LABOUR DAY.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIII, Issue XVII, 22 October 1904, Page 54

LABOUR DAY.

Al (KL A NO’S CELE BRATION PROCESSION OF TRADES. AQUATIC CARNIVAL. The fact that the forces of Labour were divided did net detract in any way from the success of the procession, which, in spite of the showery weather, proved to be the largest ever held in this city, taking nearly an hour to pass a given point. Great credit is due to the committee of management for the excellent result of their labours, because it entails a lot of work to secure so many entries. As there is more space at the foot of Grey-street, the procession assembled at that point to rendezvous on Labour Day, and very large crowds attended to witness the departure. Wellesley street West, Hob-son-street, and, in fact, the whole line of route was thronged with sight-seers anxious to witness the process : on, and cheering was frequently indulged in as the comic features passed in review. The item on the programme “largest and most comical d'splay” called forth a number of amusing exhibits, including the Darktown F're Brigade (McNamara Bros.), which evoked great laughter. The Northern Roller Milling Company’s Ministrel Troupe was also very funny. Preceding as it did (he second band, the members played the bone, beat the frying-pan instead of the banjo, and danced in admirable style. A large bottle also marched along gravely, also a mammoth rooster, and a coloured lady on horseback, who smiled prodigiously, but also languishing!/ on all and sundry.

About 10 o'clock the procession started. headed by the Battalion Baud, from the foot of Grey-street. The first trade following the band was the Auckland Gum-workers’ Union, with two lorries, on which were gum-sorters at work. Mr S. Rawnsley, one of the employers in the gum industry, eombineil*with the union in making this display. Members of the union walked behind the lorries. Next camo the Ship, Yacht and.Boatbuilders’ Union, with a fine banner, a number of the men following. In a large lorry drawn by three horses was a large boat as welt as a bench with men at work. Behind the shipwrights was the fine banner of the Contractors Labourers’ Union, followed by members. The Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and .Joiners had an exhib’t made up of a large lorry carrying inside a ernopy a carpenter’s bench. The roof and sides were festooned with chains of varicolour shaving, relieve! here and there by rosettes of Shavings. At the bench were two journeymen engaged in setting out and making joinery. Several specimens of finished joinery were at. the end of the bench, on exhibition. Following was a brake containing the aged members of the union. The brake bore the legcud ‘'Carpenters' and Joiners’ Pioneers.’’ Preceding this display' marchod a number of men carrying the fine banner of the union. Messrs Scegner, Langgnth and Co. had a merry party of young men in a dray engaged in bottling wine. A syphon, a corking machine, a wiring stool, a tabling stool, and a hogshead completed the trade effect. The Millers and the Operative Bakers’ Union combined as in previous yea'.’s to make a display, which was of special interest to the juveniles. The Northern Roller Milling Co. lent one of its lorries on which was a model of a baker’s oven. A number of men were busily engaged drawing out scones and throwing them to the lads who thoroughly enjoyed this part of the procession.

A very line display was made by the Northern Roller Milling Company, which ■had no less than eight vehicles in the procession, drawn by 1G magnificent horses, several of them prize-winners al the Agricultural Show. The condition of the horses and harness, together with the tasteful .decoration of the animals, reflected groat credit, upon the employees of the company who attended io that part of the display. First came a large waggon drawn by four beautiful black horses gaily

caparisoned and bedecked with flowers and ribbons. This waggon bore a banner bearing the words, "The only Champion,” and on the sides were scrolls announcing, “AVe are the Champions.” Another banner was, “We hold the standard.” Next came three fine chestnuts drawing a lorry carrying the “Standard Champion Ministrel Troupe,’’ This was followed by three carts and two drays, also belonging to the company. This firm also lent a waggon to the operative bakers to carry the oven that was shown in last year’s procession. Altogether, the Northern Roller Milling Company made a most creditable display, and the fine horses were the object, of general admiration.

