ST. KILDA CARNIVAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20365, 23 March 1928, Page 10

ST. KILDA CARNIVAL.

BEACH IMPROVEMENT EFFORT HUGE CROWD AT EAST PARK AN AUSPICIOUS OPENING. All roads led to St. Hilda last night, and King Carnival held sway on tho occasion of the opening of the beach fete organised bv residents of tho seaside suburb to raise funds for the improvement of their beach. Although the opening ceremony was not due to commence until 8 o’clock, long before that hour a huge throng of merrymakers commenced to wend their way to tho beach, on foot, by tram, and motor car, and by a quarter to 8 there must have been some 200 cars parked iu the vicinity of tho carnival ground, while at its maximum the attendance wag estimated at no less than 14,000. And what a happy crowd it was! Old men and young men, staid matrons and giddy “ flappers,” forgot completely that there was a serious side to life, and entered joyously into the spirit of the carnival. Here and there could be seen little bands who were determined that the freedom of tho beach should be theirs, and to this end had donned motley fancy costumes weird and wonderful, and, casting aside the sadateness of everyday life, indulged in joyous revels. It was carnival night, and what did it matter if a balloon was exploded in someone’s face, or a streamer were wound around one another’s neck? Least of all it mattered to, the gay masqueraders. Last Park, for the nonce, was transformed into a veritable fairyland, and its blaze of multi-coloured lights took one back to the radiant days of the Exhibition. Here was the very heart of the carnival, the centre and basis of its farreachjng energies. Sideshows of every description attracted all who were prepared to spend, while on the well-stocked stalls was displayed an amazing collection of articles useful and ornamental, an? calculated to tempt all classes of buyers. If one became thirstv drinks or fruit could be readily purchased, while sweets to suit every taste were also on sale. And, in passing, it may bo mentioned that the greater part of these were made and given to the Carnival Committee by residents of the borough. Dainty and enticing cakes tempted buyers, and for the really hungry man a “ saveloy lounge ” sent an appetising odour into the air. In laying out the carnival the committee responsible must have expended no little time and trouble, and great praise is due to the host of volunteer workers who gave so freely of their labours in erecting stalls, and designing the arrangement. To obviate crowding the stalls have been erected in circular form around the brilliantly lighted amusement area, and in the centre st-uds the band rotunda. The arrangement of the lighting also leaves nothing to be desired, for, besides the rows of electric bulbs, powerful single lights adorn each polo and bathe the ground in a radiance bright as day. In this connection the thanks of tho carnival officials are due to the city electrical engineer, Mr Edgar, and the foreman of the Electric Power and Lighting Department, who, during the past few days have worked night and day to ensure the success of the illuminations. The St. Hilda Band was in attendance, and, with a programme of bright selections, added considerably (n the gaiety of tho evening. As soon as the opening ceremony had been performed, the crowd invaded lire amusement park in solid phalanx, and at once the fun of the fair was in full swing. Two merry-go-rounds attracted their full quota of patrons; many of the revellers, young and old, made for the cabaret, and were soon footing it merrily to the strains of an orchestra; others, again, with memories of “ Chocolate Alley,” and visions of over-sized and gaudily-coloured boxes of chocolates sn.w to it that the various “ try-your-luck ” games were kent busy. The stalls, also, were liberally patronised, and until a late hour the stallholders did a roaring business. Should the weather continue as mild and pleasant as it was on the opening night, and if last night’s crowd is any criterion of the attendance, to-night and to-morrow night, the effort should be handsomely rewarded. . THE OPENING CEREMONY. The carnival was opened by the Mayor of St. Hilda, Mr R. W. Hall, who paid a tribute to those residents who had given their services so whole-heartedly to ensure its success. Never, said the speaker, had he been connected with a function in which such keen public interest had been manifested, and it spoke volumes for the loyalty of the people of St. Hilda and their interest in tho future of its magnificent beach that they had come forward and helped as they had done. To the City Council, and the officials of the Electric Power and Lighting Department, the gratitude of the committee was due, as, without their generous assistance, the venture could never have been the success that it undoubtedly would be. The wholesale and retail firms in th© city ant} the borougli had also shown their interest in the project by contributing generosuly, and it was now to be hoped that the genera] public would do its share, always remembering that every shilling spent would be used judiciously in improving the beach, and thus helping to beautify not only St. Hilda, but the whole of Dunedin. At the conclusion of Mr Hall’s_ remarks, the King and Queen of the Carnival, with their retinue, arrived, and with much pomp and ceremony, were introduced to the crowd. “ Their Majesties ” both spoke briefly, interspersing their remarks with many humorous sallies, and concluded by enjoining those present to spend, and spend, and spend again. The carnival will be continued to-day, and during the afternoon and evening a number of competitions will be held, principal among these being a baby show. Then there ■will be competitions for -the best shingled head of hair, the best original fancy dresses, decorated hoops, and decorated go-carts. The following are the stall-holders: - Sweets.—Mrs Nelson, Mrs Strong, and assistants, Ist South Dunedin Company of Girl Guides. Cakes.—Mrs Wheeler and assistants. Produce.—Mrs Lister and assistants. Fruit and Flowers.—Mrs M'Taggatt and assistants. Icc Cream.—Mrs Watts, Mrs Macartney, Mrs Robinson, Mrs Loraine. Paper Hats. —Mrs Brown and assistants. Drinks.—Mr Welch and Mrs Lacey. Saveloy Lounge,—Mrs Menzies and assistants.