THE GALA.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19145, 31 October 1927, Page 9

THE GALA.

OUTSTANDING SUCCESS. CROWNING CEREMONY HELD. . The. outstanding success which attended the conclusion of tfie Advance Ashburton Association's annual gala in the Domain on Saturday must leave everyone connected with the function with the gratified feeling that the town will be well rewarded as a result of their efforts. Owing to the wet weather on Monday the gala was continued on Saturday, and altogether it proved the most ambitious effort so far undertaken by the promoters. The organiser

(Mr W. H. Amos), assisted by the various committees has every, reason to be proud of the result which, under the circumstances, has exceeded expectations. Reaching for about three-quarters or a mile, the procession, which commenced from Moore street at 1.45 p.m., presented a bright spectacle, the children's decorated cycles and push-carts being a particularly attractive feature; reflecting great credit on the competitors. Headed by three cowgirls on horses, the procession comprised the Ashburton Band, Fire Brigade, a char*, banc of inmates from Tuarangi Home, children's exhibits, trade exhibits, and decorated private motor-cars, and to the strains of band music, proceeded via East, West, and Wills streets to the Domain, where the children were lined up for inspection. The Mayoress (Mr ft. Galbraith) presented the prizes won in the various sections on Monday and the Mayor (Mr R. Galbraith) thanked the public for the interest it had shown in the gala and congratulated the prize-winners. The glorious weather resulted in there being a large attendance at the Doniain, where the large variety of sideshows was well patronised during the afternoon and evening. The Ashburton Silver Band enlivened proceedings with a popular selection of music. The programme of sports was followed with keen interest. The running tracks were in fairly good order. ' During the evening a torchlight procession was held from Moore street to the Domain.

Crowning Ceremony.

As a grand finale to the undertaking the crowning of the Hospital Queen (Miss Ngaire Rainey), which was performed on the oval on Saturday night, attracted a large crowd. The large dais, artistically illuminated with varicoloured electric lights and decorated with flags, made on excellent setting for the function.

The successful Queen (Miss Ngaire Rainey) presented a charming picture in her quaint Egyptian robes of russet, orange, and brown taffetas with gold sash held in place by a buckle of Egyptian jewels A coronet and veil of gold lace 'to tone completed her regal She was attended by four maids-in-waiting, Sisters Dearsley, Tomlinson, Johnston, and Jackman. all attired in harmony with her Majesty. The Queen was borne to the throne by two princes on a chair draped in Oriental colours wat'i a gilt dome. The unsuccessful candidates, in their beautiful Court costumes, acted as princesses. The Country Queen (Miss Elsie Brown), in her early Victorian gown of pale green satin with silver lace and train of georgette, was attended by two maids-in-waiting, while the sports candidate (Miss Aline McClura) was attired in royal blue satin in the style of the Tudor .period. She also had a train faced with ermine. The attendants were gowned in gold satin. Each carried a posy.

Marshalled by Mr W. W. Garten, the headed by the Ashburton Band, marched from the bowling pavilion to the oval, and as the Queen mounted the steps and approached the throne the Ashhnrton Ma T e Voice Choir sang a chorus of praise, th 9 full Court having nreceded her and assembling on sid« of the throne. The Lord Chancellor (Mr L. A. Charles) then invested the Queen with the orb and