Mr j. 11. Miller, of the Hinemoa Bakery at Richmond, was represented by two bread carts; Mr W. Hayhow by three; and Mr J. Gardiner by one. Mr R. Wilson had two carts, the first of which attracted some notice on account of its terrier dog postillion, the little fellow sticking gravely to the back of his steed as if his heart was wholly thrown into the events of the day. A bulldog riding on the cart exhibited a trade announcement suspended beneath

his ehin. Messrs J. Teasdale and Co. had three nicely decorated carts and a postillion, and Mr .1. Corley one;

Messrs G. Kent and Sons made a fine display with seven of their bread carts, all specially decorated. The other'bakers xvho patronised the procession with smartly decked vehicles were Messrs 11. J. Ashby, van and two carts; Thus. Knight, two; Charles Johnston, one: J. Comes, two; and A. Finlay, five. Mr Strachan, of Varnell and Newton, and Mr Middlebrook, of Ponsonby, were the only butchers taking part. The absence of some of the large firms, who were a conspicuous part of the procession of last year, could not escape notice. Mr Strachan’s exhibit, however, was one that was not easily overlooked, his bevy of eight mounted butcher boys who crowded round the back of his cart giving it a very business-like a ppea rance. Mr E. Le Roy's exhibit was u most striking one. It consisted of a red and white striped marquee, which extended 2ft. wider than the fourwheeled whggon on which it. was erected, being over 16ft. high from the ground. The marquee was furnished with folding furniture, and occupied with campers having lunch at table, besides a lady reclining in a fancy hammock, another lady in a swing ehair, and man reposing on a folding stretcher. Messrs Smith ami Caughey had an extensive exhibit. One trolly showed upholstering work, with men engaged in the manufacture of their famous easy chairs. A second trolly had a display of furniture and a bench with meji engaged in the making of various articles. One of the linn’s ordinary spring waggons also contained specimens of the “easiest chair in the world,” and the well-known Bonita sewing machines. Two of the delivery vans also accompanied the procession. The trollies were gaily decorated with targe flags.

This firm’s motor delivery van was also present. It is quite a new departure, so far as New Zealand is concerned, and is of the well known Cardillao' type. The engine, which develops nine horse-power, was supplied by Messrs Dexter and Crozier. The body of the car was locally built by Messrs Cousins and Cousins, and presents a handsome appearance. The total weight of the vehicle is 13cwt. and it has a carrying capacity of one ton measurement. Knowing the excellent work which this make of car has done for the local medical profession, we think that Messrs Smith and Caughey's enterprise will only be the forerunner of many similar cars.

A towering stack of beer barrels marked the approach of Messrs Hancock and Co.’s dray. The sight of such abundance of good liquor (assuming that the barrels were full) produced a sound of smacking lips along the lines of onlookers. One gentleman, bolder in his thirstiness than the others, threw, out a hint to “give us a drink,” but received the melancholy' reply from the man among the barrels, "We have no straws.”

The displays by tne various municipal workmen were quite a feature of the procession. The Auckland City Council were represented by eight vehicles, all of which were very' tastefully decorated with evergreens and lilies. On one of the metal drays was displayed the Council’s coat of arms mounted on a largo shield suitably decorated. At the top of the shield were the words “Advance, Auckland,” and immediately below this the model of a full-rigged warship. Occupying the lower portion was a collection of agricultural such as a plough and sickles and a pick and shovel, and there was also a beehive and the horn of plenty. On the baek portion of the shield the city coat of arms was also displayed, but it was only a painted representation. The shield was very neatly decorated, with foliage, as was also the main body of the vehicle. The other distinguishing exhibit was a Maori whare built on the old style water-cart. This attracted a deal of attention, which was principally due to the peculiar behaviour of a “native” driver decked out. in the warpaint and colours of a sturdy warrior. Two lit tle piccaninnies—a boy' «and girl —contributed to make the effect realistic. The whare was built up of nikau, and surmounting the forward end was a Maori figure carved in wood. Various domestic utensils and a quantity of fish, typical of the. Maori, were displayed round the whare. The other vehicles of the Council also presented an attractive appearance, contributing largely to iimke this particular display appreciated by the onlookers, which it undoubtedly was. The Grey Lynn Borc'.igh Council workmen turned out witli the scraper, and also the street sweeping machine, gaily decorated with flowers and evergreens.- and bearing the motto, “Forward, Grey Lynn,” which is well suited to Auckland’s most progressive suburb. Considerable taste, had been displayed in the floral decorations, evidencing an

amount of time and care spent l>y the ■workmen in order to contribute their quota to tlie procession. 'Newmarket Borough Council was also represented by a most tastefully decorated road sweeper. The cabmen’s display must be ranked among the very best that were seen. Their first brougham was occupied by three ladies dressed respectively in red, ■white and blue costumes and hats. As they passed along in the procession an ejaculation of admiration followed them along the crowded roadside. The next brougham was occupied by a group of young ladies in cream-coloured dresses with red, white, and blue favours. The next again, drawn by four tine horses, had its burden in the shape of a bunch of little girls in white frocks and long curls. A characteristic part of the display was that the conveyances were filled with children of members of the Cabmen's Union. The three cabs referred to were driven by Messrs VV. Pearce, C. Fagan, and R. Partridge.

