AT NEWTOWN PARK

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 253, 21 July 1919, Page 8

AT NEWTOWN PARK

AN.EXCELLENT PROGRAMME ■After tlifl arrival of the procession at Newtown Park a start was mado with :the" military events, which formed tiie prelude, to a general programme of amateur athletic 9ports. Three hundred* Wellington College Cadets, under the command of Captain Martyn R-enner, began an exhibition of physical training. The cadets looked very smart in their' khaki ."shorts" and their white shirts,'.:and'they performed their work with soldierly alertness and .precision, At noon ' three 'buglers sounded the "Last Post," and for a time all ordinary activities were suspended in honour of , the fallen: After the cadets' display, returned soldiers, Territorials, Sen--ior Cadets,, and members of rifle clubs competed in various events, finishing v.theii"; programme by about 2 p,ui. The attendance of the public, which i had b'eeii 'comparatively small ■ for an hour or so, gradually swelled to many 'thousands; and ,tho amateur sports commenced at 2 o'olock were witnessed, by a'huge' crowd of people. The list of .events was long and varied, and included Association football and Indies' j. hookey. Unfortunately the officials found it impossible to arrange a. Ruijby competition, though up to the last moment they had proposed to do so. Besides'_ the Rugby football a few minor events had to be deleted from the bill, but more than sufficient to interest and amuse the public remained. Something •that started fairly early and ended lat« without ever losing its atten'tive crowd of spectators was the. Highland dancing. This at"traoted a laTge number of entries, and provided an excellent display. While the attendance at the Park up to i p.m. ■was very big, the cold nor'-wester which had been blowing all afternoon proved .too'much, at-the failing of the sunlight, for many of the people. Gradually the .great assemblage melted away, and the "gallery" for one two events placed ■right'at the end of the list was comparatively small. That the management of the sports was in excellent hands was proved by the punctuality with which all the items were disposed of; Thore were no delays, and' both the public and competitors must have been well satisfied with the way in which everything was conducted.; The officials weroj-iKTommittee, Messrs.' . A.'Marryatt (ohairman) and R. W. Shallorass (hon. secretary); starter, Mr. T.'W. •:Leslie; referee, Mr. A. Marryatt; steward, Mr. A. D. Bayfield; judges, Mr. J.; Prendeville, Mr. A. Davies; field events, . "Messrs. J. Doyle, T. S. Ronaldson, H. Murray, W. H. Jones, L. M'Kay; marshal, Mr. J. Cusaolcj time-keepers, Messrs. .W.- N.. Tucker, W. H. Ludwig, W. H. ! Pollock, and A. Laurenson; call stewards, .Messrs. C. Turnbull and IY- HodsonjPress stewards, Messrs. W. Auld and H." Mlfeowenj ' handicapper, Mr. A. C. Kitto; entries steward, Mr. G. S. Hill; • •Ground Committee;. Messrs. W. Auld, G. . Frost, A. B. Wells, and N. A. Grant; .directors of military sports, Captain •Sell, Captain Davis, Lieutenant Thom■Bon, Lieutenant Christopherson; judge of Highland dancing, Miss D. Guise; stew-: ards for Highland dancing, Messrs. D. Campbell, A. D. Bayfield, J. Simpson,' and D. M'Laren. Messrs. G., M. Julius and B. Keesing were the stewards for a Punch and Judy; "show that , did excellent business through"«ut _ tie afternoon. ■■^'■■'■'■■■"■ RESULTS. ■Following are the results of the military sports:— . : ' Tug-o'-war (Senior Cadets): Wellington College, 1; 39/40 Company, 2. v Tug-o'-war (Territorials, etc.): D. Batlery, lj No. 3 A.S.C., 2. : . Boot race (Cadets): Cadet Money, 26th Company. ■Boot race (Territorials, etc.); Gnr. -Saxby, D-. Battery. ""Potato-race (Cadets): Cpl. C. N. Nicholls; Wellington College. ' Potato" race (Territorials, etc.): Cpl. W. Fisher, Railway Engineers. Wheelbarrow race (Cadets): Cadets Spencer and Birnie, Wellington College. ' Wheelbarrow race (Territorials, etc.)i Gnr. Gordon, D. Battery, and Cpl. Fisher, Railway. Engineers. Sack race (Cadets):' Cadet Stevenson, 89/-M Company. Sack race (Territorials, etc.):.Pte. M. Pollock, No. 3 A.S.C. ...Pillow-fighting (Cadets): Cadet B. J. ~ ' 30/35 Company., ■ -■■•Pillow-fighting (Territorials, etc.): Pte. "Milne,-D ■Company, sth Regiment. -■■Pollowiußaro the results of the other 'suor-ts-. events:— :' lOflvds. -Race.—First heat: N. Barker, Bcr.-;'lr H. Moss, syds., 2. Second heat: ■Hv-B.' Stone.,3yds., 1; G. Gillespie, 4yds., •s:--i ! l'mali G. Gillespie, 1; H. B. Stone, 2.'■ Time. 10 4-ssec. . High Jump Handicap.—B. G. Sutherland;" 3in.. 1; H. S. .Whytv 3in., 2. Heish't. sft. : 6in. '"'Sack Race.-M. Pollock, 1; J. Kirk'■pattick. 2. '■'■'■ ■ . • . ' ■ Putting the Shot Handicap—P. Munro, ecf.'. I';' , J.VBrown, 2ft. 6in., 2. Distance, *42ft:'8Jin:" ; : ■ • ■ ■. • . •-' Bovs"IIalf-mile Walk.-F. Hicklingy 1; ■R.. M'Kenzie, 2. " 'Ladies' 50vds. Race—Miss "N. Lang, 1; . : iris¥T>VPvke, 2. .'One-mile Handicap.—A. B. Wilson, 15vds.. Is- E. 'Finch, 05yds., 2. Time, fimin. 3 2-osec. 220vds. Hurdles Hondicap.-H. S. ■.W.hvte. lOvde. behind, 1; H. Jaokson, Mvds. behind, 2. Time, 35sec. Sflvds. Scratch Race.-N. Barker, 1; Gillesm'e. 2. Time, 5 2-ssec. Lone Jump Handicap.-P. G. Thomson, Ift.. 1: H. S. Whyte, lft. 6in., 2. Distance. 20ft. siri. . ! SOvds. Returned Soldiers' Handicap.— J. 'Hiokline. .1; Brett, 2. Time 6sec. . 220vds. Handicap.-G. Brett, 11yds., 1; O. Aiken. Byds., 2. Time, 22seo. '- 880vds. Relay Race (for teams of four, ■each competitor running 220 yds., carryinn football, and dressed Sn-football.cos- • tnma).-Victoria University College and Marist teams tied for first place. Time, ]min. 5t 3-osec. ... ThrowiiiE the Hammer.-D. Brown 20ft.. 1: J. M'Holm, scr., 2. Distance, 12 Two-m n iic Handicap.-D. Todd, UOyds., 3 : P. Wilson, 160 yds., 2. Time, lOmin. ' In the semi-final of Association six-a-Bidfi -football competition, Y.M.C.A. defaulted to Mariet A, and Manst B defeated'Petone by. two goals to nil. lne Efiorera for Mnrist B were Griffiths and Cnstello. In tho final, Manst A defeated Marist B by seven goals to two. l< or ibp. A team. Carruthers scored three coals. Lowe two, and. M'Elligott two; for tho B. Costello and Boyd each scored ° n t ladies' hockey match between Feildimr and the Wellington Ramblers reunited in a win for the local team by tn ee male to nil. Miss N. Lang scored twice and Miss M. Wilkms once. Following are the results of the Highland dancing:— „ , , lliahland Fling (open for those who had never won a prize) .-Ihclma MKenzie 1: Muriel Nicholls, 2. Highland King (open)-Willie Brown, 1: Madso O'Connor, 2. . Sheantrubhas. - Madge Curne, 1, Josephine Moran, 2. • ■Reel o' Tnlloch.-Winniiift set, Annie ' Currie. Madge Currie, Willie .Brown, Phvllis M'Millan; best of winning set, Annie Currie. 1; Willie Brown, 2. MGHTSCENES TORCHLIGHTPROCERSION AND 1 FIREWORKS "There were sounds' of revelry by enthusiasm undiminished by the days exertions, a large number of people asSled at the Government Buildings at 7 pni. on Saturday, and headed by a beautifully illuminated double-decked traracni'-wlficli openly defied the Mayor's personal inunction against extra illumination of any kind-cheered by the * presence' of half a dozen bands and lHited bv hundreds of torches and Jnpnnew lanterns, in most cases borne by Bov Scouts, the calvacade movwl . up town. ■The crowds along the way were not psrlVaps so numerous as in the mornin", but. were still vast and as jolly as ever. Late in the afternoon a chilly brcez» promised to make any outdoor function' something to lie endured rather thnn Mijnved. but to the amazement and delisht of everyone the wind died down 5 p.m., (he air became noticeably milder, nnd the clear starry heavens

