PUBLICITY PAYS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 1, 2 January 1929, Page 6

PUBLICITY PAYS

TWO SMALL PARTIES’ CONTRIBUTION (Special “Chronicle” Service.) AVELLINGTON, Jan. 1. New Zealand spends rbout £12,000 each year on advertising, but two small parties which have just entered the country seem likely to recompense tho Dominion for about two-thirds of her outlay in the last twelve months.

These parties are the Hon. John Cecil and Mrs Cecil, and Mr- Zane Grey. Purchasing a most expensive motor car, the Hon. John and Mrs Cecil are setting out to see New Zealand in leisurely fashion. Their tour will run into months. Zane Grey’s contribution is even more substantial. He, personally, on arrival drew £3OOO from the bank and intends to spend it before he leaves tho country. The brief jaunt made by his young son Romer to the South Island cost £3OO, and it is estimated that tho expenditure of the whole party will run into over £5OOO before their trip is ended.

NEW YEAR’S EVE

HILARITY AND FRIVOLITY WANGANUI USHERS IN 1929 Whatever the year just dawning might have in store, Wanganui was determined that it should be ushered in joyously. And so, after a last round of shopping, the old year 1928 slipped into the past, and the new, 1929, was hailed in time-honoured way with a burst of gaiety and festivity. A warm summer’s night without a breath of wind was all in favour of the spirits- of the gay, motley throng that passed up and down the streets giving vent to their feelings in a medley of weird noises. Colour, light, brightness and movement —these marked the city’s central artery on that night of nights, i All ages were there, from the slumbering babe to the patriarch. Not all were AVanganui people. Many were obviously from the country districts while a large proportion were tho “holiday population” which is found in Wanganui each summer. AA’ith careless abandon tho crowd entered wholeheartedly into the general merry-making, number bedecking themselves with festive headgear and false noses of alarming length and colour. Gas-filled balloons of vivid hues were popular; they were carried by the young folk, and motor cars and motor cycles were similarly adorned. Fireworks, some of them of the “bomb” variety, were in evidence in the streets, although the perpetrators of these disturbances were wary iu their movements.

At midnight a crowd had gathered outside the Post Office, and the chiming of the clock was the signal for a wild outburst of sound. Cheer followed cheer, sirens blew, motor-horns “honked,’’ and dozens of balloons were released to float upward and disappear into the black velvet of the night. The Pipe Band was present and did its share towards enlivening proceedings. Humour was added to the situation when, as the midnight hour chimed, a figure clad in pyjamas stepped out on’to the balcony of the Rutland Hotel and smilingly bowed acknowledgement to the cheers of the crowd in the street below.

And so AVanganui passed from the old year to the new.

COOK’S GARDENS CARNIVAL

A BRILLIANT SPECTACLE Cook ’s Gardens presented a spectacular sight on Monday evening, when a varied programme of music, singing, dancing and athletic events was given to mark the close of the year.

The field was brightly illuminated with electric lights and the large assemblage had a clear view of the proceedings. The Queen Alexandra Band, I under the baton of Captain G. L. Buck- ‘ ley, was in attendance and gave a num- / bcr of popular airs which were much appreciated.

The boys’ singing competition created a good deal of interest and the entrants showed much promise. First place was secured by Raymond Green with David Taylor second and Albert Harper third. The numerous children present were well catered for in a lolly scramble. Several races were also run for their benefit and amusement was created by the size of the “fields” and the helterskelter which ensued in the run to the judge.

During the evening dancing on the green was indulged in, and although the young people were a little shy at the outset, there was soon a large number jazzing to music supplied by the band. Community singing was indulged in, led by Mr AVilfred Scott, with Mrs’ Scott at the piano, and the audience joined in the singing of a number of well-known airs.

The evening concluded with a brilliant fireworks display. The words “Happy New Year,” set in fire made a fitting finish as midnight approachedCycling Events In conjunction with the carnival with professional cycling races were hold. Great interest was manifested in the challenge match which was to include races over distances of a half mile, one mile and two miles. Reg. Crutchley, the AVanganui man, was challenged iu the first instance by Cliff Jen-

nings, of Palmerston North, but the latter was unable to appear and AA’aghorne, of Christchurch, rode in his stead. The half-mile event was won by AVaghorne, but in the mile he collided with his opponent and both riders fell. Crutchley received injuries to the head and a cut over the eye which required medical attention and prevented him from participating further in the contest. Waghorne was slightly injured.

The results of the racing were as follows:

Challenge Match, half mile. —Waghorne 1, R. Crutchley 2. Won by a wheel. Time Iniin.

Half Mile Handicap.—L. Bonner (40yds) 1, Taylor (35yds) 2, R. Crutchley (scr.) 3. Time J min. 0 2-ssee.

Two Mile Handicap.—“ Snowy” Tay lor (140yds) 1, S. Green (160yds) 2, A Bishop (160yds) 3. Timo 4min. 15s.