Following this was the fine grey entire horse of Mr right, and two of his express earts; and a stream of <arts owned by Messrs. Marriott, Jn. .Preston, T. D. McNa’b, Munn, Carr and Haslam, W. Mason and Sons, G. and W. Hancock, with a well decorated milk eart; W. H. Davies, Pagnall butter delivery eart, with a tiny boy in buttons in attendance; the Wertheim Sewing Machine Company, with two traps; and the Fresh Food and lee Company, with three delivery earts that were most artistically decorated; Parker, Camb and Co.’s two large timber waggons; Finger Sewing Machine Company,-with two vans; E. J. Porter, dyer; E. H. Craddock, plumber: E. Cleal, four traps; and Hipkins and Coutts. Messrs. Frank Harris and Co. had an unusual object in the procession in the Shape of a tall white tombstone, draped tvith flowers and greenery. It was a liandsomc exhibit, though somewhat Sombre in its efi’ecls The Leamington Dairy had a fine display in the shape ef a milk delivery cart arched with greenery, intermixed with flowers. Behind was a milk dandy similarly bedecked. The aerated water firms made an exeellent show to-day. The Grey-Menzies Company had two large delivery vans well decorated and containing an aerating plant. W. Handley also showed a .van that was wreathed in flowers and evergreens, and the Y.Y. Company showed no less than six vans, and in addition a mammoth bottle that appeared to be fitted with human legs. In a large four-horse van was a crowd of small boys, bearing banners. They represented Young Auckland very well, and their shouts dissipated any fear of lung weakness on their part. The Union Collieries Company showed two large vans, nicely decorated. On one Was a large Maori whare, made from nikau leaves and decorated with ferns. Inside could be seen, gracefully reclining, a Maori boy, who seemed well pleased with the work. Mr W. Hart bad an interesting exhibit in the form of a machine at work making wirewoven mattresses. Messrs Nicholls Bros, had a trap o> view covered with a pavilion constructed out of decorative ironwork, prettily paiated. The N.Z. Dairy Company’s eight or nine vehicles were prettily transformed with white flowers a»d green leaves. A gilded milch eow was displayed on one, with the celebrated Anchor brand on the side, forming a pretty object, which was much commented on. Five of the company’s vans followed, loaded to a towering height with butter boxes, of export size,< giving some idea of the bigness of this company’s trade. Two delivery vans completed the exhibit. Davenport’s furnishing warehouse was brought to mind by the appearance of one of their vehicles tastefully bedecked with red, white, blue, and green effects. Decorated vehicles also introduced the firms of Messrs. 'J'. Wallace, Pat. Quinlan, J. Russell, 1). Townsend, Stones and White, the Auckland Gas Company ♦ whose vehicles exhibited samples of their popular gas stoves), Denncs Bros, (machinists), and Knox Bros, (tish-eur-ers), whose outrider was a youth with h.is.hcad buyied inside a large imitation fish.

Mr. C. Hannigan officiated as marshal for the procession, Mr. T. Phillips being secretary for the committee that attended’to the display. The judges in the various competitions were Messrs. A. R. Harris. C. E. Scott, mid A. Imwrie. For the comic display the judges were CJlcsexH. John Fuller and Will Stephens.

