ST. CLAIR CARNIVAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22816, 27 February 1936, Page 13

ST. CLAIR CARNIVAL

THE OFFICIAL OPENING LARGE CROWD IN ATTENDANCE In its effort to improve the general appearance of the beach and surroundings, the St. Clair Improvement S.ociety has launched another carnival on a large and attractive scale. The official opening of the society's 1936 effort to raise funds took place last evening, and, judging by the large crowd present, there ia every indication that the carnival will be a signal success. It was estimated that fully 5000 people were present, when the actual fun of the evening commenced. The society launched its first effort in 1928. and, with the support of the public, it will continue to function until the road has , been completed from St. Clair, to. St. Kilda. As a result of its persistence and hard work, the society has the satisfaction of knowing that this year's carnival ia equal to, if not better than, the previous efforts. The weather last evening was fine and calm, and the large crowd had every, opportunity to enjoy the. fare provided under very pleasant conditions, although the atmosphere was chilly. The carnival was opened by the Mayor (the Rev; E. T. Cox), who congratulated the Improvement Society on the work it had already accomplished, and the effort put forward with this year's carnival to raise money to continue the improvement of the beach and to continue the esplanade to the baths. The society was also to be congratulated on its persistent effort- to construct a boulevard through the sandhills to -St. Kilda. ■ Such a work would probably take five year s to complete and would mean an expenditure of about £25,000. It was hoped the public would give the society the support, it deserved. One of the features of last night's opening was the diversion caused by the appearance of an aeroplane from the Taieri aerodrome.' The machine appeared over the. beach at 7.35 p.m., and was flown in circles for some time, when a dummy .was dropped from the cockpit well beyond the breakers and a small parachute was also dropped. The dummy was described by the megaphone announcer as the mayor of White Island; He had arrived in many and various ways at previous carnivals, but this was tne first time he was dropped overboard on the way. A bright flare from a boat indicated where the dummy lay in the water, and the attention of the crowd was focussed on the water while two surf boats went to the rescue. . The esplanade presented an attractive setting; With the lane 9 of coloured electric lights and the- various amusement devices functioning at full pressure. Most attractive of all is the bright relief afforded by eight powerful floodlights focussed out to sea, thus making the breaking water almost as clear as by ' daylight. Visitors from overseas stated that they had never seen snch a brilliant display of floodlighting of water in any part of the world. The Band of the Otago Regiment was in attend and provided an enjoyable programn? ot music. The amusement devices are varied and many. In fact, there is everything there to provide fun for all ages. Poker games, baseball, darts, throwing into the wheel, a new, game known as "slipnery," seaside entertainers, achair-o-planej and -numerous stalls are all in . evidence. Each one was well supported during the evening. .. ' The' Improvement Society is. tnorougniy deserving, of all. the support which is: accorded it, as this small .group of enthusi asts has carried on ite self-imposed task with commendable results-results not for the improvement St. Clavr alone, but for. the- general betterment of the city in general: The committee has tried to nr-vide something different each year, and thus maintain and, if possible, enhance .the attractive nature of its show, ana it has certainly succeeded. in providing, something new and attractive this year. A great deal of the success of this year*, carnival is again due to. the efforts of that capable organiser, Mr F. H. Lampen. He has been fully, supported by the president of the Beach Improvement Society (Mr R. C. Love) and the committee. One of the feature attractions last evening was the display given by the bt. Clair life-saving: team m the floodlit ocean. There will be feature attractions each evening, .and .the carnival will be continued this evening.