will be provided for any ladies who aspire to be voted on as the most attractive person to fill the bill of “Miss Nelson” and who wish to conceal their identity for the nonce. The final result of the voting will be announced on 3rd January.

Thrills of a new nature will be provided for sightseers by the Three Aerial Dalgados, whose bill is a most attractive one, and can safely be looked forward to as the star item of the week’s programme. A parachute descent on the beach will be eagerly awaited by the assembled crowds. Whippet racing on the cricket field will be another novel item not before seen on the beach.

Each evening will be full with a programme on the platform of a varied class of events, culminating each night with cabaret dancing open to all, while the raucous cries of the side-show men will no doubt fill the air in their attempts to draw silver and copper contributions from the pockets of the many who enjoy this indispensable part of a gala.