SPORTS’ CARNIVAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18999, 23 October 1923, Page 7

SPORTS’ CARNIVAL.

AN AMBITIOUS EFFORT. WEEK’S REVELRY COMMENCED In an endeavour to raise funds for a number of sports associations, the executive of the Sports’ Wonderland Carnival has launched a scheme rivalled by few in the history of local ventures of this type. On Saturday evening the Hon. C. E. Statham, M.P., officially opened in His Majesty’s Theatre a carnival that, representing the strenuous efforts of a legion of workers, will extend over a week. A gala day at the Caledonian Ground yesterday was further evidence of the comprehensive scale on whiyh the festival is being conducted. A BRILLIANT SPECTACLE. THE CARNIVAL LAUNCHED. An indication that the organisation of the Sports’ Wonderland Carnival had been left in capable hands was afforded by the thorough manner in which public attention was drawn to the event. But to realise the extent to which the organisers had exerted their efforts it was necessary to spend a night at the carnival. This realisation was accompanied by another of equal satisfaction to the supporters of the sports bodies concerned—the loyal and strenuous support that had been offered by the players themselves. Not only had they contributed their own services in the interests of their sport —they had also enlisted the services of their friends. Let it not bo thought that it was to services alone that this support was confined, for ample evidence was provided that contributions of articles to the stalls proved that the duty of a player towards his or her sport was fully recognised.

The organisers of the .carnival have sot out in an endeavour to raise at least £2OOO. hue money is to bo divided among tho four bodies controlling the effort—the Otago Cricket Association, the Otago Ladies’ Hockey Association, the Otago Hockey Association, and the Otago Football Association. The Otago Cricket Association started the season with a debit balance, and, if it desires to participate in the Plunkot Shield competition this year, it will be required to send a team up to Auckland. In that lies a necessity for funds that no doubt has tho sincere sympathy of the public, and by supporting the Sports’ Wonderland Carnival they are availing themselves of an opportunity to assist in relieving this unsatisfactory situation. These four associations, which have no other substantial sources of revenue than the fees of the players, are desirous of improving their playing areas, and also wish to make their paternal interest in the sport in the schools more of a financial nature than they have hitherto been able, to do. The carnival has been well named. Nothing better describes the present state of His Majesty’s Theatre and the adjoining buildings than “Wonderland.” The theatre —the stage in Wonderland —has been appointed the scene of a series of entertainments provided by sports and supporters of sport. And the entertainments are of a type befitting Wonderland. Passing through to the annexe, one encounters Wonderland clothed in a cloak of jollity, .J3ideshows are equalled in variety only bv their quality, and the public patronage has, up to the present, been on a very liberal scale, while tho happy, laughing faces are evidence of many cheerful givers. Sideshows, however, do not provide tho sole attraction in this quarter, which constitutes the efforts of the Cricket Association and part of the Football Association. Stalls are strongly in evidence, and are stocked with a fine selection of saleable articles. The Post, and Telegraph Football Club, by arranging a telegraph office, present another feature. By this means telegrams can be sent out to anyone in the buildings, and amusement and utility are strikingly combined.

Other novel features include a sand hunt, in which buried treasures are sought from the sands. A wishing_ well is surely an appropriate institution in Wonderland, and a laughing gallery never fails to win favour. Wireless concerts are included in the list of attractions, a receiving outfit having been installed at the rear ot the annexe.

