ORIENTAL CARNIVAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3673, 5 August 1924, Page 26

ORIENTAL CARNIVAL.

RECEIPTS EXCEED £2500. One of the largest crowds that has ever congregated in Ilis Majesty’s Theatre witnessed the close of the Oriental Carnival on Saturday evening. The seating accommodation was filled long before the entertainment began, while large numbers, who were unable to obtain entrance, thronged the adjoining halls. The art union was drawn on the stage shortly after 9 p.m.. the winning numbers being:—First prize, No. i 0,197; second prize, No. 94; third prize. No. 9183; and ‘ourth prize, No. 6580. As the evening wore on the various stallholders vied with each other in their efforts to secure the coveted banner for the greatest aggregate return, and money poured into the office, where the secretary, with The expert aid of two members of the Bank of Now' Zealand staff, counted the cash and credited it to the proper quarter. It was 1 a.m. before their labours were ended, but shortly after midnight it was quite clear that the Jumble Stall (St. Vincent de Paul Society) would secure the trophy. The result was announced amidst applause. The receipts are still subject to a recount at the bank, but it is safe to say that the total takings were over £2500, of which about £BOO was taken on Saturday. During the evening Mr J. J. Clark, president of the St John Ambulance Association, thanked Messrs Wauchop (producers), the organisers, and all who had given assistance, particularly referring to Mrs G. M. Baker, whom he presented with a bouquet. The Rev. V. G. Bryan King also addressed the crow'ded house, eloquently urging those present to give to the utmost of their ability. It is understood that the St. John Ambulance Association is taking immediate steps tow’ards procuring a new and up-to-date ambulance.