PETONE GALA

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 12022, 27 December 1924, Page 7

PETONE GALA

A POPULAR BEACH. GAY CROWDS THRONG*THE FORESHORE. Despite an overcast morning, yesterday turned out fine for the -opening: of tie Petono Gala, and before" the morning had far advanced the foreshore n*as thronged with pleasure-seekers from both the Hutt Valley district and Wellington. The .beach presented a real holiday appearance, hung as it was with varied bunting, and studded with tents, andwith beflannelled men and gaily dressed women. There was a multiplicity of side-shows and booths, which were crowded to Iheir utmost capacity all day, while the Herotaunga Hall was well patronised by those who preferred to jazz in spite of the sultry weather. At one stage there were m coupies engaged in this particular ?astizne, and a v l day crowds' waited for an entrance. The initiative of the Petone Borough Council in laying down the concrete promenade was greatly appreciated, while much xiso was made of the seats provided by the Beautifying Society from the proceeds of the last gala. The day's arrangements were largely in tho hands of this society, and the following officers worked hard and enthusiastically to make the gala a success. In this they undoubtedly succeeded. Tor there was not one dull moment during day or night, and when one tired of watching the never-ending < strekm of «3onr there were competitions on tha beach, and in or on tho water to dmuse one* Li its efforts the society was assisted by the Petone Rowing Club and the Heretaunga Yacht Club, which bodies also -staged events. _ The fine weather hold throughout tie day, although the sultry heat reminded one more of a northern climate. A southerly wind rose in tho afternoon however, with .the result that events arranged by tho rowing club had to be postponed. There was no cessation in the fun-making when night fe'l, and the foreshore was illuminated by newly installed tights from the Hutt Power Board. The dancing proved a attraction, and large crowds again thronged the beach and side-shows. Following are the results of the various competitions and aquatic events 50 Yards Swimmirur Race, girls under 12.—Miss Christie, 1; Miss Wilson, 2. 100 Yards Swimming Race. ffuls under 10.— Miss Af. Mooney, Is A, Coolc, 2; J, Falknor. 3. ■* , $0 Yards Swimming Rlaco, boys under 12—Flowers. 1: Ryan, 2; Cox. 9* Sand Designing, boys and girls—B.. Stevens, 1; P. Clarke. 2. Rowing.—Senior Fours: Firat 2}*f V Monks (sh Cropp, J. McLaughlin, Palamontain (bow), 1; C. McLaughlin (a), T. glinn. Maude.. W. Wilson (bow). 2. •Final—Monks <s), Cropp, J. McLaughlin Palamontain (bow), 1; Burndgo (6), Hickron, Dickens, Bodgers (bow), 2. Juniors Fours—Collins (s), Kerr. Collette, Wilde (bow), i; Horne (s), Fordo, Heeney, -Barnes (bow), 2. very close race, wen by ball a length.. )• * ‘’, In the yacht race for 18 footers a close race resulted between Wonder and Trex, oVor a three and a half mile course. Xhe eoiixso was from the wharf, through Ihe Gap at Somea Island, across to' lowry Bar and back to the wharf. Wonder, on soratdh, kept well up on her opponent, who had smiu (handicap, and finally won by a mere Bseo. , ‘ ... The gala continues on the beach until New Tear's Day, and further attractions will, he presented between then and now. ■ •