Having investigated this section of Won derland, the visitors follow the “beaten track,” and, arriving in Fullers’ Hall (up-, stairs), find the scene transformed into one of beauty and artisirv. “Te Olde English Village” introduces Wonderland in another state. The cloak of jollity is not laid aside, but it is partially covered by the cloak of industry. Here is represented mainly the business life of this happy community. “Te Olde English Fayre” is in progress, and in “Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe’’ is found much to interest passers-by. The village pump, the homely firs, and the village cat strolling round effectively interpret the peaceful life, apd the splendour of the scene is enhanced hy a brilliant arrav of delicately coloured lights. It is in this region that the two Hockey Associations and the Football Association operate, and they submit a fine range of goods on a number of beautifully and cleverly decorated stalls. Supper is available, and the appeal from this section meets with a response that keeps the assistants busy for the greater part- of the evening. ; Victoria Hall presents Wonderland in still another state. Revelry and gaiety arc at their height, and in the Palais de Dance an amateur orchestra, under the direction of Mr M. Faigan, plays enjoyable music, while merry couples dance to its strains. The hall is artistically decorated in jazz colours, admirably blended, and the floor is in excellent condition. The system under which the dance is conducted is to make a small charge for each dance, after which the couples leave the hall. Attired in fancy dress, hockey girls tour the buildings and sell tickets Tor the Palais de Dance. It would be superfluous to refer to the freedom With which the tickets change hands. As a whole the carnival is an ambitious project, and one that, _ by reason of its quality, should meet with success. Each stall is furnished with a strong band of assistants, and girls in fancy dress see that visitors do not fail to enter any compeli tion or fail to make any purchase merely on account of not knowing about it- Side shows would not bo aide shows , without the support of canvassing' showmen, and this detail has not been overlooked. Caro in detail, it may bo said, is a feature of the enterprise. A Busy Bee competition is being held in connection with the carnival, and it is being conducted along the lines of a queen competition. Each association is represented by a princess, and the princess representing the association collecting (he most money will, at the end of the carnival, be enthroned as queen. , The loilowing are the princesses:—Miss i'odd (cricket), Mrs Nelson (ladies’ hockey), Miss Park (men’s hockey), and Mrs J. Race (Association football). The relative posi lions of each princess will he intimated at the conclusion of each night’s proceedings. Band music is supplied by different bands. The Dunedin Highland Pipe Band assisted in this respect on Saturday evening. OPENING SPEECH. The opening ceremony was performed by the Hon. C. E. Statham, M.P., who. was accompanied on the platform by Mr Roy S. Johnston, chairman of the Executive Committee controlling the carnival. Mr Statham said that it gave him great pleasure to be present to declare the carnival officially open. He had read in the newspapers an advertisement over the name of Mr Douglas M. Spudding, the secretary, that the carnival would be opened by Air Statham, and then the fun would commence. (Laughter.) Perhaps, added the speaker, that was one of Mr Spedding’s little jokes, lie wished to congratulate the young people, and all those associated with the function, in the energy they had displayed m getting it up, and he sincerely noped it would achieve the success which its pro moters hoped for. —(Applause.) borne people said there was too much sport among our young people, but ho did not agree with that view. He thought a great deal of good accrued from healthy sport. When ho was younger he had engaged in various branches of it, haying been an indifferent footballer, a mediocre cricketer, and haring dabbled a little in hockey. Ho considered that he had benefited greatly 1 y his association with these health-giving activities. Ho thought every boy and girl who was physically capable should indulge in some form of sport. It not infrequently brought out the best that was in a boy or girl. How often did one hear the remark: “He was a sport’? The committee responsible for the promotion of the carnival was to be congratulated on the magnificent display it had arranged, and it -uly remained for the public to bestow their patronage to moke it the

success which the venture warranted. Ho then declared the carnival open, amid a round of applause. THE STALLHOLDERS. The following is a list of stallholders and their principal assistants: Cricket Association. Work Stall—Mrs G. M. Baker (principal), and Mesdatnes C. Todd, MTntyre, and Rylance. Cigarette Stall.—Mrs Roy Johnston (principal), Mrs V. H. B. Pinfold, and Miss Phair. , . Soft Drinks.—Mrs Guy Pickard (principal) and Misses Reece, Richardson and Pickard. Hoop La.—Mr A. Gilland and Miss N. Freddy. Laughing Gallery.—Mr A. Hudson. Side Shows—Mrs G. M Baker and Mr W. A. Rowlands. Otago Footbai.e Association. Telegraph Office. —Mr T. J. Craik (P l '”*' cipal) and Messrs C. Barrowclough, 1Urecr, R. Bain, ft. vVilsou, O. J. Robertson, A. S. Harwood, L. Benfeli, and Weir. Jumble Stall—Mrs Jiu. Crawford (principal), Misses Ruddiman and Atkinson, and Messrs Lat/imer, Mackle, and James. Produce Stall.- Mr Fulton Rutherford (principal) and Messrs J. Frame. J. Campbell, T. Ruddiman. J. Scott, and Berry. Sweets Stull.—Mrs F. E. L. Forrester (principal) and Mesdamcs J. Duncan, J. A. Deuehrass, and , I. M’Grorie and Miss Youngman. Ladies’ Hockey Association.

