THE FLORAL FETE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIX, Issue 24, 14 December 1907, Page 27

THE FLORAL FETE.

SUCCESS MARRED BY RAIN. The heavy downpour of rain on Saturday afternoon effectually marred the success of the floral fete from a financial point of view, as it naturally prevented thousands from attending. Apart from the loss entailed where charity is concerned, the bad weather also spoiled what would have been a most effective procession of exhibits. Some of the decorated vehicles did form a procession past the grandstand, including the handsomely decorated carriage of the Mayor of Auckland, but, of course, such things as the beautiful poster march and the tastefully decorated go-carts, etc., could not be expected to go round in heavy rain. At 3.30 o’clock, notwithstanding a heavy downpour of rain, the lioys of St. Stephen's Maori College assembled on the green in front of the grandstand, and faithfully performed their part of the day's programme by giving an excellent athletic display. The New Zealand Herald’s exhibit was an appropriate one, being four young men attired in silks suited to their character of Hie lieraid of the days of chivalry. The St. Barnabas Club’s exhibit was a most tasteful one, a handsome summerhouse being carried on a largo two-horse

lorry. The laths were composed of white ribbons crossed, and the dome was entirely composed of yellow and white flowers. Ropes of blossoms, depending from tire dome, were held by little girls suitably attired. The Remuera Children’s Home made a fine display in a waggonette, the principal decorations being in yellow and white daisies. The top was a beautiful floral bell. Miss C. Macklow showed a handsomely decorated motorcar, of which ivy was the background and yellow and white daisies the principal flowers used. The New Zealand Dairy Association’s van was covered with white cloth, with lilies at each corner, the remainder being covered with white daisies. Seated on the van were a pair of little girls in white costume, each carrying a fan. THE POSTERS. A wonderful pageant of posters was hopelessly spoilt by the inclemency of the weather. The posters’ inarch was intended to have been one of the most attractive features of the carnival. Instead those who had gone to the trouble of preparing for the procession, were compelled to seek cover the whole day long, and remain, like gorgeous birds, in fear of spoiling their plumage, under shelter wherever it could be found. The costumes, both from an artistic and original standpoint, were finer than anything of the kind ever witnessed before in Auckland, and it will be learnt with general satisfaction that another opportunity will probably be provided for a public display, a monster entertainment in His Majesty’s Theatre on December 23 beinj on the tapis, as elsewhere mentioned. The poster to be finally selected by the judges (Messrs. W. Bloomfield and R. Stewart) for first prize, was that representative of the “Star” and “Graphic.” The young lady costumed to represent these papers was Miss L. Rhodes, in a dress of white and green satin. A portrait of King Edward was prominent on the bodice. The skirt was printed with a late edition of the “Star,” and there were also some excellently reproduced illustrations from the “Graphic.” A cleverly designed costume was completed with a neatly pointed sunshade, depicting motor-cars, representative of the leading papers in the (Dominion, racing for supremacy- The costume was designed entirely by Mrs Shakespear, of W. H, Shakespear ana Co. M.ss Ethel Bagnall, representing Messrs. Hill and Plummer, fras quaintly and tastefully attired in Wall paper skirt, court train of frieze, and palette hat, and was singled out by the judges for second prizes. A really splendid exhibit was that of Brown. Barrett and Co., who to illustrate their butterfly teas, had a team of eight small boys and girls. The boys were dressed as cupids, and the girls as pansies, with the result that the effect was picturesque in the extreme. This exhibit was awarded third prize. Professor Potter's gymnastic class was represented by Miss Olive Crombie, a charming blue-eyed flaxen-haired young lady clad in a dainty white short skirt and wearing a white leather jerkin. On her head a fencing helmet, carrying a foil in gauntleted hand, she looked a formidable ally in love or war. The “Zealandia Shirts” were exhibited by Messrs. Oliphant and Chambre Dalzell, dressed in pyjamas. Miss Melsop appeared in a very neat court costume of coloured silk, which was representative of the floral fete. The YA . Mineral Water Company was depicted by two quaintly dressed young ladies, Misses Trevithick and Slatter, who were dressed in muslin costumes of an old English period. Two pretty little girls in pink Kate Greenaway costumes were the living pictures shown by C. J. Ellerbeck, photographer. The Domo separator was represented by Miss Hamlin in a costume descriptive of Old English dress; The Tubular separator had a pretty tittle dairymaid for a champion in Miss Elsie Cooke. A fashionable costume of blue silk was that worn by Miss Richards, as a poster for Ms-datne Bartho, milliner. Her hat was a revelation of green silk, trimmed with violets and green flowers. Pearson's sand soap was represented by Mi sses Lewis ami Johnson, who wore red muslin and white hats. Messrs. Brown. Parker and Co., were represented by Miss M. Haultain, attired in pink with red apron inscribed with names of agencies, etc. Mr. Frank Gardiner. ia a strikingly quaint costume of the Monsieur Beaucaire style, appeared (with lady) for Mr. R. Eagietou.

