THE SCENE AT NIGHT

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2920, 4 November 1916, Page 10

THE SCENE AT NIGHT

IMPRESSIVE PROCESSIONAL CARNIVAL

The. lino spirit which permeated the public during tho day appeared to wax rather than wane with nightfall, liarly in the evening vast crowds poured into the city by every avenue, and the trams had an extremely busy time to cope with the demand placed upon them. By 8 p.m. the mid-city streets were fairly choked with people, and judging by the number of children that were taken out by their parents to see, tho show, the night rivalled Christmas live, and tho juvenile memory will

long hold in recollection the many wonderful sights that tho splendid procession afforded. Loug before the head of the column appeared in sight a flying advance guard of Pierrots, negroes, sailors, clowns, and young men and women in fancy dross, armed with collection-boxes, got busy among the crowds, and by tho heavy jingle that smote tlia ear on every side, their efforts were not unavailing. At tho head of the procession rodo tho marshal (Captain Halo Munro), and following him came the Bugle Band from Trentham, sounding a festal military note. A group of decorated cars, full of eager collectors, wero succeeded by a gallant parade of lire brigadesmen, who made a bravo show in tlieir brass helmets and uniforms. They wero accompanied bv a small motor, across which a flag'was stretched for tho receipt of small coin. The Harbour Board staff were also very much in evidence. They added a touch of humour in tlio tableau representing the cabin of a ship, with weary passengers being soothed to sleep by tho vocal efforts of their more lively companions. The board's big chemical fire-engine made a splash of shining gold and scarlet in the wavering light of tho torches. Then came a "North Sea mine-sweeper," a surf-boat loaded by a very formidable oil-skinned crew, looking fit for any kind of weather. Perhaps tho most impressive tableau, and one that evoked praise on all sides, was tho patriotic group, arranged beneath an ornate white canopy, representing Britannia, with her Dominions and Allies grouped round that heroic figure. The picturesque, illuminated 'rotunda that was built out all round the big lorry was a fine piece of work, which reflected infinite credit on thoso concerned—the staff of the Petone (Government) Railway "Workshops. The Petone Fire Brigade wero also present in force, and worked hard for tho cause in hand. Another striking feature was a capital representation (on wheels) of H.M.S. New Zealand, man-' ncd in a way to strike terror into tho heart of any foe. This was contributed by the shore staff of tho Union Steam Ship Company, and was loudly acclaimed throughout the march through the city. The Returned Soldiers' Association provided a trench tableau, and so snugly wero its occupants sandbagged in that they could not bo seen h.v the crottd. The procession also included a company of Junior Cadets, and five brass bands — the Trentham and ITeathorston Camp Bands, the Patriotic Society's Band,the Natives' Association Band, and the Mission Band.

The route of' tlio procession was from the Government Buildings, along Lambton Quay, AVillis Street, Manners Street, Conrtenay Place, and Cambridge. Terrace, to the Basin Reserve. At the Basin Reserve.

A crowd of between 4000 and 5000 assembled at the Basin Reserve to witness tlie end of a red-letter Red Cross Day. After the massed bands, under Mr. Tlios. Herd, had played the Natiunal Anthem, the Mayor, from tho balcony of the grandstand, said lie was there on behair of tlio citizens of Wellington to than* Mr. T. Young (chairman of the executive), Mr. M'Laren (secretary), the various committees, and the Mayoress (who was president of the Women's Branch) for tlio great effort they had- made on behalf of the Red Cross funds. They had carried out their duties in a splendid manner, which would redound to the credit of tho city and district. There was nothing they held closer to their hearts than the cure of their boys who were fighting' at the front, and he was pleased to see that success had crowned the endeavour. Tho women, too, who went away from these shores to nurse our boys were not excelled by nurses from any other part of the world. The Marquette incident had proved them to bo British women of tho highest possible courage. (Applause.) To the boys in the trenches he begged to be allowed to express their grateful thanks for the undying spirit of courage and endurance they had 6hown. These men wero not only helping civilisation, but were lighting for peace and goodwill throughout tho world for many years to come. (Applause.) He wished to thank all who had i% any way contributed to the success of the campaign, knowing that the result would moan . much assistance to tho noble work of aiding the hoys who were fighting for them. Tho Mayor then called for three cheers for the ladies and other helpers, and three more for Mr. Youug and his helpers, which were very heartily 'given. Mr. David M'Laren (secretary) said lie had not much to say. A good patriotic motto was: "Fight, work, pay!" The men who had gone to the front wero doing tho fighting, and it was for the people of Wellington to give, and and give, and give again and again. (Applause.) He was sorry that as secretary ho was not able to announce results. The treasurer (Mr. M'lntosli) and his staff would probably be going until three o'clock in the morning counting tho money. He wished especially to thank those helpers who had been cooped up in chambers all da.y. Thcv were all "doing their bit" faithfully and true. There were thirty ladies' committees, of which the Mayoress w-as tho leader, and it was to such women that the boys all had to turn in their hour of trial. (Applause.) All the ladies of Wellington, from north to south, had worked hard, and were still hard at it. If they wanted to have a perfect day, they should end it with empty pockets, and he hoped the ladies would still be active and get every penny. He realised that the voice of the people of Wellington was one with thoso who wero lighting for tho Empire. Their days of lighting wero our days of giving. Ho thanked the bandsmen for the great services they had rendered. Thoy had six bands in all. Ho took the opportunity of thanking tho committeo which had arranged the great procession. Mr. 'J'. M. Wilford (chairman), Mr. J. Lewis (secretary), and Mr. Munro (marshal) all deserved the heartiest praise. To-morrow (Saturday) tho people of Kilbirnic, Hataitai, and Roseneath wero going to work from early morning till late at night, and lie hoped that everyone would rally to their assistance. His call for cheers for Messrs. Wilford, Lewis, Munro, and the bandsmen was heartily responded to.

The massed bands tlicn played the march, "II Cnvalieri," under the, baton of Mr. T. Herd, after which the strains of the National Anthem brought a notable day to a close.