"KERMESSE FRANCAISE."'

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16946, 4 September 1918, Page 5

"KERMESSE FRANCAISE."'

OPENING AT TOWN HALL TO-DAY. An unique opportunity of showing appreciation of the magnificent heroism of the French army will be afforded the citizens of Auckland thi 1 : afternoon, when the liennesse Francaise, or French fete, organised by the Tribute to France Committee, will be opened at the Town Hall. The opening ceremony will be performed by the Mayor, and the fete will continue,, to (lav ;.nd to-morrow afternoon and evening. ' The promoters have been working hard to ensure success, and a most novel and enjoyable form of entertainment, based on Continental line?, has been arranged. Half the proceeds will go to the French Red Cross and half to French patriotic funds. There will be' many attractions, including stalls lor the sale of rare and beautiful Island trophies, produce, sweets, cakes, toys, and dolls. An attractive display will be that of 200 dolls donated by the business girls of Auckland. One* of the principal features will be the holding of continuous concerts, consisting of fancy dancing, operatic choruses, and selections by the Mounted Rifles Band. Afternoon tea will also be served. Authority has been given for tho holding of a raffle, with valuable prizes, on the admission tickets. The Scarlet Troubadours will give a benefit concert in aid uf the fund to-morrow evening. A novelty in connection with the collection of funds will be the perambulation of the principal streets of the city, to-day, tomorrow, and Friday, by a representation of a tank. The tank, which is 30ft long. 10ft wide, and about Bft high.will be "christened by the Mayoress in Shortland Street at 12.30 p.m. to-day. It will be manned by returned soldiers and by girls dressed in French peasant costume, , who will assist the movement by the sale of tickets of admission to the Kermesse, ' surprise packets, and a brochure by Mrs. S. V Irwin on "What Auckland Migiß I Be " '.under a town-planning system.''