MAY FAIR

Southland Times, Issue 20773, 14 May 1929, Page 5

MAY FAIR

BIG EVENT TO-MORROW CHAIRMAN’S APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE REVELLERS AND SPECTATORS To the Editor. Sir, —As we are now almost upon the eve of our May Fair celebrations, I would be glad if you will grant me space for a few remarks in that connection. This year the Borough Council is materially assisting towards an improvement by allotting the roadways to the revellers and merry-makers, and arranging that the roadways shall be, as far as possible, clear of traffic so as to provide abundant space for the festivities. The council desires that the footpaths be left for the convenience of spectators only—including elderly people, women and children, it is an arrangement that has the support of every member of the May Fair Committee and, we feel sure, of the great mass of the people of Southland. It is a just and equitable arrangement that must command respect. We have to admit that last year's May Fair was, at times, marred very much through an abnormal amount of stupid horseplay on the part of certain individuals. Such conduct is quite out of reason and totally unnecessary as an element of fun and gaiety. We do not believe in the introduction of anything in the nature of narrow intolerance, and we hope to be fully supported by an all-round realization, that although we despise wowserism and intolerance as the enemies of whole-hearted Fun and good sport we must not forget to remember that to behave in a wild and over-boisterous manner towards those who are glad to help us by their presence as spectators—especially elderly folks, women and children — are guilty of one of the very worst forms of intolerance. Because these well-disposed people do not wish to actually besport themselves in revelry they have no right to be rudely molested. It should be our aim, all of us, to provide fun amongst ourselves, and not get down to ultra-tomfoolery to the annoyance of kindly disposed spectators. By doing so we will have more genuine enjoyment and retain the good feeling of our fellow-citizens and friends. May Fair has had a somewhat narrow escape from annihilation, and quite the weight of objection was the result of the revelry of last year being over-done, to the annoyance of a goodly number of our very best citizens. We hear of the conduct that is usual at some of the Continental carnivals quoted in justification. That is no sound reason for what may be termed unseemly conduct on our part. We are quite a different race of people, and we regard the conduct complained of at last May Fair as very largely the result of a want of thought, more than anything else. I would be the last person to place any obstacle in the way of bright, wholesome fun but I am satisfied I would have been lacking in my duty were I not to invoke the co-operation of the whole community in the direction which I have indicated. Let us hope that there will not be any grounds, this year, for any regret or recrimination when our forthcoming carnival comes to a close. It now rests entirely with the people themselves to remember that we have in our keeping the fair name of Invercargill and, indeed, of the province of Southland. Thanking you, Sir, for your courtesy in affording me the privilege of so much space, —I am, etc., WILLIAM STEVENSON, Chairman May Fair, 1929. MAY FAIR PARLIAMENT. VICTORY FOR MAC PIERSOLES. C. SAW LOSES DEPOSIT. From an early hour yesterday the Maj Fair electors were waiting outside the polling booths for the sun to rise. Owing to the dense fog it was 11.54 a.m. before the first rays came through and the doors were opened. The poll clerks at the clock tower had a busy time ticking off electors’ names. There was a steady stream of voters‘at the | water tower. It was found impossible to use the fire brigade tower as a booth owing Io it being washing day. First Church tower was used instead. The result of the election was a sweeping triumph for Mr I. Mac Picrsoles. Only at one booth did he fail to have a clear cut majority. This was at the water tower. Owing to the council requiring a deposit of 2/6 from all entering the tower the electors of Scottish extraction cast their votes at First Church tower. The grand totals were:—■ I. Mac Piersoles .. —■ w 4321 Spudd Shaw .. ... .. 321 C. Saw .. .. •.. •• 21 Informal 1 Mr Mac Piersoles will therefore take his place as the Invercargill representative inthe May Fair Parliament which assembles in Post Office square on Thursday evening. After the results were announced the candidates briefly addressed electors. “Hoot awa,” said Mr Mac Piersoles “Ye did verra weel ta Jet me tak ma bonnie breeks inta Parliament the morra. Skioch doch na skiaill.” Mr Shaw said that he felt sore and Mr Saw that he had been sure he’d get in. After cheers had been given for the successful and unsuccessful candidates the supporters of Mr Mac Piersoles were entertained by Messrs Tickle and Pickle, of Spree street, and at three o’clock this morning the partv was still going strong, by which time Mr Mac Piersoles had wormed himself well into favour with promises and still more promises. OPENING DAY’S PROGRAMME. RECEPTION TO PRIME MINISTER. The bright sunshine prevailing yesterday was in keeping with the bright hearts of the thousands of people who are busily preparing for the delights of May Fair. Within thirty-six hours the impressive opening ceremony will take place at the Showgrounds in the presence of a crowd that is anticipated to break all records. The following is the excellent programme for the opening ceremony to-morrow afternoon. . Introductory remarks by the chairman (Mr William Stevenson). Song “Come To The Fair”—Mr Sanson. Official Opening—Sir Joseph Ward. Remarks by his Worship the Mayor (Mr J. D. Campbell), and Mr J. C. Thomson, of Riverton. Recitation, “The Road of Ten Thousand Crosses” —Master H. Hobson. Pipe March, “Sir Joseph Ward’s Welcome to Invercargill,” Scottish Pipe Band. Song, “The Showman,” Mr R. L. Stevenson (Gore). Duet, “April Is a Lady,” Misses E. and F. Hinchey (Gore). Brass Band Selection, “Scottish Gems,” ;■ Civic Band. < This programme will be broadcast throughout New Zealand. Should the weather continue fine the two ~,. Moth aeroplanes should reach Invercargill this afternoon. For four days they will perform wonderful stunts including looping the loop, the falling leaf and nose-diving. Sir Joseph Ward arrives by the express — to-night, and will be welcomed by his Wor- - ship the Mayor (Mr J. D. Campbell), the Chairman of May Fair (Mr William Stevenson), members of the May Fair Committee, and thousands of citizens. The Scottish Pipe Band will escort him to his hotel.