THE JUBILEE

Southland Times, Issue 19330, 15 September 1921, Page 5

THE JUBILEE

OLD PEOPLE’S DAY PROCESSION AND SPORTS Yesterday 220 old identities, wearing the red ribbon that begets them special honour at this time, were formed into a procession that proceeded from the Council Chambers to the showground where sports were held in the afternoon.. The occasion was one of the most interesting of the whole jubilee celebrations, and that even the country people had been attracted was evidenced by the large crowds which flocked into the streets comparatively early in the day. They were interested crowds for, during the last few days, many of the business firms have caused their premises to be given an appearance in keeping with a celebration of importance. In fact, some of the window displays are exceptionally good although ambitious as regards magnitude in but few cases. It might well have been called old people’s day. Dressed in fashions of a bygone time they came happily townwards in dozens, often supported on the arm of a young friend or relative. The day was ideal, and, naturally, the spirits of the people were inclined to happiness. Young and old were joyous in their bearing, but the latter probably had the bulk of the available, happiness. As has been said, it was their day. and it was gratifying to note the courtesy wir-fi which they were treated on the streets by the Young Idea.

Active and invalided old men and women met in front of the Town Hall, but it was remarked that most of the lined faces to be seen carried the stamp of health and vitality. Keen eyes and smiling mouths—energy and indefatigability—the spirit of the pioneers it was that spoke on every side. Goodnatured to a degree, they waited patiently until the time came to get into the motors which were partly provided bv citizens. There was considerable delay in making a start, but the old men and women passed the time pleasantly enough chatting together and recalling the past to mind. By about 2.15 the procession, led by the Pipe Band, was in motion. First came the cars carrying the Mayor and members of the Council, then those with the early settlers. Altogether there were over 50 cars in the procession. There were fifteen “displays,” some of which were excellent. Probably the pick was that of a hut in front of which sat the male and female pioneer, typical of 50 years ago. Behind came half-a-dozen “swaggers,” representative of the various classes of the old world community that laid the foundations of British New Zealand. As they slogged on their way a D.H. of the Aviation Company circled high in the sky, making a sight that gave a strong realisation of the changes seen by Time and the early settlers who, once used to locomotion over wildernesses by bullock waggons, now drove in motor cars along well-formed streets. March music was supplied by the Regimental and Hibernian Bands which were in the procession. AT THE SHOWGROUNDS. Crowds thronged the route right to the entrance of the Showgrounds, but not all paid the charge for admission and, comparatively speaking, it was not a particularly large gathering that assembled round the inner ring or found its way into the huge grandstand. The three bands, Pipe, Hibernian, and Garrison, provided a good musical programme during the afternoon, and the side-showmen outside the ring appeared to be doing a brisk trade. A part of the procession paraded round the ring, but two heavy vehicles came to a stop in the soft ground and it required the united efforts of boards, sacks and a number of men to shift them. This interlude, however, was not uninteresting. Three “swaggers” and a companion, the “Black Doctor,” with two murderous-looking surgical instruments, occupied a great deal of attention and were perhaps the most interesting feature of the day. A number of vehicles paraded round the ring, but the soft going seemed to have kept some of the motor traffic outside. Late in the afternoon a sports gathering was got under way by some of the officials of the Caledonian Society and the large number of children present seemed to be enjoying themselves. However, probably on account of the schools being in vacation, there was little organised representation of the different schools and the sports were of an informal nature. Events for grown-ups were confined to a tug-of-war, which aroused roost interest, bandsmen’s and Old-Timers’ races. During the afternoon the Fire Brigade gave a demonstration with a burning hut, erected for the occasion, as the centre of operations.

The result of the different competitions were as follows:

Swaggers’ Race—C. Maxted (Old Identity) 1, W. Miller (Buffalo Bill) 2, H. Bell (’Possum Charlie) 2. Bandsmen’s Races—Hibernian: F. Tourell 1, S. Kavanagh 2. Pipe: L. Taylor 1, D. Robinson 2. Garrison: H. Gunn 1, J. Williams 2.

Tug-of-War—Sewerage No. 1 1, Pipe Band 2. The final of this event raised much enthusiasm, the Sewerage team winning after a fairly long pull.

SCHOOL CHILDREN’S RACES. Girls—Winners: Corrie Lemin and Edna Forrest. Boys—Winners: R. Raines, B. Fraser, R. Wallace, F. McManus and R. Blue. RELAY RACES. Girls—North School 1. Boys—South School A 1. In the girls’ race there were 20 a side, and each girl bad to make a full turn when half-way down the field. In the boys’ race, owing to lack of entries, the South School split up into two teams of ten aside. When half-way down the track the boys had to turn head-over-heels. Some unrehearsed incidents, arising out of these feats, provoked much merriment. Best Swagger—W. Miller 1, A. R. Smart 2. Best Fancy Drees Competitor—H. Ackers (Old-Timer) 1. Other Girls’ Races:—Winners: Edna Forrest, Rita Manson and Mary Flaus. WITH THE CHILDREN. When children congregate together and engage in the friendly rivalry of sport one may be sure that some unrehearsed and mirth-provoking incidents are gaing to happen. Yesterday at the Show Grounds the first occurred when, through the large number of entrants, the childrens’ races had to be run off in divisions, each of which carried with it small prizes. The first winner, after receiving his prize, retired happy in the company of his bosom pals, but others who perceived a chance to “get rich quick” were often to be found back in the succeeding events, the climax being reached when one youngster after registering a good win, received his “bob,” hastened back to the starting post and won the next race! Needless to relate, he did not receive a second shilling. On another occasion it was understood that two schools would contest a relay race of 20 a side, but- one of the schools found difficulty in putting a team in the field and it looked as if there was to be no i race. The one complete team ready made its appearance felt with its shouts of disapproval at the default of its rival, mixed with paeans of victory’. '

Those who preach the gospel of “sport for the sport’s sake” would have felt pleasure at hearing the remarks of one enthusiastic juvenile competitor when the programme was just about concluded. By some means or other some of the boys gained the impression that a three-legged race would conclude the programme, and handker-chief-bound couples were quickly seen careering round the field in a preliminary canter. The officials were moving off after a useful day’s work when they were stopped by a chorus of young voices emphatically demanding “the three-legged race.” Those in charge pointed to the fact that the “bobs” were all finished, but one lad said in a rather puzzled fashion: “But if there’s no more money, can’t we have a race.” The trouble was settled by a veteran official announcing that he would take on all comers in a sprint to the gate.