Work Stall. —Mrs Richard Hudson, jun. (principal), Mrs G. Nelson, Miss Dewar, and hockey girls. . Sweets Stall.—Mrs J. B. Moss (principal) and girls from the Otago Girls' High School, King Edward Technical College, and Columba College.

Men’s Hockey. Jumble Stall. —Mr T. S. Mitchell (principal) and Messrs T. Mitchell, E. Gillespie, and J. Starr. Ice Cream and Soft Drinks.—Mr H. F. Payton (principal), Mrs Payton, Misses Newman and Butler and Mr Carson. Flower Stall.—Mr and Mrs E. A. Hamel, the Misses Hamel (3), and Mr W. Beal. Yo Village Pumpo.—Messrs J. Gray, J. Martin, and L. Fogo. . t Cabaret. —Mr Fitzmaurice and Pizey s orchestra. Tea Rooms. —Mrs G. A. Martin and Mrs A. M. Miller and 20 assistants.

Jazz Orchestra. —Mr Mark Faigan. Among those who have greatly assisted the organisers in their work are Mr Fitzmaurice, who conducts the dancing, Mr F. J. Lough and the staffs of various firms; (who are "in charge of the lighting), and Mr Niven, whose decorative work was greatly appreciated. The action of the City Council in lending a number of coloured lights was also appreciated by the executive. Those in charge of floral decorations would be glad to receive contributions of flowers during the carnival. ENTERTAINMENTS. A very creditable programme was given in His .Majesty’s Theatre. Two performances of half an hour each were submitted during the evening. The first performance was a series of fancy dances by Miss Lappan’s students. It was at once apparent that Miss Lappan had excellent material to work on, and had not failed to take full advantage of it. The various dances were particularly well conceived and arranged, and, what was equally important, they were well executed. 'Die lighting and dressing left nothing to be desired. The second programme was that highly amusing one-act comedy entitled “jMrs Bouncer’s Boarders,” but probably better known as ‘‘Box and‘ Cox.” The parts were taken by Mr A. R. Gard’ner (Box, a printer), Mr Lampen (Cox, a hatter), and Mrs A. R. Gard’ner (Mrs Bouncer). The characters were admirably sustained and the performance was provocative of much laughter. A special feature of the performance was the introduction of the famous “Twin Duet,” capably sung by Mr Gard’ner and Mr Lampen, with a few topical verses written by Mr Gard’ner added. LAST NIGHT’S PROGRAMME. A new feature in the way of entertainment was introduced last night, when the students of the Otago School of Dancing submitted an interesting item. The pupils give a very graceful exhibition, and their performance was loudly applauded by an appreciative audience. Another presentation of “Mrs Bouncer’s Boarders” by Mr and Mrs A. R. Gard’ner and Major Lampen was thoroughly enjoyed. The performances were not separated, as on the previous occasion, so that the audience would not require to leave the theatre in the interval.

There was a very large attendance last night, and Pizey’s orchestra' was engaged in the Palais de Dance throughout the evening. The combined band (Kaikorai and St. Kilda) played a number of selections, and the whole proceedings passed off as satisfactorily as they did on the previous evening. The positions of the princesses last night were; — Cricket (Miss Todd) .. 1 Ladies Hookey (Mrs Nelson) ... 2 Association Football (Mrs Race) 3 Men’s Hockey (Miss Park) 4

