WAINONI'S DAY.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14884, 26 January 1914, Page 10

WAINONI'S DAY.

ANNUAL GALA. The Wainoni gala has become a recognised fixture, and ono that is looked forward to with keen anticipation. The fine hot weather attracted a largo crowd to Wainoni on Saturday. The gala is particularly a day of family picnics, and on Saturday family parties were in strong evidence. Chubby youngsters romped about, entering unrestrainedly into all tho pleasures afforded, and taking full advantage of almost unlimited liberty. The principal attractions in the early afternoon were the races for children, for boys and girls ; and for married and single women. These were entered into with great zest, and though the contests did not discover any Olympic candidates, they were none the less eagerly and closely contested, and competitors and onlookers had a thoroughly good time. SUCCESSFUL BALLOON ASCENT. Interest, later in the afternoon, centred round tho balloon accent and tho parachute descent made by Captain Jonassen. Shortly before the timo fixed for tho ascent —four o'clock —a large crowd gathered round the place where- the balloon was to be inflated. The inflation was carried out under favourable circumstances, tho wind not interfering with the rapid filling of the big bag with hot air. About 4.15 all was ready. the balloon rose gracefully and 'steadily almost right above the spot where tho inflation took place. Great cheering signaliscxl the departure of the balloon from the ground, and its upward progress was keenly watched until Captain Jonassen became a niero speck, hardly distinguishable. When a. height of 4500 ft (as indicated by an aneroid barometer) was reaclu»l. Captain Jonassen releared the paraehutu and began to descend steadily. He ultimately landed at Sandilnnds about half a mile from the spot in Wainoni Park from which he had ascended. The parachute caught on tho overhead work of the electric tramway system, but Captain Jonassen managed to keep clear of the wires. On returning to v>ainoni Park, the balloonist was heartily cheered. OTHER ATTRACTIONS. The baby show next claimed the interest of the holiday-makers, and as tho public were- the .judges, the competitors were carefully inspected. The competition resulted in the first priza going to the child of a Rapaki native. Tho results were:—lst, Napier Fredrick Rangitikei, 5 months: 2nd, George Lionel and Leslie Irving Boone (twins), 11 weeks: 3rd, Jack Goss, 6 months; 4th, Geoffrey Paul Glasson, 10 months: oth. Ralph Anderson. The result of the single women's race was:—Miss Maffey 1. Miss Woods 2. The married women's race resulted:— Mrs Willoughby 1, Mrs Bench 2. Tho children wero greatly delighted with tho Punch and Judy exhibition, and tho Rapaki natives gave several dances, including a poi dance and a haka, which were greatly enjoyed. Several competitions, such as rope quoits and heavy-weight carrying, attracted many entrants, and wero watched with keen interest. In the evening the Park was visited by crowds as largo as those who visited it during the day, and the enjoyment was as great. Descriptive dances wero given by the Rapaki Maoris, who accompanied their graceful movements with chants in their own language. An excellent programme of moving pictures was also provided, and the display of fireworks was most interesting and beautiful. In addition to a number of set pieces there shown several mechanical animals, a deer and an elephant proving very popular.