PROSPERITY FAIR

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20057, 14 March 1935, Page 7

PROSPERITY FAIR

AN OUTSTANDING SUCCESS ENTHUSIASTIC OPENING Not. since the days of pre-war and pre-depression times has Timaru had such a Fair as that which opened in the Bay Hall last night. The promoters, the North End Association and the Returned Soldiers’ Association, named it the ‘‘Prosperity Fair,” and signs were not wanting last night of rhe fact that Timaru has definitely returned to a period of prosperity. The project has as its goal the raising of funds for two worthy objects, the liquidation of a debt of approximately £4OO which is still owing on the recently completed Waimataitai Jubilee Baths, and the Returned Soldiers’ Association.

The opening of the Fair was preceded by a procession through Stafford Street, but by the time those participating had arrived at the hall there was a queue of several thousands endeavouring to gain admission to the building. By 8 o’clock the hall was packed, the attendance being estimated at approximately 1500, but there were nearly as many people waiting outside on the chance of being admitted to the already crowded building. And it speaks volumes for the attractions of the Fair that they stayed almost to the end of the night’s activities. In fact, many people expressed the opinion that even better business would have been done had the prospective purchasers not been so impeded by the dense crowd. But as one official remarked, “you can't have it both ways,” and any loss which may have resulted from that cause was more than made up by the unstinted patronage which was accorded the other varied sources of revenue. The public loosed its purse strings with an enthusiasm which it had not displayed for many a long day, and repeated requests to buy or enter the many competitions were received with smiling consent on all sides. The Procession. The hundreds of people who lined the processional route through the town before the opening of the Fair were given a hint that a gala of unusual dimensions was in prospect, for it was apparent that Timaru had discarded its usual apathy for the occasion and had entered into the spirit of things with a will. The procession was a long one, headed by a mounted policeman and the Timaru Municipal Band, and comprised Scouts, Girl Guides, the Timaru Fire Brigade, the Highland Pipe Band and a long line of trade vehicles as well as many novelty exhibits. Chief among the novelties was one drawing attention to a baby show to be held in conjunction with Saturday’s activities. A lorry bearing a “Plunket” group was followed by a large contingent of youthful mothers wheeling dolls’ prams. There, were prams and “mothers” of all sizes and ages, even to Mickey and Minnie Mouse with Mickey junior in a suitably decorated dobbin. Bathing Beauties. The Fair contains many attractions which are new to Timaru and their popularity last night showed that their introduction was a most auspicious move. Pride of place must go to the bathing beauty competition, which, on its first introduction to Timaru, was an instantaneous success. Teams of three girls, representing different businesshouses, paraded on the stage and were allowed a certain time in which to go through whatever evolutions or postures they desired, and the large audience wei'e most impartial and appreciative of the efforts of the six teams participating. The competition is to be decided by popular vote, agents for the teams mingling with the crowd and selling votes for a small sum. Competition was very keen last night, and the girls found little difficulty in persuading the public to give tangible expression of their support. At the end of last night’s voting the order on the ladder was:— Herberts 1 Dons 2 McKenzies 3 Louvre 4 Woolworths 5 Jenkins 6 The order will be announced each day and it is anticipated that by the end of the week interest will have reached a high pitch. Many Novel Attractions Another popular event was the Hollywood competition, in which entrants are invited to provide a short individual entertainment, and the efforts of last night’s performers were well received. The result of the competition will not be announced until the end of the Fair. An innovation to Timaru was a display of fencing by two members of the Royal Fencing Club. Attired in neat white costumes and without masks, the girls gave an interesting exhibition with the foils and earned commendation for their deportment and accuracy in making and parrying thrusts. Displays of ballet dancing by the pupils of Mrs F. Triggs and Miss Ngaire Hogg also were popular items, while considerable enjoyment was given by an orchestra which played a number of airs during the night. In addition there were many novelties in the hall as well as numerous stalls laden with attractive articles and appetising dainties, and in spite of the difficult conditions under which they were compelled to do business, the stallholders reported a ready sale for their wares. Fun For the Children To those who were unable to gain admission to the hall, considerable entertainment was provided by the hay chute which has been erected on the lawn at the eastern side of the building. The chute is a specially constructed one of sufficient height to provide a good slide from an elevated landing into a large bin of hay at the bottom. The novelty found great favour with the children, and from the time of opening until a late hour there was a long queue of youngsters ■waiting their turn for a slide. As fast as they were lifted out of the hay by the attendants they scuttled off to rejoin the line, and it would not be too much to say that the chute received more patronage than any other attraction at the Fair. In past years both the North End Association and the Returned Soldiers Association have been responsible for the organisation of many successful functions, but it is doubtful if either body has been associated with such a successful fixture as the present Prosperity Fair promises to be. The organisation leaves nothing to be desired and reflects great credit not only on the chairman of the committee (Mr G. H. Andrews) and the secretary (Mr J. M. C. McLeod), but also on the many helpers who are devoting their time to the Fair. Opened By Mayor The Fair was officially opened by the Mayor (Mr T. W. Satterthwaite), who was accompanied by the Mayoress. In introducing the Mayor, Mr Andrews thanked the helpers who had worked for the success of the Fair and the three orchestras which had offered

their services gratuitously. Thanks were also due to the judges who had kindly consented to act, Miss Law (cookery), Miss Lee (ballets) and Mr W. S. Minehan (Hollywood competition). The Fair would run for four nights, and there would be a different programme each night, and on Saturday there would be a gigantic children’s carnival, a feature of which would be r baby show, which the Mayoress had kindly consented to judge. The Mayor said that the objects of the Fair were worthy ones, the raising of funds for the jubilee baths and to augment the funds of the Returned Soldic- .' Association, He hoped the public would bear in mind that every penny they spent would be devoted to a worthy cause, and that the proceeds would exceed the committee’s highest expectations.