GALA DAY. A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME. Further proof of the high standard of entertaintneut set by the Sports Wonderland Carnival executive was contained, in the programme for the Gala Day at the Caledonian Ground yesterday afternoon. Competitions of all descriptions were included. and so complete and thorough had the arrangements been that there was not a dull moment throughout the afternoon. Highland piping and dancing contests were held, and wore judged by Mr Waterson (dancing) and Mr Ken Cameron (piping). These attracted a large number of entries, and wore of a. very interesting nature. At the same time athletic events were hold, and foot races, bicycle races, boxing contests, and wrestling contests were intermingled in such a manner as to avoid any possibility of monotony. But there was little likelihood of monotony, as, with few exceptions, the finishes were too exciting to leave any danger of a waning in. the of the spectators. There was a latgo attendance for a sports meeting, especially in view of the holiday. The weather was fine, and the strong wind that prevailed in the morning dropped in the afternoon. Though abounding in quality, the meeting was not without its comedy. A bun and treacle race was a substantial contributor in this respect. A number of treacled buns were suspended from a cord, and the competitors had to run up, eat a bun (without touching it with the hands), and run back. Morgan and other University runners won distinction by entering the sack race, 'but they did not face tho bun and treacle event. The winner attacked his bun in .a business-like manner, and soon had it on the ground. In this position he lost few moments in reducing it to a sorry state. Less fortunate competitors had to negotiate with a dangling, sticky bun, and—what made them still less fortunate l — subjected to rear attacks from other dangling, sticky buns. The sack race, as usual, provoked a good deal of mirth, especially when the senior runners entered. The announcement that, after turning a somersault on the way, “Little Master Morgan” has finished third in tho final, was received with applause. Tho cycling races were exceptionally wellcontested, and excited intense interest. The boxing and wrestling wore creditable performances, and a hockey match between a ladies' team and a team of boys in fancy dres, attracted its fair share of attention. Tho 'fancy dress team eventually won by one goal to nil. At intervals during tiro afternoon enjoyable music of a varied nature was provided by a combination of the Kaikorai and the St. Kilda Bands. The running events attracted entries from most of the well-known local amateurs, and included a rely race between University and Pacific. In this race Morgan brought o(f one of the most exciting finishes seen here for a long time He had 220yds to run, and started about 25yds behind his opponent. He was loudly applauded when ho won by a yard and a-half. In handicap events Morgan was sot too high a hurdle to win a first place, but after great efforts ■fie always succeeded in finishing among the first three (even in the sack race). The following wore tho officials in the sports events:—Boxing—Referee, Mr 11. L. Humphries; judges. Messrs J. Gawn and G. Davis. Wrestling—Judge, Mr VV. Oouahlan. Amateur athletics —Referee, Mr E. L. Macassey; judges, Messrs R. Donnell and A. Melville; time-keepers, Messrs IT. A. Hogg and A. Burk ; starter, Mr W. Rudkin ; handicappora, Messrs B. R. MTvernan and H. J. M'Kenzie; megaphonist, Mr O. H. Luckhurst; (rack steward, Mr R. Thompson; marksman, 'Mr F. Gibson; call steward. Mr F. J. D. Rolfo; number steward, Mr R. Swinney, Results : RUNNING EVENTS 100 YARDS, boys under 13 years (five starters) : D. Martin 1 M. Rodgersson 2 ICO YARDS, bjys under 14 years.—First

heat (four starters) —W. Neill 1, F. Shanahan 2. Second heat (four starters) —P. Drnmm 1, T, Lacey 2, E. Langs 3. Final. W. Neill 1 F. Shanahan 2 P. Drnmm 3 Time, 12 2-ssoo. Won easily by six yards, four yards between second and third 100 YARDS GIRLS’ RACE, under 16 years (five starters). May M'Lennan 1 R. Hitchcock 2 T. Crichton ... ... ... a Time, 12 4-ssec. The winner got away well and won by a good margin.

