WANGANUI CARNIVAL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 258, 1 November 1932, Page 6

WANGANUI CARNIVAL

BIG FEBRUARY EFFORT CO ORDINATION OF SPORT E.XECL'TIVE COMMITTEE FORMED A big 'carnival, extending over a fortnight, is being planned for Wanganui for next February, and preliminary organisation was launched last night at a meeting of representatixes of sports bodies, and the principal retail section, of the city presided over by the Mayor (Air N. G. Armstrong). An executive committee of seven was set up under the chairmanship of Air R. D. Thomson, manager of the D.1.C., and Air W. Hallam was elected seere-Co-ordination of sports attractions is to form the basis of the undertaking and, ns far ns can possibly be managed, the dates of these are to be distributed and fitted in with other functions so that, for a whole fortnight, the city will not be without carnival garb and spirit. It was not possible to definitely fix the dates last night, but a period from February 11 to Alarch 4 was accepted ns being the most favourable, in that it gave a racing carnival and the agricultural show as two major attractions as a basis to build upon. The proposal is to hold the carnival on the most suitable fortnight in that period according to the ability of othor sports bodies to fix dates. If it is found that most attraction can be staged in the period from February 11 to Feliruarv 26 that fortnight will be decided upon, but if the other period, February 16 (first race day) to Alarch 5 is more, favour- ' able then the decision will be altered accordingly. Sports bodies are to be circularised and asked which of the, two periods suits them best and on the replies received the executive will finalise the dates. Difference of opinion arose as to what name the carnival should take and the public, is to be asked to submit suggestions. “River City Carnival.’’ “Whanganui Autumn Carnival,” “River City February Carnival” were suggestions made last night prior to a decision to ask for public assistance. There were present at the meeting, in addition to tho Alayor, Alessrs D. Dustin and W. Hallam (Welcome Week Committee), C. 8. Swan (trotting and life-saving), G. H. Pownall and A. J. W. Peacock (tennis), J. H. Hayhow (•cricket), Dr. F. C. Hutchison and F. J. Hill (golf), F. G. Seddon (Agricultural Association), A. Gray, P. Evans, and J. G. Whetton (rowing), and F. C. Jannings (primary schools). There were apologies from several others. Mr Armstrong said that he had called the meeting for the purpose of ascertaining what could be done. It had been said that there was nothing si- - tractive staged in Wanganui, but he felt sure that by a little co-operative effort that could be overcome. Some of the sports activities could be grouped. Napier had had its Aladri Gras, which was being revived again. Wanganui was more fortunately situated than many other centres and had a bigger population. If the meeting decided that some big carnival effort could be made it would be necessary to get the whole, city behind it. That was why a representative of the retailors had been invited. Air Distin thought the Mayor’s sug-

gestions were very sound. Whatever help the remnants of the Welcome Week organisation could give would be given readily. Air Swan said that while trotting dates could not be altered he felt sure that the life-saving body he represented would fall into line. Air Pownall said that one of the attractions the tennis association hoped to have would coincide with the visit of thp American tennis stars. In past years Wanganui had staged a floral fete and he thought the same thing might be attempted again. Perhaps the llorti'cultural Society would assist. Air Hill said that a summer golf tournament would depend on tho state * of the course. Golfers, he was certain, would support the carnival in every way possible. Co-operation in every way was forthcoming from the Alotor Boat and Sailing Club, which was represented by Air Allen. He said that a combined carnival had beer the ambition of hi.s club for years. He suggested co-operating with the Maoris, swimmers and rowing people and centering activity at Sandy Hook So far as motor raving was concerned it might nut be possible to forego January 22 on account of visiting boats, but his club could probably put on another event later to coincide with the city's carnival activities. Mr Seddon said that February 24 and 25 had been applied for as show dates. He suggested attempting to run a district pipe band contest. Air Thomson assured the meeting that the section of the retailors ho represented (Drapers, Clothiers, Furnishers and Bout. Retailors’ Association) would lend the movement every assistance. Speaking for rowing, Air Gray reminded the meeting that his association > was governed by tides as to the date ot its activities. It had applied for the New Zealand championship regatta and were in the hands of the New Zealaud Association so far as dates were concerned. Rowers were against shifting their boats up to Sandy Hook. It was imperative that rowing should have a Saturday on which to race. Mr Jannings said that he had no mandale to speak for the schools, but he felt sure. that if the Headmasters’ Association and the Primary School Athletic Association wore communicated with they would co-operate. Tho schools were just as anxious as anybodv to see Wanganui go ahead. It might be arranged to put the championship sports forward to suit the carniAlr Armstrong, apologising for Mr A. S. Burgess, president of the Wanganui Aero (Tub, said he had an assurance I hat the club would assist. The following committee was set up io frame details: Messrs Thomson (chairman), Seddon. Swan, Dustin, Allen. Pownall and Whetton. The Mayor was elected president of the car nival undertaking and commended for his enthusiasm in the matter.