WANGANUI RIVER CARNIVAL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 440, 4 December 1930, Page 11

WANGANUI RIVER CARNIVAL

ARRANGEMENTS WELL IN HAND MAORIS CO-OPERATE A largely attended and enthusiastic meeting of the general committee of the River Carnival,’which is to be held on New Year’s Day, was held on Tuesday evening. Reports from the various committees showed that the arrangements arc well in hand, and everything points to a very successful gathering. Mr R. J. Bell, chairman of the Maori committee, reported that in company with other members of his committee he had visited the various centres of the Maori people, and had met with a cordial reception. In connection with the big Maori demonstration to be held in Cook’s Gardens on New Year’s Eve, Mr Ratana had promised that if necessary his people would provide the whole of the programme. There will also be a parade of Maoris taking part in the concert and carnival through the streets of the city. T 1 people of Kaiwhaiki, Putiki, Parikino and Waitotara have also promised their full support.

A letter from Mr S. Freeman, now of Taihape, but a late resident of Wanganui, was read. Mr Freeman some years ago constructed an aeroplane and endeavoured to make a flight from Wanganui East. At that time his efforts did not meet with success, but not to be deterred he has been working with tireless energy and patience for several months on another machine. This machine when completed will be suitable for landfrig on either land or water. Mr Freeman proposes to display his machine on the carnival grounds, whore it may be inspected by the public for a small charge. The money so collected will be used by him to complete his work. The cost of the machine will be heavy and the hope was expressed that Mr Freeman’s fellowtownsmen would appreciate his energy and pluck and give him plenty of support. The machine will be stripped of exterior coverings, so that all the intricate construction will be revealed. There will be prizes for the best essays submitted by school pupils.

Mr P. Wilson, the delegate of the Rowing Association, was present and stated that his Association would co-

operate in every way possible. Three events would be staged, lightweight maiden, open maiden and youth’s race. The organising secretary, Mr W. H. Ward, reported that the posters had been received from the printers and were in course of distribution all through the city and district and to all clubs in the Dominion.