WOUNDED SOLDIERS’ FUND.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XX, Issue 5191, 20 July 1915, Page 7

WOUNDED SOLDIERS’ FUND.

CARNIVAL NOTES

(By the “0.5.”)

There was quite a simmer of exciteinent <pi Saturday afternoon when the , drawing took place for the various countries the candidates are to represent in the Queen of the Allies’ Ohmpetition. Prior to this event a ballot was held for the purpose of deciding on the fair representative for the Kaitawa, Tane, Hinemoa, Pori, Alakuri and Mangarama districts. The names of the contestants were placed in the hat, first, to decide tlx? selected one for each place, and finally for the Queen of the combined districts. The honour fell to .Miss Tew, of Mangarama, who is the schoolmistress there. This young lady, who was lucky enough to draw Belgium for her country, is going to receive a mighty big support. Money and enthusiasm is a pretty strong combination, and Miss Tew’s supporters have both. There was a large gathering at the drawing, including Mrs Whibley, Mrs D. Crewe, Miss Tow, Miss McLeod, and Messrs G. H. Smith, T. Hodgins, P. Thomson, A. McKay, A. Ross, 1). Boyle, G. Brown. E. Le Lievre, F. G. Thompson. H. Hart, J. de Y. Howard, I). S. Ross, A Stevenson, A. AlcFarlane, A. Eddie, G. H. Hodd. Apologies were received from Airs Johansen, Misses May and Lawson. Immediately the result of the drawing was an- ' nounced the supporters of the various candidates were transformed from a state of suspended animation into buoyant activity, and forthwith got 1 to work marshalling their forces and I arranging their plans with a celerity truly astonishing. There is no doubt that a handful of enthusiasts is worth a whole battalion of apathetic snpporers. The campaign opened in real earnest to-dav, and there was skirmishing all over the district, even extending as far as Pongaroa. In one or two instances there was vigorous cannonading—distinctly heard from the direction of Mangarama. Certain it is that the famous Battle hymn of Rouget de Lisle’s, “The Alarseiliaise, was wafted softly on the breeze from that quarter after the disturbance had subsided. I have no idea who the singer was. hut they tell me that Air Le Lievre lives somewhere in that locality. Vive La France! It is surprising the difference of opinion tlia-t exists as regards the chances of the respective candidates. In the space of a couple of hours today each and every aspirant for Queenly honours was given to me as tin “absolute certainty. - ’ So it would seem as if the contest was very open, j There is one thing, the competition 1 will be conducted in the most friendly spirit. Every candidate—and 1 have spoken to them all on the matter — realises that the Carnival has been promoted its a means of raising funds for our wounded heroes—that and nothing ehe. And they are out to help, and in that respect are nohlv doing their duty to their King and country, This is the time for united action. The time when every lardy worthy of the name of a Britisher should l>e up and doing. Il we can't fight, then the next best thing for us to do is to help those who are fighting for us —help the gallant hoys who are giving their life’s blood for the) Empire*. Don’t waiit to l>e asked;. Give freely and generously. AYo must remember that it is only the person who is really making a sacrifice who is really giving. Our brave boys at the front are giving their lives. They can give no more. BALLANCE EFFORT. iFrom Our Own Correspondent!. Friday evening saw a large audience assembled at the Jocal Hall, drawn thither by the double object of ■ having an. enjoyable evening and assisting a. deserving cause. After the National Anthem had been sung, nl concert party from Pahintua gave a splendid programme to which Alessrs Ball and P. Thomson, and Aliss Aiooro contributed vocal selections which were enthusiastically encored by their hearers, while M i.ss ShotJander, and Air \V. Tait gave some good recitations for which they also had to re- j spend to vigorous recalls. During 'a- short interval Air P. Thomson, made an appeal to all to assist to the utmost in their power the effort being made in the district to raise money for the assistance of those disabled in the Great War and their dependents. An. amusing farce was staged by a party from Alnngahao, in which the humorous dialogue and ludicrous situations caused roars of merriment. As usual in the country districts a. very dainty 'Supper was generously provided by the ladies, and at its ,

conclusion, Air F. G. Thomson, who acted as chairman, stated that as Trooper F. C. Whibley was visiting his home, advantage had been taken of the gathering to give him a public farewell that evening. He wished Trooper Whibley a safe and happy return, and on behalf of hi* many friends in Ballance and Mangahao, presented him with a very handsome travelling rug. Trooper Whibley suitably replied, stating that he would endeavour to do his best to uphold the honour of the district when abroad and expressing his sincere thanks for the kind gift and good wishes. The little ceremony concluded. by the audience singing “For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow,” and dancing was soon in full swing. During the evening a considerable sum was raised by the sale of dainty “buttonholes” and delicious home-made sweets. A large cake, kindly donated by Mrs McCarthy, was also sold, and some cleverly designed fancy ships, laden with sweets, the work of Mr Jones, were disposed of. Carnival Queen matters are, of course, looming large on our horizon ■ at present, and at the concert on Friday night, Air Thompson announced ball will be held about the middle of that a large plain and fancy-dress August. A handsome prize will be awarded to the best costume for both lady and gentleman. Other special features will be arranged.