A GODIVA RIDE

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17751, 1 July 1929, Page 7

A GODIVA RIDE

CELEBRATED AT COVENTRY. MISS MELLERUP INTERVIEWED. NOT NERVOUS OR EMBARRASSED. (By Telegraph.—Press As3n. —Copyright.) i MisiritlMn R«*n.:lßtloi).i (Received July 1, 11-5 a.m.) , LONDON, June 30. Coventry celebrated the granting of its birthright by a realistic reconstruction of Godiva's ride when Miss Muriel Mellerup, in ilcsh-coloured lights and long golden hair, rode a white horse through streets which were lined with cheering people. Miss Muriel Mellerup, interviewed after the ride, says: "When I showed the committee’s invitation lo Mum and Dad they would not hear of the ride, hut i explained the fee proposed, which' I suggested should he given to hospitals. 1 argued that as Godiva rods naked through the town to save poor people from heavy taxes it was little ■ enough for me to impersonate her, so at length Mum and Dad agreed. It was a wonderful experience. The hardest part was to keep my eyes downcast and maintain a demure expression' when thousands of people clapped and cheered. I wasn’t at all nervous or embarrassed at all those men staring. Why should I be? I don’t think anymodern girl minds being stared at.' Even in the sunshine it felt a bit chilly, so I was glad there was no raiu.”