ICO YARDS OPEN HANDICAP.—First heat (eight competitors): W. J. Gibbs (siyds) 1, H. D. Morgan (scr) 2, E. G. Wilson (Byds) 3. Second heat (seven competiors); R. W. Campbell (3£yds) 1, H. G. O'Kano (Byds) 2. H. J. C. M’Kenzie (s;lyds) 3 Time, 10 2-ssec. Final. : W. J. Gibbs 1 H. G. O’Kano 2 H. I). Morgan 3 Time. 10 2-ssec. Won by a yard. Morgan ran a fine race. and..was beaten for second place by inches, his handicap being too heavy for him 440 YARDS HANDICAP, under 18 years (five starters). C. H. Duff (Byds) 1 R. Donaldson (scr) 2 A. N. Duff (4yds) 3 Time, 59 2-ssec. C. H. Duff took the lead from soon after the start, and, running with a long stride, kept in that position throughout the race. About 100 varda from homo he was strongly challenged, but finished up with a fine sprint, winning by four yards. His brother was beaten for third place by six inches. 220 YARDS HANDICAP, under 15 years. —First heat; K. Green (scr) 1, J. M’Clintock (7yds) 2, A. Mowat (3yds) ,3. Won by 10yds. Time, 26sec. Second heat: L. E. Macassey (s£yds) 1, P. R. Ramsdeh (9yds) 2. L. O’Regan (7yds) 3. Won by a yds. Time, 27 3-Sseo. Final. K. Green (scr) ... ... 1 J. M’Clintock (7yds) ... 2 L. E. Macassey (3iyds) ... 3 The field was bunched until about BCyds from the tape. Then Green came with a good run and won by 3yds. SACK RACE.—First heat: P. Gray 1, T. Riddle 2. Second heat: T. Crichton 1, T. Lacy 2, Third heat: Morgan 1, Brownlie 2. Final.

P. Gray ... 1 T. Lacey .2 IT. D. Morgan 3 220 YARDS OPEN HANDICAP.—First heat (four starters); 11. D. Morgan (scr) 1. J B. M'Miken (9yds) 2, D. N. Eppstein (17yds) 3. Time, 23 3-ssec. Second heat (eight starters) : J. J. Brownlee (Byds) 1. A. W. Duff (17yds) 2. L. G. M'Queen (Byds) 3. Time, 23 l-ssec. Final L. G. M’Oueen ’ J. B. M'Miken .. 2 H. D. Morgan 3 Time, 23 l-ssee. The three placed men finished in a bunch, and it must have been difficult to decide whether Morgan or M'Miken was second. 880 YARDS HANDICAP. D. D. V. M‘Lean (45yds) 1 T. C. Drumm (40yds) 2 L. E. Jordan (syds) 3 Time, 76 4-sscc. M‘Lean won from Drumm by about 4yds, Jordan coming in 10yds behind Drumm. 100 YARDS LADIES’ HANDICAP (hookey players). Miss C. Lyders i Mis M. Kingston 2 Miss D. Steel , 3 A good race for first place. Miss Steel was 2yds behind Miss Kingston. BUN AND TREACLE RACE. W. Campbell 1 Cameron 2 Lacey 3 440 YARDS OPEN HANDICAP (seven ' competitors). , D, N. Eppstein (30yds) 1 J. B. M’Miken (Byds) ... ... ... 2 11. I). Morgan (scr) 3 Time, 63 l-ssec. M'Miken and Morgan both ran strongly, and out out all opponents except Eppstein, who won by a couple of yards. M'Miken beat Morgan by a yard. RELAY HANDICAP. University (scratch) 1 Pacific (60 yards) 2 Time, 3min 56sec. The teams were: University (L. E. Jordan, J. B. M'Miken, J, J. Brownlee, H. D. Morgan), Pacific (M'Lean. Monaghan,, O. H. Duff, A. W. Duff). The first men (Jordan and M'Lean) ran 880 yards, fell© next (M'Miken and Monaghan) 440, and the last two (Brownlee and C. H. Duff and Morgan and A W. Duff) 220 each. Jordan failed to reduce University’s handicap, but M'Miken brought, it down to 40 yards. Brownlee ran strongly and reduced the handicap another 15 yards, leaving Morgan 25 yards to make up. Morgan ran a beautifullytimed race, and, after an exciting effort, got in a yard and a-half ahead of A. W. Duff.

