“CONFIDENCE CARNIVAL”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22099, 1 November 1933, Page 13

“CONFIDENCE CARNIVAL”

WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE. ' Wellington has had carnivals of various kinds, usually'at intervals, but all previous efforts at big-scale merrymaking will seem very small in comparison with the National Confidence Carnival, which will begin on November 18. The movement sprang from a resolution to rout the depression and “ defeatism ’ and to remind New Zealanders of the triumphant feats of the stalwart pioneers, who won their way to success against stupendous difficulties. It was a decision, also, to make New Zealanders properly conscious of the wonderful natural assets of their country, which has a productive capacity to assure a comfortable standard of living for at least 10,000,000 people. This idea immediately commended itself to many leading citizens, and soon there was a very strong team of willing workers. From day to day the enthusiasm has grown remarkably, and this active zeal has assured success for the enterprise. Pakeha and Maori are in vigorous cooperation to give the public the most thrilling pageantry ever seen in this country. Distinguished historians have planned suitable scenarios for 10 decades of New Zealand’s history. The scroll of time will be unrolled and great events and personalities of the past will leap into the present. New Zealanders will be memorably introduced to the New Zealand of which they should be proud. The pageant will be an inspiration to the public as well as a brilliant spectacle which should attract people from all parts of the Dominion. ' ... , ~ 'Another spectacular event will be the aquatic gala—day and night when all manner of water sports and contests ot all kinds of craft will be catered for. A street procession will be an impressive “ object lesson ” in New Zealand’s industrial and commercial evolution, “ from the birth of the nation to the death of the depression.” The Old Colonial Ball will bring back the modes and manners, the dances and the music of early Victorian days—a revival of the romantic past, ihe long list of- attractions will include all sorts of athletic sports for men and women, boys and girls, band contests, special concerts, military displays, aerial bombing demonstrations, torchlight processions, a floral fete, a battle of flowers, and a living flag of Girl By night the city will be a fairyland of lights from the waterfront and through the business area and on to the residential heights. Fireworks and bonfires will also help in putting gloom to flight. The programme of organised merrymaking and other entertainment is long and varied, but there will' be also another very important interest for visitors—the unorganised joy of living, the spontaneous spirit of gaiety, the vivid reaction from the heavy pressure of care and worry.