CITY STREETS CROWDED AS STUDENTS HOLD THE' ANNUAL CAPPING REVEL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27386, 11 May 1950, Page 6

CITY STREETS CROWDED AS STUDENTS HOLD THE' ANNUAL CAPPING REVEL

Spectator statistics in the city streets came close to reaching a new peak yesterday when fine weather brought thousands of people into the centre of the city to see the annual Capping Procession. Modelled on familiar lines, the procession offered a succession of satirical and slap stick comments on contemporary personalities and events. It was the students’ day for revelry, and the constant clinking of coins in collection boxes showed that the public was appreciative of the efforts which had been made and the cause which was being sponsored.

“ I should have been past Albany street by now,” commented a conductor on a tram well south of the Exchange about 11.30 a.m. x It was an indication of the number of people who had crowded in to Princess and George streets two hours and more before the procession, and the extent to which they had tied up traffic. As usual, the procession was late off the mark but a mounted outrider and the skirl of pipes heralded the floats soon after mid-day. Fittingly, in the vanguard of the procession, was the ambitious Selwyn College entry—- “ In State we Fete the Lord Mayor of London”—with a dragoon guard in neatly-designed costumes, followed by a massive coach. “In show on tow ’ came the “Bald Mayor of Dunedin” in a rather less sumptuous carriage.

Another major float was the trolley bus, giving a glimpse of the shape of things to come on Dunedin streets—although it is unlikely that the civic transport will run to such amenities as a built-in bar. Laugh power superseded lethal power with atom bombs and flying saucers, and the “ new dental school ” offered an appropriate idea in design to architects. “ T.B. or not T. 8.” asked the banner over the “ creamatorium,” and a lone lugubrious cow which was led in the procession must have wondered what had happened to its erstwhile unruffled life. It was carefully placarded A fair cow ” and “No bull ” lest there

should have been any doubts. Medical research in tropical areas was recalled by the expedition led by “ Sir Chaste Jerkiss ” to the “ Crook Islands,’ where such alarming diseases as “ Melanesian mange ” had been .detected. Additions to the city water supply were suggested from the “ Wingatui Boar,” a prolific producer. “ Silence, please, the Speedway ” gave some recognition to that addition to the city’s nocturnal sporting attractions, and there was a further comment on the University’s solution of the housing problem, including the “ Chancellor’s Vice House.” To the accompaniment of the traditionally distorted version of “ Our Director,” the band marched and counter-marched, almost obliterating the efforts of the “Wednesday Night Swig Session ” band.

A side-glace at South African problems was given by the float which depicted “ Seretse Khama and the Jungle Drama ” —a vignette of Darkest Africa which would doubtless surprise any itinerant Africans in the audience. “The Snake Gully Council took time off from its deliberations to join in the chant of “ Just a Penny ” as the “Otago Central Snail Car” lumbered In their wake! “ Old Mother Holland found that the lid was off her house “ now the boot is on the other foot. The Grand National Orchestra stood self-condemned —“ its fiddling was not up to scratch.”

Around the procession and through the crowd cavorted a host of carnival characters jingling their collection tins to some purpose. Reluctant to depart from the frolic, the crowd was kept entertained in the Octagon by a band of tumblers and gymnasts until the “ Mayoral Party ” returned to give the customary speeches from the balcony of the Town Hall. The acoustics were far from perfect, but the addresses provoked amusement —and gave an excellent opportunity for the further collection of small change.