WAITARA.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144669, 1 May 1915, Page 4

WAITARA.

THE CAJRNIVAL, . FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. April HO.—lt can safely bo staled tbnt never before has Waitara presented jo gay an appearance as it did yesterday —the opening day of the much-talkeu-of and mneh-worked-for carnival in aid of the North Taranaki Patriotic Fund. Headed by the band, a procession formed at St. John’s Hall,'paraded the husinos block, and arrived at the Clifton Hall at H o’clock. Great ingenuity was displayed in the costumes of the children forming tho procession, many of them attracting great attorn.on. Prizes were awarded in several classes, tho judges being AJosdames Burgos; and Harper Loppcr. Arrived at the hall, tho doors wore opened, and visitors streamed in until it was packed. After tho singing of tho National Anthem, Tho Mayor (Mr. W. F. Jonkus), in declaring the carnival opened, said turd, this was probably the Inst occasion on which ho would have tho privilege of opening n function of that kind as Mayor of Waitara. Ho considered it a great honour that ho should once more have the privilege, of doing something for that gallant little nation, Belgium. Tho ladies and gentlemen on tho eoimnitteo were deserving of great praise for the wholo-hcaried manner in which they had worked to make this carnival the best of the entertainments which they had arranged k>ir tho benefit of those who wore suffering through this great war and fighting for the freedom of the world. Tho stall-holders and ladies from tho surrounding districts wore worthy of special recognition. On behalf' of the committee he thanked Airs. Burgess and Mrs. Pepper for being present and acting as judges. Ho then declared the carnival opened. It should bo stated that tho Clifton Hall, the largo boat-shed attached, and the various dressing rooms were used for stalls and side shows, the Tikorangi boat-house had boon converted into a tea room, while a marquee was erected, for lollies and soft drinks. All those buildings were densely packed throughout the afternoon, and the stallholders and side shows did a brisk business. It has been impossible to adequately describe tile stalls or to ascertain those who wore in charge of them, for the simple reason that being a more man I could not get anywhere near them or obtain full particulars, as those able lo give information wore nil too busy with their customers. I therefore reserve details for another letter. THE TORCHLIGHT PBOCESSION. In the evening the torchlight procession, which had been 101 l entirely with tho local Fire Brigade to arrange, was most successful. Headed by the band, cars followed representing ‘‘Britannia, n followed by a motor-lorry decorated out of all recognition—arranged by the ; . rent Order of Druids—in tho centre of the car being what I presume was a sacrificial altar, surrounded aiid accompauhvl by Druids in white robes and lowing beards. Then came a Native (more or lessj car, bearing a Native canoe, in which were seated the rowers with their paddles. Tho Fire Brigade hose reel, decorated for tho occasion, brought up the rear. The blaze of lights from dozens of torches lout an air of mystery ,to Hie scene, and was most picturesque. The procession paraded tho town to tho admiration of a throng of people. There, was a rush at the doors when this event was on, and the hall and adjuncts wore very soon crammed. Tho band mounted tho platform and played a really fine selection of music, and wore, loudly applauded. remarks being freely passed on their cxceuont playing. There was plenty of music going, for no sooner had tho band ooascu .iiiiu an orchestra began, and shortly afterwards .Miss Harrison and her clever little pupils came on to the p!*ii iorm for their fancy dress dancing, with limelight effects. Their dancing was certainly most artistic, and tho dresses must have required a lot of careful thought, the effect being charming, while the limelight effects, which ‘Air; AV. Andrew had charge of. were delightful. The admission to the hall was a modest sixpence, and children half-price, and as about £lB was taken, it is evident that 1000 people must have paid for admission during the day.