CYCLING EVENTS. ONE-MILE AMATEUR BICYCLE HANDICAP. Six starters. L. R. Hay-Chapman (65 yards) 1 N. Mackay (scratch) 2 A. C. E. Wells (50 yards) 5 Time, 2min 35 2-ssec. An exciting race. Hay-Chapman took the lead from the start, and at the end of the second lap he was well ahead of the second man. Mackay, who had been steadily making up for hue handicap, drew up level with Hay-Chap-man’s back wheel at the end of the third lap. It looked as though Hay-Chapman had lost his chance, but he had ridden a judicious race, having saved his energy for a long final sprint. Mackay hung on to his wheel right round, but 50 yards from homo Hay-Chapman drew ahead by inches and won by a good length. The third man was a fair distance away. ONE-MILE PROFESSIONAL BICYCLE RACE. Six competitors.. T. Brosnan (140 yards) ... 1 W. Lucas (350 yards) ... 2 T. M'Crorie (250 yards) 3 Time, 2min 30sec. Lucas, the limit man, kept a strong lead till the third round. M'Crorie yielded second place to Brosnan 400 yards from home, and the latter steadily crept up on Lucas. About 150 yards from homo Brosnan took the lead, and won by 10 yards. M'Crorie strongly challenged Lucas, who just managed to keep his lead, winning by half a length. TIIREE-MfLES PROFESSIONAL CYCLE RACE. Seven competitors. T. Brosnan (60 yards) 1 L. Long (20 yards) 3 B. Dawson (50 yards) 3 Time, Bmin 7 4-ssec. At the end of half a mile W. Lucas (140 yards), Brosnan, and Long were riding close together in the order named. Shortly after this Brosnan and Long took the lead, Lucas falling back, and the remainder of the race lay between Brosnan and Long. They were right out from the others. In the last lap Brosnan was leading Long by only a few lengths. The finish was a most exciting one, Long failing to catch Brosnan by a length, BOXING EVENTS. LIGHT-WEIGHT. L. Drew beat Didham. Didham was the cooler boxer, and scored well towards the end of the first round Drew did most of the leading, and connected with some good- right swings to the head. Me opened strongly in tho final round and kept Didham defending till tho gong went. FEATHER-WEIGHT. J. Leckie and R. Fulcher drew.

Fulcher was the bigger of tho two. and seemed to favour open fighting. Leckie, on the other hand, favoured in-fighting, and hit oftencr than his opponent. In the second round Leckie gained an advantage, but in tho third round Fulcher got in some strong lefts tc the head. The referee's decision was a popular one. PAPER-WEIGHT. S. Casey and W. Campbell drew. Both boys hit hard. Campbell left Casey to do most of tho leading. In the second round Campbell got in some hard hits with each hand, but the second round was in Casey’s favour, the smaller boy connecting with several straight lefts. WRESTLING. D. Sheohy and T. Walker drew. The style adopted was catch-as-catch-can. The first bout wa s strenuous and went to Sheehy, but in the second Walker proved the victor, so that each secured a fall. PIPING AND DANCING. MARCH, STRATHSPEY, AND REEL, for junior pipers.—W. Budge 1, D. M'Kay 2, Gibson 3. FLING, for girls under 1C years.—Eileen King 1, Lucy ttobinson 2, Rotna Wilson 3, FLING, for boys under 10 years. -Thomas M’Donald 1, Willie Murray 2.

SEANN TRUIBHAIS, for girls 10 and under 12 years.—Olive Scott 1, Georgina Munro 2. Alice Brocket! 3. IRISH JIG, for boys between 10 and 12 years.—Eriok Gordon 1, .Ronald Ritchie 2, Harold Wilson 3. HORNPIPE, for girls between 12 and 15 years. Maggie Gall 1, Rhona Beal 2, Lorna Budge 3. SWORD DANCE, for boys 15 years and under.—Eric Gordon 1, Harold Wilson 2, Ronald Ritchie 3. HIGHLAND REEL, for girls under 18 years.—May Hnngerford 1, Maggie Gall 2. Georgina Mnnro 3. IRISH JIG, for girls under 18 years. Lorna Budge 1, Rhona Beal 2. Maggie Gall 3. FUNG, for girls under 12 years (novices), —Margaret M'Kerrow 1, Nellie Thorn 2. Hazel Gibson 3.