THREE LUCKY LADIES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3764, 4 May 1926, Page 30

THREE LUCKY LADIES.

FIRST, SECOND, AND THIRD Throe lucky Indioß were hailed ns the prize winners on Wednesday. Their names Mrs E. C. Mitchell, Macandrew road—-three-millionth visitor. Mrs A. R. Irwin, 15 Bernicla street, Tort Chalmers—three million and first visitor. Mrs A. Bateman, 34 Ileriot row, Dunedin —three million and second visitor. They passed the turnstile and were greeted by the president, Mr J. Sutherland Ross and the general manager, Mr C. P. Ilninsworth at 2.58 p.m. Almost overwhelmed by the giant crowd that surged forward to catch sight of the heroines of the hour, they were escorted under police protection to a corner of the grounds, where the photographs were taken. The enthusiasm of all visitors in the competition made the proceedings from the time the crowds commenced to gather at mid-day particularly exciting, and towards the climax there was a very present danger of the thousands who jostled outside the single turnstile becoming out of control. The fact that no injuries of any consequence were received by the excited participants reflected the very greatest credit on the police, firemen, and the Exhibition officials who handled the situation. Early in the afternoon a big gathering of those already in the Exhibition assembled near the gates and awaited the signal for the final rush through the single turnstile. As the time drew near many left the grounds to take part in the exciting scramble for the prize. Outside, the crowds grew to unprecedented proportions. Trams and buses brought hundreds to Logan Park, and the great majority waited outside to take their place in the final queue. Had visitors been unaware of the probable time of reaching the three-million mark, the big total would undoubtedly have been passed much earlier, but as it was, in the last hour the turnstiles clicked very slowly, and only those who preferred to avoid the crush entered through the usual gates. When the moment came for the shutting down of all save one of the turnstiles a gathering estimated at GOOO surged outside the gates. At last the general manager came forward, a checking machine in his hand, and the single stile was opened. With a sudden rush the people outside formed into a solid mass before the opening, and the counting of the final numbers commenced. Old people and young people, rich people and poor people, tiny infants clutched in the arms of perspiring mothers, and elderly matrons and men moving with distressing slowness by the aid of heavy walking sticks—all were in the crowd, and gained a place in the steady stream that passed through into Logan Park. “Stand back. Don’t shove—please, don’t shove. There'll be someone hurt in a minute.” “Have your money ready. Will you stop shoving from behind there; there’s plenty of time for the four million total. Don’t stop please.” With every ounce of vocal energy the attendants worked to keep the excited crowd under control, while the total grew one by one. At last, without warning, the general manager stepped forward. Mrs Mitchell was gently seized by the arm and before she or the expectant crowd knew quite what had happened, the official party had stepped aside into one of the enclosures to await the arrival of the police whose task it was to clear a passage through the big throng. Three hearty cheers for each of the ladies were lead by the president, the general manager, and Mr Arthur Barnett who was also present. In the main office Mrs Mitchell was presented with a cheque for £25, by the president. Mrs Irwin received a handsome silver tea service from Mr Hainsworth, who acted on behalf 'of the donors, Messrs Walker and Hall, of Sheffield, and Mrs Bateman was congratulated as the winner of the third prize, presented by Messrs M'Leod Bros. It will take the form of a large box of assorted soaps. The three millionth visitor is a native of Dunedin and one of the many who visit the Exhibition every day. “I knew the total would be reached some time to-day so I came down on the offchance, and, of course, I did not dream I would be so lucky. The crush outside the gate was terrible, but we got through at last. I must congratulate the ladies who were immediately behind me in the queue, though they might easily have been first As for myself, I wish I could say more —it has truly been my lucky day.” Mrs Irwin was also delighted with the valuable present that had so suddenly come her way. Mrs Bateman, last of the winners, has lately taken up residence in Dunedin, and with the others considered the struggle in the queue well worth while. Another present awaite lucky Mrs Mitchell. Mr George Mackav. tobacconist, whose Exhibtion shop is in the Amusements Park, will present her with a silver mounted brush and comb. Her hair will also receive free attention for six months at his saloon. The reaching of the big total was a special incentive for the public of Dunedin and visitors to the citv on Wednesday and the attendance for the day was a particularly large one. The weather was excellent, and the outdoor band concerts were attended by mammoth audiences. In the afternoon and evening the Exhibition Orchestra played in the Australian Court, while the Amusements Park was an attraction that drew a particularly large attendance in the evening.