The Daily Times FORUM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26708, 1 March 1948, Page 4

The Daily Times FORUM

Carnival Week There is no doubt that, up till Carnival Week, Dunedin citizens keep their enthusiasm in leash. With true Scottish caution they withheld praise until they could be sure that precious words were not being wasted. Hard cash was being spent, and they expected something for their money. All those interviewed for the Daily Times Forum are unanimous in their opinion that cood value was * ' being given, and that the only “fly in the ointment” was the weather. An Advertising Man said: “I think .’that everything has gone well. Otago has done things that even Otago thought it could not do. One thing that could be said is that we have not yet dropped the cloak of modesty. We have not told the rest of New Zealand enough about it. I think that we should make use of this centenary. If we do not get propaganda from official sources the only way for people to tell the rest of New Zealand about it is personally, by letter, by posting accounts of functions, and by sending out newspapers. If people cannot visit ••'Dunedin now, at least their interest will have been aroused, and they win certainly come down later on. I would like to say that the procession was a marvellously organised affair—no holduds it left on time, and moved slowly enough to allow everybody to have a really good look at it.” A Radio Announcer who recently "■ arrived from the north, said: “I think ’ the celebrations are very good indeed ' T was not expecting a South seas -Exhibition. I think many visitors ' have come down expecting something on those lines. The outstanding events have, of course, been the ‘Cavalcade 'of Progress,’ and the fireworks. 1m ■'‘interested in the sporting events and ' I’ve thoroughly enjoyed them. We ve had the major sports fixtures for the whole of the Dominion. What couid be finer than that? Otago has mainly been concerned with celebrating its first hundred years, and all the important functions have stressed that fact Hundreds of visitors have ' flocked to Dunedin—the centenary is -an undoubted success, but almost everyone sits back and looks glum. ” Some go as far as saying that it is a ‘ flop.’ What an attitude of mind! An Auckland Visitor: “A year ago when I was in Dunedin I remarked on your illuminations, but was told that they were your usual advertising signs. I thought that your main street 'and Cargill’s Corner were a wonderful sight, as our power restrictions do not allow of much electrical advertising Now, of course, with the countless extra illuminations on the Rail- • way Station, the Stock Exchange, •i. public buildings, and the streets, I’m : more than charmed with the appear- . ance of your lovely city by night.” a Young Mother thinks the celebrations are “ marvellous.” She is puzzled, however, that the fun fair has not received more favourable publicity. “We decided to spend an evening there last week, and enjoyed every minute of it. Afterwards, when we noticed the lines of cars in all the ' surrounding streets, we realised that .we were not the only ones who found • this fair entertaining. As for the shop "• windows —well, I have never found them more interesting. It is all a ' great thrill to me,” she said.

A Farmer said: “Well, I’m just in for a few days. We came in on Monday to the opening of the Early Settlers’ Exhibition. We had a great time looking at the badges to see who came out on the same boat as my grandfather and we met one or two relatives I hadn’t seen for years, and one or two I hadn’t met before. The procession yesterday was easily the best I’ve seen 'and I’m sorry to be missing the fire•works on Saturday. Now, I’ll tell you one thing I like about these cele■brations, and that’s the broadcasts. I like the ‘ Radio Magazine ’ on Wednesdays. and I’m going to see some of the places they describe at the first opportunity. They’ve kept us farmers in touch with Otago’s centennial celebrations.”

A Timaru Visitor: “ When Dunedin puts anything on it is done properly. We make a point of looking through the newspapers of all the centres on days of national importance, and there are usually photographs or descriptions of processions, and we think that Dunedin always puts on the best show.” A Farmer’s Wife is of the opinion that Dunedin people have made a wonderful effort to celebrate their centenary. She says that country people are intensely interested in all the functions, and she hopes to be able to attend everything of importance She is of the opinion that the floral display to be held during the week will be the outstanding event of the centennial season. Her enthusiasm for the procession was somewhat dampened by the certainty that many of the girls on the floats must have been “ frozen.” Several Boys and Girls, when asked to give their opinions, said: Oh, the celebrations are ‘ all right.' ’ To older people this may sound lukewarm, but the youngsters, when asked to amplity ■ this statement, made it clear that, in the jargon of the younger generation, •• all right ” means “ very good indeed.