MISS YVONNE EDWARDS IS “MISS WANGANUI”

Wanganui Chronicle, 24 February 1947, Page 7

MISS YVONNE EDWARDS IS “MISS WANGANUI”

“The first title of “Miss Wanganui” ever to be held is the honour gained by Miss Yvonne Edwards (Wanganui) who defeated her 11 opponents in the bathing beauty contest held on Cook’s Gardens on Saturday as a highlight in the concluding programme of the “High Jinks” carnival. She also won the open event, the runnerup in which was Miss Pauline Boocock (Wellington). In the afternoon 12 girls paraded before the judge (Miss Muriel Swann, of Wanganui), and from their ranks five finalists were selected to compete in the evening. The finalists picked were Misses Shirley Richards, Betty Stent, Yvonne Edwards, Beverley Richards and Rene Maye. From these the judge had some difficulty in choosing, the points for which she watched being womanly beauty, deportment, stage personality and physique. u Her selection, which received instant support from the large crowd of spectators, placed Miss Yvonne Edwards first, with Miss Shirley Richards second and Miss Rene Maye in third place. Also conducted was an open contest which included the twice-winner of the Napier Mardi Gras beauty contest, Miss Pauline Boocock, of Wellington. In this competition exceptional difficulty was experienced by Miss Swann in separating the finalists, which were, with the exception of Miss Betty Stent and the inclusion of Miss Boocock, the same as those who contest ed the final of the “Miss Wangami’” contest.

Three competitors Miss Boocock, Miss Shirley Richards and Miss Yvonne Edwards—were picked from the six finalists and were required to parade once more before the judge. The final selection, that of Yvonne Edwards, was made with only a fraction separating her from Miss Boocock. Shirley Richards was placed third. Miss Swann, who was the sole judge of the Saturday contests was one of the three which awarded the honour to Miss Boocock at Napier. JUVENILE CONTESTS It was originally intended to contest the juvenile bathing beauty contests in several age groups, but because of the lack of sufficient entries, it was decided to separate them into two groups only, those under the age of five years and those between the ages of five and ten. There were a dozen competitors in each of the classes. Florence Foot was awarded first place in the under five age group, with Robin and Lynn Johnson (twins) in second place and Beverley Campbell third.

In the five to ten age group, Valerie Sampson was placed third, with Shirley Sampson and Dianne Thomas osing awarded special prizes.