LIST OF AWARDS. The awards were as follows. Best decorated linker’s delivery cart-— R. Wilson 1, J. Gardiner 2, Teasdale 3. Best decorated butcher’s retail delivery cart—W. Strahan 1. Best groomed and decorated horse (to be ridden by butcher’s apprentice)—A. N. Salmon 1, W. Strahan 2. Best and most complete trades union display—Co-operative Bakers 1, Amalgamated Carpenters’' and Joiners’ 2, Shipwrights’ Union 3. Best groomed ami decorated four-horse team—Messrs J. 11. M. Carpenter 1, A. B. Wright and Sons 2. lies groomed and decorated threcliorse team —Northern Roller Mills 1. Best groomed and decorated two horse team —W. Turner 1. Best groomed and deeorated horse— Carr ami Haslam 1. Best display by city or borough councils —Auckland City Council 1. Grev Lynn 2. Bost groomed and deccrated horse and four-wheeled eab —W. Pearec 1. Best groomed and deecrated horse and decorated cab—R. Partridge 1. Best groomed and decorated horse attiehcd to grocer's delivery' cart—J. Preston 1. Best groomed and decorated stallion—■ Messrs A. B. Wright and Sons' grey’ 1, l ay’ 2. Best groomed and deecrated mare or gelding—Northern Roller Mil's I (T. Green driver), Auckland Gas Company and J. Russell tied for second place. Largest and most comical display— Darktown Fire Brigade 1, Northern Roller Company’s Minstrels 2. Best decorated niilkeart —W. 11. Davies 1. Best decorated milk dandy—Mrs. Davies 1. Adveitisements—Dexter and Crozier (motor ear) 1. Champion gold medal for best display — Auckland City Council 1. SPORTS AT DOMAIN. In spite of the unsatisfactory’ stale of the weather there was a good attendance at the sports In the Domain in the afternoon. The following were the results: — Half-Mile Bicycle Handicap.—Lees, 40 yds, 1; Maberly, 35yds, 2; Galbraith, 40 yds, 3. Time, 1.35 3-sths. 100 Yards Handicap (Final). —Barton. syds, 1; Lovett, Syds, 2 ; Miles, 2lyds, 3. Time, 10 3-sths. One Mile Bicycle Handicap (Amateur) . -—Lees, 70yds, 1; McKay. 45yds, 2; Twiss, scratch, 3. 'l ime, 3.23. 100 Yards Labour Day Handicap (Final). —Morris, scratch, I; J. Lloyd. 9yds, 2; iSdwards, 74yds,’3. Time, 10 2-stbs. Half-mile Handicap (Open).—Prosser, 40yds, 1; Payne, 18yds, 2; Chester, 38 yds, 3. Time, 2.15. Apprentices’ Handicap (under 18 years), 100yds: Run in two heats. Final—F. Oswald, Byds. 1; G. Timms, 41yds, 2; W. Buchanan, 10yds. 3. Labour Day Handicap, 220yds (in three heats) —Final: A. Craig, 18yds, 1; R. Chester, 18yds, 2; F. Wilson, 14yds, 3. Time, 24 l-ss. 440yds (in pne heat) —R. Chester, 25 yds, 1; F. Wilson, 20yds, 2: T. E. Prosser, 15yds, 3. 'l ime, 50 3-ss. Hose Coupling Display, two men (open to all brigades): Parnell No. 1 team, 49 3-55., 1; Mount Eden team, 50s, 2; Parnell No. 2 team, 535, 3. Amateur Handicap, 250yds: Run in two heats. Final—G. T. Lovett, 10yds. 1; 11. McLeod; 15yds, 2; F. Barton, 12yds, 3. Time, 30 1-5.4. Two-mile Bicycle Handicap (amateurs): C. V. Sut-heiland, 70yds. 1; E. J. McKay, 80yds, 2; F. J. Twiss, scr., 3. Time, 7>u 13 l-ss. Quarter-niilc Handicap (amateurs): H. G. Uhevix, 12yds. 1; G. T. Lovett, 25/yds, 2; A. H. Smith, Blvds, 3. Time, 58 2-ss. Physical Drill (for squads of primary school owlets): Newmarket No. 1 squad. 1; Newmarket No. 2 squad, 2: Beres-ford-street squad, 3. The boys all drilled very well indeed, the Newmarket boys being remarkable for their precision. The No. 2 squad was composed of very small boys under a very small sergeant.

THE WATER CARNIVAL. CELEBRATIONS AT MOTUTAPU. It seemed very uncertain whether the aquatic celebrations at Motutapu Island, with their picturesque Maori touch, could be held, for the rain seemed likely to put a damper on all out door arrangements, especially’ aquatics. However, about 1000 people went down to the island. A good programme of aquatic and athletic events was arranged, the officials conducting the celebration being as follows; President, Mr R. F. Way; vice-president, Mr F. Harding; treasurer, Mr \V. P. Black; sports committee, Mr J. Faweus, Mr A. Robinson, Mr J. Stokes, Mr K. Wolfson, Mr W. Sharpies, Mr F. Harding, Mr F. Thornton, Mr C. Weaver, Mr G. Rubber, Mr J. Deadv. Mr J. Aggers. Mr T. Brenton, Mr P. Bartley, Mr J. Kyle, Mr F. Harwood; judges of swimming events. Ur. Gore Gillon and Mr VV. Swinnerton; handicapper. Mr 11. Swinton: starter. Mr R. Eagleton; sports secretary. Mr E. O’Hare; Maori organiser, Kero I’oki Te Aim; general secretary, Mr Geo. Davis.