THE CHILDREN'S FETE.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13653, 19 February 1913, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE CHILDREN'S FETE.

(From ..''The Colonist," Feb. 4.)

Some hundreds of ' children, and a considerable* mimber of adults were attracted to "tho Botanical Reserve yesterday to take- part in and to witness the children's carnival inaugurated by the members of tine Nelson Citizens' Band. A procession started from tho Church Steps shortly after 10 o'clock, and proceeded, to. the Reserve by way of Bridge street. It attracted considerable attention owing to the various fancy costumes, and the large number of antiquated bicycles. With regard to the' latter the wonder was:-where' were they resurrected from? The sports, both for boys and girls were kept mer-•Ji-ily going, except* for tfvvoi intervals, for luncheon and afternoon tea, until half-past five. The apple, buns, and pie-eating contest© created much merriment. The apples were either suspended by .strings or placed in a bucket of water; tho buns were suspended and th c pies 'were laid on a form. The competitors had to keep their hands behind their backs while endeavouring to obtain morsels. The winners of tho prize's were those who first consumed their apple, or bun, or pie. Ail tho events were- keenly contested, and there was no lack of fun, the clown and the dummy contributing largely to the latter. Several oiT'the adults present said it" reminded .them of the gatherings the late Mr Ben" Crisp used to hold for tho bene-. fit of the children. Thelong programme of--sports, was carried thorugh without a hitch or an accident., Mr. IV N. Jones announced that the Citizens' Band would hold another fete for the children on the' next Anniversary Day. Tho •statement was received with cheerfi. At ,5.30 the happy gathering was brought to a close,' the. Band playing the Na-tional-Anthem. Hearty cheers were also given for those who had contributed to the success of tho carnival. .Excellent refresh menijs were provided on the ground. The committee- worked hard, and the-public appreciated the nico spirit they displayed-in carrying o*at tboir various duties under, at times, trying circumstances, especially in endeavouring to get .all th-n spectators a faii; -view of the interesting- events. The .trophy for the best .cowboy, presented by Mr. H. ,1. Kingston,.was won by Master Prout, a second priae, presented by the Braid, being awarded to Master Westrupp. ■- "" ■■ •* ■ The fu.nctioii..proved sucii a success ■tiiatviiJdvßa'iid-lias-decided to; niake it an annual fixture.