CHINESE DRAGON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22949, 29 January 1938, Page 10

CHINESE DRAGON

FESTIVITIES IN SYDNEY SPECIAL IMPORTATION [from our OWN cobbespondent] SYDNEY, Jan. 15 A kind-faced, gentle dragon, 300 feet long, which the Chinese community has / imported for the pageant at the Sydney Showground next month, has been released from bond. Four experts in Chinese pageantry, specially brought out, immediately unpacked the 20 huge packing cases, containing the dragon and accessories. The head of the dragon, made of glazed "paper and bamboo, stands six feet high. His tongue pokes out, his eyes roll, and it will take 60 to 80 men to carry his twisting tail. But his general aspect is one of benevolence. The head is brightly painted and decorated with brilliant cloth pom-poms and hanging ornaments. Ho will be the centrai figure of the mile-long procession, which the Chinese of Sydney plan for the Showground on the night of February 24. The young local Chinese selected to carry the dragon in his dance will be specially trained by five more experts coming from China. These experts will vbring special fireworks, including set pieces of the Harbour Bridge and other Sydney sights. 'Accessories to the dragon include paper fish seven feet long, great paper birds, animals,' butterflies and beetles. These; with lights inside, will be car- , ried in- the procession by costumed Chinese. Other items to be carried include paper Chinese castles, complete with miaiature human figures, fheso are packed with crackers, to be fired at a signal. The Commonwealth Government decided to forgo the duty. The celebrations committee had earlier decided that it would pay it if necessary.