THE PRINCE’S RINK.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVIII, Issue 1056, 2 June 1910, Page 17

THE PRINCE’S RINK.

FANCY DRESS CARNIVAL. Skating is having a merry run at Prince’s rink, the day and evening sessions seeing large numbers added to the ranks of devotees- M- Gonard exercises autocratic sway over the skating arena, and whether with novice or expert, is impartial in his attention to their comfort and enjoyment, assisting the beginner, perfecting the more advanced with equal suavity, and displaying a tact and discrimination in his supervision that is making Prince’s Rink one of the most pleasurable rendezvous of the hour. - “Our aim is to protect the lafiies,” M. Gonard says, gallantly, and his words are translated into action- On Wednesday the rink was the scehe of a brilliant gathering, when a fancy dress carnival was held, and its success proves that skating, has established a firm hold on the Auckland public, its , increasing popularity more than justifying the enterprise of Mr. Henry Hayward. Special seating accommodation was provided for spectators at the carnival, and altogether, including the skaters, there were nearly 1000 people present. Overhead were hung myriads of vari-coloured electric globes, which enhanced the picturesque costumes of the skaters, the whole forming a strikingly effective scene. There was a wide array of costumes, artistic, original and comic, testifying to the ingenuity of the wearers. Peasant

and cavalier glided round together, summer and winter were on the same footing, all nations were represented, and fraternised upon neutral territory. The awards were made by a trio of well-known ladies, representing the three biggest drapery firms in the city, and difficult though the task was, the judging met with unanimous approval. Miss Campbell, representing Butterfly tea, secured the prize for the best poster lady, the design being admirably carried out in golden gauze, wrought in tiny butterflies over green silk, and complete in every detail- Miss C- Norton, in a striking dress of silvery-spangled black net, was awarded first prize for best fancy costume amongst the ladies, Mr. L- Berry, as Monsieur Beaucaire, a handsome figure in mauve satin, carrying off similar honours in the gentlemen’s class. “ Chanticler,” in the person of Mr. J. Pelham, advertising Cambridge shirts, was a most cleverly-devised outfit, and easily crowed over the rest, while Mr. G. H. Parr was first for the most original costume in his realistic representation of a penguin. “How I learned to skate” was the text of Mr- Sheath’s costume, who gained pride of place for the most comic design, caricaturing the unfortunate beginner’s experiences at the rink in highly amusing and typical fashion. Mr- J- Pelham and Mrs- Wilkie were successful in the waltzing competition, and the winners of the team competition turned up in Misses Goddard (2), Rose and Buckworth, driven by Mr. Metcalfe, masquerading as Maoris. During the evening Mr. B. B. Raynes gave an exhibition of fancy and trick skating, his graceful and clever gyrations evoking hearty applause- The carnival was repeated last night, and attracted another large and interested gathering. In addition to the prizes already mentioned, a number of consolation prizes were awarded, the distribution taking place last night.