sceptre and placed the crown on her j head, proclaiming her' Queen of the J Ashburton County, and subsequently reading the address of the Queen to her loyal subjects. The Lord Chamberlain (Mr E, V. Conway) replied. Fol-1 lowing this, ballet dancing was given by Miss G. Bushell and pupils, and j the herald sounded the salute. After the Royal'princesses were presented, honours were conferred upon the following officials: — Colonel J. Findlay (patron). Messrs H. L. Barker, E. J. O'Brien, A. Prentice, S. J. Thomas. J. Henderson, W. H. Amos (organiser), H. R. C. McElrea, W. S. Kerr, F. Silcock, W. H. Robinson, E. H. Orr, J. S. Laing, A.. A. McDonald,' H. Smallbone, F. Crum, A. H. Todd, W. R. Tucker, G. S. Welsh, E. New, E. Vincent, R. Coulter, and H. Brown. Sports Besults. The results of the sports are as folbws, the number of competitors in each race being given in parentheses:— 100 yds Amateur Handicap—First heat (5): 0. Stoans (4yds) 1, 3. A. Gasson (6y«is) 2, K. H. Johnston (Iyd) 3. Time, 10 2-ssec. Second heat (5): R. J. Webster (10yds) 1, M. Leadbetter (scr) 2, G. Howes (7jyds) 3. Time, 10 l-ssec. Final: Leadbetter 1, Stcans 2, Webster •3. Time, 10 :.s=-<" Fi-(v- •■ Ttvirt 'UH-t. r.cHlbetter overhauled the field at about 80yds, and went to the front to win by a narrow margin. One Mile Cash Cycle Race—First heat (4): W. Mackie (scr) 1, W. R. Willmott (25yds) 3, F. W. Hubbard (170 yds) 3. Time, 2min 21 l-ssec. Ryan, off 90yds, fell at the bend to the straight in the last lap through the front tyre coming off. Second heat (5): D. Underwood (90yds) 1, O. Bright 2, J. W. Parsons (130 yds) 3. Time, 2min Usee. Final: Mackie 1, Willmott 2, Underwood 3. Time, 2min 15sec. Mackie overhauled the front-rankers during the third lap. For the last round Willmott sprinted out, closely followed by Mackie, and maintained his lead until entering the straight, when Mackie went to the front to win by half 'a length. Four lengths separated second and third.

440 yds Amateur Handicap (9)—<J. Austin (15yds) 1, R. Poff (20yds) 2, W. M. Ewart (14yds) 3. Time, 53 2-ssec. Cartwright jumped to the lead shortly, after the commencement, and held that position until entering the straight, where he was passed by the three placed men. Austin won by about two yards, while a yard separated second and third.

220 yds Amateur Handicap—First heat (4): J. A. Gasson (12yds) 1, 0. Steans (Byds) 2, G. Howes (14yds) 3. Time, 24sec. Second heat (4): C. D. Burn (13yds) 1, W. S. McClymont (9yds) 2, J. K. Dickson (14yds) 3. Time, 24sec. Final: Steans 1, Gasson 2, Burn 3. Time, 23 3-ssec. Steans caught the field 20yds from the tape, and won by inches. The third man was close up. The two scratch men, Leadbetter and Johnston, ran last in their respective heats. One and a half Mile Cash Cycle Handicap— First heat (5): 0. Bright (30yds) 1, W. R. Willmott (35yds) 2, W. Mackie (scr) 3. Time, Smin 28 2-ssec. Second heat (4): J. Byan (130 yds) 1, D. Underwood (120 yds) 2, E. Betteridge (160 yds) 3. Time, 3min 34sec. Final: Willmott J. Mackie 2, Ryan 3. Time, Smin 32aec. Mackie caught the limit men in the fourth lap, At the commencement of the last round Underwood led, but half-way round Willmott shot to the front, surprising the remainder of the field, and he had established such a good lead before the other competitors recovered that all attempts to catch him failed, and ho won by four lengths. Two lengths separated second and third. 880 yds Amateur Handicap (3) —G. Austin (15yds) 1. N. Cartwright (45yds) 2. J. Pawson (50vds) 3. Time, 2min 3 2-ssec. Pawson led for the most of the distance, but was replaced by Austin about 200 yds frcm the tape. Won, by three yards, with six yards between second and third. Gross Receipts.

The total receipts for Saturday v.ere £470, and this amount, added to last Monday's total of about £9OO, including the Queen Carnival £405, brings the gross .receipts up to about £1370, a very gratifying result compared with last year's total of £926, It is as yet

difficult to estimate the expenses, but these will not be heavy, and a substantial sum is assured for the A.A.A.'s beautifying policy. The final figures will not be available for a few days.