NATIONAL FESTIVAL

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 86, 2 July 1927, Page 13

NATIONAL FESTIVAL

EIGHT-DAYS CARNIVAL OPENING IN OCTOBER “A BATTLE OF FLOWERS” For eight days and nights next October Auckland is to hold the “New Zealand National Carnival,” which includes a battle of flowers, Olympic sports, monster fair and., historical pageant play. on the scale of those which have made towns famous in Europe and America have never been attempted here before. It is the hope of the organiser, Mr. Albert Goldie, that this event, which will begin on Friday, October 28. will be the forerunner of an annual carnival to attract people to Auckland from all parts of the world.

The objects are to assist deserving causes and to advertise not only Auckland, but the whole of the Dominion.

It will be in every sense of the expression, an epic event,” says Mr. Goldie. “It will serve to reproduce in symbols the beauty of the Dominion and to reconstruct outstanding episodes in its history. A succession of brilliant scenes will remain in the nffemory of those who witness them. The productiveness of our country, and our industries will be advertised. To the children it will be a source of great joy. It will be the means of providing gaiety for everybody.” THE PROGRAMME The opening day is to see the battle of flowers. On Saturday and Monday, October 29 and 31, the historical pageant, in which 1,000 people will take part, and which will be directed by Madame Edith Baird, will be presented. The Olympic sports contests of cycling, boxing, wrestling, running, wood-sawing and chopping, will run on from Tuesday to Friday. Saturday, November 5, is set down for the “Pageant of Beauty,” in which 2,000 girls and 3,000 children will take part. At night there will be a festival ball and coronation of the carnival queen. A “Festival Ball” to inaugurate the carnival is to be held on Thursday, July 28, in the Auckland Town Hall. A quest for the Queen of the Carnival is to be set afoot. A free trip to England or a trip round Australia and to the, Islands is to be offered as first prize to the woman or girl in the Auckland province who raises the most money for the festival. Looks or age do not count in the competition.