PETS' PARADE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22345, 17 February 1936, Page 12

PETS' PARADE

CHILDREN'S CARNIVAL JUNIOR LEAGUE OF S.P.C.A. r CROWD AT CARLAW PARK A tortoise, two tiny black Shetland ponies, a woolly English sheepdog, white rabbits, kittens, and a pompouslooking gander wearing a pink bonnet and a red and white spotted bow, were among the many pets on parade at Carlaw Park on Saturday afternoon, when a children's carnival Avas held under the auspices of the Junior Leaguo of tho Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Crowds of children attended the carnival, and had a most enjoyable afternoon. They took part in the pots' parade with their dogs, birds, rabbits and kittens, and later were entertained by a Punch and Judy sliow, tricks performed by clever trained dogs, a display bj' cadets of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, dances by the pupils of Miss Cecil Hall, and a model aeroplane display by members of the Auckland Model Aeroplane Club. Music was provided by tho Auckland Girls' Band, and the I'onsonby Boys' Baud. Success of Eflort The carnival was the first of its kind I to be held by the Junior League, and was entirely successful in its object of | fostering the aims of tho Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. I and inculcating a lovo for animals in the minds of young people. A largo ! number of adults also attended, and the funds of the society should benefit as a result. Large dogs, small dogs, finely bred dogs, and some of humble ancestry, took part in the parade of pets, which was the main item on tho programme. Over 100 dogs were led in front of the grandstand by their proud young owners, and they ranged from a slim, aristocratic Borzoi to a fat little fox terrier pup whose short legs could only just carry him along the grass. Tawnycoated setters, a bulldog who took life very seriously, excitable terriers of different breeds, and sharp-faced collies all added to the interest of the parade. In view of the pugnacious qualities of some of the dogs, there was not very much confusion, although now and then impromptu fights were staged by fox terriers, cocker spaniels and Irish terriers, while others tangled their leads round their owners' legs. Dogs did not dominate the parade entirely, for thero was just as much interest in the tortoise which a small boy carried in his hand, the two kittens wearing blue ribbons and sitting comfortably in a bowler hat, the black hen drawing a sledge with a doll passenger, and the white rabbits, " Pinkie tho Gander," and the budgerigar riding on the end of a bamboo stick. Prizes Awarded The judges of the parade, Mrs. E. B. Gunson, Mrs. W. W. Averill, Dr. Gladys Montgomery, Mr. A. E. Jackson, and Major H. C. Nutsford, had a difficult task in awarding the prizes. Brian Stevens' Borzoi and Molly Thompson's red setter tied for the prize for tho most attractive pet, and Gordon Low's brown cocker spaniel and Theodore Yurak's setter also tied for the prize for the most affectionate dog. Consolation prizes were awarded to Phyllis Brooks for her dog and cart, and Norman Carr for his budgerigar. Among the outstanding items on tho programme were those by four representatives of the canine intelligentsia, Miss Lucille Payne's Bonzo, Mr. R. It. Woodcock's retrievers. Jack and Jill, and Mr. Morrow's spaniel Nicola Hue. They went through an extensive series of tricks, and were loudly applauded. Cadets of the St. John Ambulance Brigade showed how they would deal with a boy who fell off his bicycle and broke his leg, and when the patient was carried away, the members of the Aucklnd Model Aeroplane Club launched their machines and gliders into the air. The programme was concluded with races for children. Results were as follows: Girls, 6 years and .under 10: Norma Carr 1. Over 10 and under 15: Marie Burton 1. Boys, 6 and under: Graham Nutsford 1. Over 6 and under 10: Philip Dickens 1, Bruce Bell 2. Boys' sack race: Bruce Nutsford 1. Prizes for the pets and the races were presented to the winners by Mrs. E. Burton, honorary organiser of the Junior League.