NAPIER CARNIVAL.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18850, 21 January 1933, Page 6

NAPIER CARNIVAL.

AN AUSPICIOUS OPENING. RE-CONSTRUCTION OF TOWN. GOVERNOR-GENERAL PRESENT. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) NA'PIER, Saturday. Napier, which was wreoked by an earthquake on February 3, 1931, has been re-built, and to-day stands as a model city, the completion of which is being celebrated with a week’s carnival, which commenced this morning. There are many visitors from other parts. The carnival, whloh is under ViceRegal patronage, comprises a comprehensive programme. The principal events are an aero pageant, which Sir Charles Kingsford Smith will attend, to be held this afternoon, and the Napier Park race meeting next Saturday. Other events inolude athletio sports, golf and bowling tournaments, a band contest, and processions. A total of £883,806 has been spent on building since the earthquake, of whicli over £85.0,000 has been for new and permanent structures. In addition over £145,000 has been spent in restoring municipal services. Harmony In Design. In the reconstruction of the town care lias been taken to ensure harmony in design, while an important feature is the complete absence of verandah supports and telegraph poles. Power and telegraph lines are being carried underground. Another excellent move has been an extensive street widening programme, which the authorities deoided upon when the bare condition of the streets gave the necessary opportunity. As a result the beauty of the new business area has been , greatly enhanced. On the Marine Parade an attractive improvement scheme is in progress, the work already completed including the laying of lawns, gardens and pathways,' while a huge auditorium has been commenced. A large sum has also been expended Oh restoring public services, and a number of works necessary to the growth of the new town. The municipal authorities spent over £140,000 in re-establishing the water supply, sewerage, storm-water drainage, and roads and streets, while a further £IB,OOO has been set aside for street widening, repairs to public buildings, and general improvement work.

Their Excellencies Arrive. Lord and the Lady Bledisloe arrived last night to participate in the celebrations, and His Excellency officially opened the carnival tills morning. Their Excellencies will attend the numerous functions connected with the carnival, including the air pageant on the aerodrome constructed since the earthquake on land raised by that upheaval. The weather Is beautiful and appears likely to continue.