OTAKI’S KING CARNIVAL.

Otaki Mail, 31 March 1939, Page 2

OTAKI’S KING CARNIVAL.

THE RISING STAGERS. I hero is always something appealing about children’s performances, but when a group of juveniles possess such exceptional talent and versatility as the “Rising Stagers’’ the result is amazing. Last night at the Railway Theatre Otaki v.as allor.led a treat in the way of brilliant entertainment from live brilliant children who presented a wide variety of “turns’’ that would have done credit to any professional company. Their uitistry was superb, and they carried through an exacting programme with true pro fessional skill, and with a snap and verve that left one astounded at the rapidity with which they made the changes. The Rising Stagers are a group of youngsters of an average age of eleven years, under the personal direction of -Mr. Assheton Ilarbord, a theatrical producer and teacher whose experience covers many years’ activities in England, U.S.A., Canada, and Australasia. The brilliant work ot these juvenile “stars” is a great credit to Ids skill and training, and mention must be made of Mr. Harbord's exquisite accompaniments at the pia no. Many of the items performed by these children are his own compositions and show yet another side to the talents of this man. who has been rightly acclaimed by the l’ress as “a genius for developing the talents of children.”

The items of these Rising Stagers included songs in character, all kinds of dancing from tap to toe and operatic, rich comedy, concerted numbers and ballets. Each child proved to be outstanding and wonderfully versatile, and it would be almost impossible to particularise out of such perfection. Encores were frequent. The Dance. There was a large attendance at (lie dance last night and all appeared to spend a most enjoyable time. There were the usual side-shows, etc., and splendid business resulted. The stallholders, as usual, worked with a will, Mr. Bowden gave a good measure on the loud-speaker, while the orchestra which played lor the dance was a very line one. The supper-room was well patronised. Pakelta King Wins Easily. It was announced during the evening that tlie voting was as follows: — I’akeha King S<i,B!M) Maori King 25,00'J The sum of £l7.'! Ids K<l was raised, including a large amount collected in the town yesterday morning by -Mr. il. B. Edhouse. During the evening Mr. J. Miller, the I’akeha King, was warmly congratulated on his: success, and cheers with “For He's A dolly Good Fellow'' followed. Cheers were also accorded the Maori King (Mr. August Bishop). Both returned thanks and further applause was in evidence. Mr. Mortiboy took the opportunity of congratulating the two candidates and thanked the general public for the support accorded the carnival. As the two kings shook hands and “rubbed noses” flashlight photos were taken.

Praise was bestowed upon Mr. Knot (organiser), Mr. Pereival (secretary) Miss Svnott (who had acted as secre tary to the I’akeha King), and to -Mr Edhouse, who had rendered line as sistance, and others.

All returned thanks, expressing great satisfaction at the result of the carnival, and referring to the licit given hv the public. For some five months, it was stated, they had been asked to buy tickets, etc., and had responded willingly. Jlr. Kdhou.se stated that as a result of a canvass by him that day some £SO hud been donated. (Applause followed this announcement). Thanks were extender to Mr. Carlton, the lightning sketch artist, and to Mr. Harbord and hit company. Mr. Carlton referred to the work done by many and offered liis congratulations. Prize-Winners. Tricycle, Master M. .7. Upshall; dressing-table set, F. Wright (Railway Hotel): bedroom suite, Owers (Paekakariki); Minster suit of clothes, W D. McEwen (Palmerston N.); Shetland I'ony, Mavis Wylie; travelling rug, Rene Marshall; MeCrae mattress “F.W.”; eiderdown quilt, M. Hopkins; dressing gown. E. Flvger;, box chocolates Mrs. Stevenon; doll and dolls bed, .Shirley Wilson; evening frock. Mrs. Pat Cootes; small Easter egg, M. o‘Halloran; table lamp, E. Winiata; Rolls razor and cigars, Fred R. Manz; Note. Ellen Knox (Petone); Easter egg casket, Mrs. H. .Jepson; tapestry. Mrs. R. Tilley. Fancy Costumes. The grand march saw some very nice fanev costumes, and Mr. Harbor-1 acted as judge. First prize, a painting donated by Mr. Rex Carlton, was awarded to 'Mrs. Foster (Rajah) and specials to Mis; Frances Jones: (Hungarian lady) and Mr. J. Miller (Rajah). In commenting on some of the costumes Mr. Harbord w aid they were verv effective but lacked the finishing touches. The Final Night. The final night—the crowning ceremoney—is now being anticipated, and another great joy-night is expected. The Workers. Much credit must be given the organisers of the carnival, who worked splendidly, and to their many helpers who worked so energetically. All are woithv of the highest praise, and Otaki is certainly fortunate in having such a number who show an active interest in the town. For months past many have worked hard, sparing neither time nor trouble. Further Donations. The Otaki Progressive Association gratefully acknowledge the further following donations to the carnival fund: —Anonymous £lO, E. Derham £5 ss, 1). W. Allen So. D. Richards £T ?,g, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Taylor £3,: George Harper £2 2s, F. A. H. Neste, Mr. and Mrs. Erie Tooby and A. D. Webster £2 2«, R .J. Royal £2, C. W. Merrylees £1 Is; Mr. Len Kilmister, Mr. and Mrs. T. O’Rourke, Senr., and J. D. Avery, £1 each; E.J.W., Mr. T. Morgan and Mr. W Nugent, 105 Od each; Kerslake and Eillens. Ltd., Mrs. Swabev, C. B. Smvth, and E. M. D’Ath, 10s each; Mr. Frank Best, -Jack Hing, and Colin C. Holmes, 5s each; Malcolm Holmes, 2s 6d; Miss Mclntosh, os; Miss W. B. Smith, Mrs. G. Evans, and “Mr. Somebody,” 2s 6d each.