MASTERTON EN FETE

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2716, 10 March 1916, Page 3

MASTERTON EN FETE

PATRIOTIC CARNIVAL

' INCIDENTS AND SCENES

Tho Patriotio Carnival that has been organised by the Friendly Sooieties of the Wairarapa, under the supervision of Mr. John Hopkins, opened yesterday with a, monster procession and gathering in the public park. Although the weather had been threatening, it was beautifully lino during the greater portion of the day, and thousands of people flocked to the town. Business places were closed at 11 o'clock, and were decorated with evergreens, whilo streamers were suspended across tho main thoroughfares, creating a most pleasing effect. The procession stated about noon,. and was about a mile in length. The display made by the friendly societies, trades, ,queen candidates, and indus- . tries was one of the finest ever seen in the Dominion. The schemes of decoration were unique, and an immense amount of time and energy must have been expended upon them. The champion exhibit was made by the Wairarapa- Farmers' Co-operative Association, which was a representation of the "Queen of Fairyland." The farmers of the North Wairarapa made an admirable display, showing the agricultural and pastoral resources of the district, for which they divided first honours with the W.I'.C.A. The friendly societies made a noble exhibit, as did also the Maoris. The latter represented a war canoe, and gave liakas during the progress of the procession. The carriers and drivers were awarded first prize in the commercial section, and tho Napier, Fire Brigade first for humorous exhibit with a Darktown Brigade. Messrs. Hugo and Shearer were successful in the class for decorated motor-cars, and the Misses Lila, Gwenda, and Mervyn Williams (Cupids) in group 'fancy costumes. Miss Lucy M'Kenzie (Indian Queen) was l given first for individual fancy costume, and Miss Pinkney first for decorated bicycle." The juvenile displays were very skilful, and the honours in this''section went to the Lansdowne School. The North Wairarapa candidate (Mrs. Hugh Morrison)' was awarded pride of place in ' the Queen displays, lier motor-ear being a magnificent contrivance in pink. The Druids (Mrs. G. M. Coradine), which represented pierrots, ran very close for second, while the Oddfellows (Mis 3 A. Evans) came third. The streets of the town were lined with people during the progress of the procession, and the various exhibits were loudly ! cheered. The _ Caledonian Pipe Band, Masterton Municipal Silver Band, and Featherston Military Band, together with a Darktown Band, enlivened the proceedings with music. On arrival at the public park, the procession was kinematographed by" a Government photographer. The afternoon was_ devoted to novelty aports, dancing, music, and other items. Stalls and side-shows wore busy, and a miniature Maori village was well patronised. In the evening, an al fresco programme was presented in' the park, which was brilliantly illuminated with gas-lights and festoons. Highland dancing, pqi dancing, band selections, Maori etc., made a splendid programme, which was greatly appreciated by the huge crowd that assembled: To-day there will be a masquerade and faucy costume march to the park, where tiie New Zealand Amateur Athletic Club provincial championships will be held. In the evening there will bo a masquerade ball in the park.