Miss M. Biickivorth, attired in a sailor suit and flags, and carrying an appro priate banner represented Mr. E; Ije Roy. The appearance of the many hued stand aids proved most eff'eclive. The merits of Sylvia Starch and Tani wha Soup were posted on striking costumes worn by the Brotnberger. Mr. W. Crosher, electrician, had as his representative Miss L. Chadwick, who wore a tasteful blue muslin costume, and carried a staff covered with miniature electrical appliances. Miss D. Hautltain wore one of Messrs. Smith and Caughey’s “ ready-to-wear ” dresses. Miss I). Buckworth was present on behalf of Mr. G. F. Jenkinson, photographer, and was attired in a chocolate coloured dress, and carried a large palette embellished with photographs. Miss Chapman appeared as a very dainty flower girl. Messrs. Bycroft had for their representative Miss Sterling, who wore a white dress and hat covered with biscuits and topped with a biscuit tin, the design of the headgear being desidedly unique. The qualities of Cooper's sheep dip were emblazoned on a pinafore worn by Miss Mathias. Miss Perrett appeared on behalf of Mr. W. L. Pritchard. Miss Kenny, for Messrs. R. and \V. Hellaby, was neatly attired as a hospital nurse, wi'b cap and tray complete. The representative of the )nglish and Foreign Piano Company was Miss Phillips, in a striking dark blue and white costume, inscribed with the names of the company’s instruments. The merits ot Cole’s Springbok Heel were posted on a beautiful costume of green amt pink, worn by Miss Ayling, while Cinderella Baking Powder was effectively advertised by Mr. Mackey and Miss Amy Dawson, each in appropriate costume. Messrs. McCullagh and Gower’s representative, Miss Morrow, was gowned in a beautiful b'ack andwhite stripe silk, dress, with ostrich feather hat, ami parasol to match. Mrs. Johnson was represented by the -Misses Johnson (2), in empire gowns of light blue and pink. Messrs. Smith and Caughey. besides-their other representatives, had appearing for them a much-belabelled globe-trotter in white suit; and. a young lady, with a patent go-cart. Mr. George Tutt h i commissioned a youth who was for the greater part bidden in an enormous hat. Messrs. Wingate and Company were represented by Miss D. Cowan and Mr. Bagnall, who contributed an attractive display of samples of metal ceilings. Messrs. Hill and Plummer also exhibited a huge globe, fitted on a man’s shoulders, to advertise their paints. “Charity” solicited for the good cause in the person of Miss Keogh, dressed as a Puritan. The following posters were also worthy of special commendation: —Balloon Baking Powder, Miss G rimstone (in white); Mrs. Collins (Valaz.e) ; Miss L. Taylor (in red) ; Ambury, English and Co., Miss 11. Nairn (in purple and striped muslin); Acorn Butter, Miss Keogh (in light green and white striped muslin); Coronation Boot Co., Miss Nicholson (in yellow silk, with blue and gold coronet); Mr. C. Schmidt. Miss Ellingham (in white and purple); Colonial Ammunition Co., Miss B. Smith (in tartan shooting costume) ; ’Frisco Framing Co., Miss Bead (in red muslin); Cousins and Atkin, Miss Mathews (in white) ; Pure Milk Supply. Miss I. Aiderton (in slate colour and white) ; “Torsline” (Cooper), Miss Dickinson (in white muslin); Mr. W. Hamlin, Miss Keogh (in black and white). The following were also represented by posters, all of which gave evidence of careful and tasteful preparation:—Oliver Typewriter (Miss E. Shepherd), Mr. Mathewman (Miss L. Poulter), Mr. B. Me Ker* ras (Miss Haultain), Mr. W. Gilmore (Miss Woodhouse). Mr. Sex tie (Miss 11. Aiderton), Mr. G. Kent (Miss Hutton), Mrs. Browning (the Misses Chapman), Mr. 8. Barry (three children), Daisy Coffee (Miss H. Munro), Aunt Janet’s Baking Powder (Miss R. White), and Reckett’s Blue (Miss I. Lawson). Mr. Richard stewart, manager for one of Mr. J. C. Williamson’s companies, who acted as one of the judges in the posters* competition, praised the display as one of the finest he had ever seen, and he is qualified to give an opinion, having acted in a similar capacity in Sydney and MeHiourne. Points were given for originality, artistic effect, and advertising value. No less than 20 coinpetitors were within a point of the thirC prize. PRIZE LIST. The following awards appeared w second edition last Saturday: —

Posters’ Display.—“ Star” (Miss Ida Rhodes) 1, Hill and Plummer (Miss Ethel Bagnall) 2, “Butterfly” Tea (Mrs. Dalzell’s school children, 8) 3. V.11.C.: Coles' Springbok Heel (Miss Ayling), R. and W. Hellahy, Ltd. (Miss Kennedy), Rew's Cinderella Baking Powder (Mr. Mackey and Miss Amy Dawson), English and Foreign Piano Co. (Miss Phillips), Cooper's Sheep Dip (Miss Mathias). Prettiest Boy, under lyr.—Raymond Smith 1, Jack Hamilton 2, Allen Billens 3. The champion prize of the show was awarded to Arthur Raymond Thode, of Herne Bay. Heaviest Raby Oirl, under 2yrs. — Gladys Stanfield, 271 b 4oz, 1. Heaviest Baby Boy, under 2yrs.—Montague Morris, 371 b Boz, 1. Heaviest Baby Girl, under lyr.— Hazel Banks, 231 b 2oz, 1. Heaviest Baby Boy, under lyr. —Edward Markey (two months old), 151 b 4oz, 1. Buggies. Dogcarts, Phaetons, Waggonettes (four wheels). —Remuera Children’s Home 1, Mrs. G. M. Johnston 2. THE MISFORTUNE OF THE BEN EVOLENT SOUIETY. (To the Editor.) Sir, — Having read .Mr. Graves Aiekin’s letter of Saturday, Dee. 7th, 1907. 1 quite agree with him sending donations to such a good cause; but the majority of intending visitors would not be able to afford so large a donotion as Mr. Aickin's. I suggest that all who intended going to the floral fete should forward their gate-money, from 1/6 upwards; I for one am sending mine (5/), to the Rev. Canon Nelson. Hoping others will contiibute in the same spirit, I am, etc., VICTOR EHRMAN. Taka puna. | A subscription list is open at this office, and any sum from 1/ upwards will be received and acknowledged.—Ed.]