made the conditions perfect for the purposes in _ "hand. The' torchlight procession consisted for the main part of bands and decorated motor-cars. The Tramways Band played from tho top-deck of tho illuminated car, and there were also present the Patriotic Society's Band, the Natives' Association Band, the Snlvatioj; Army Band, tho Waterside Workers Band, and the two Highland Pipe Bands ; There wns also a restricted muster oi Boy Scouts, a. miscellaneous gathering of "go gayors," and a long line of handsomely decorate_d and illuminated cars. In ■ Willis Street, Manners Street, and along Courteuny Place- the column of iliime, which looked very pretty ■ from an elevation, had to cut its way thronglf a solid phalanx of people, and as the procession nassed tho crowd .closed in and followed, until the' full width of Courtenay l'lape was a great tramping army of shouting, laughing folk, mostly arm-in-arm, and all determined to seo what was to be seen and make the most of it. Clyde Quay presented a really wouderful sight n't 8 p.m., when from tie end of Courtenay Place toJMental Bay was a dense cohort of people steadily advancing on Orfental Bay. The' cars were made to pull out.' at the Clyde Quay Wharf, and the tram service was suspended for the time being. It was well it was so, for there was no spare room for anything save pedestrians, and even they had to step warily to avoid trouble. Oriental Bay looked its very best. Nearly every house in the bay was fully lighted, and in some cases the residents had gone to the trouble of lining each window with lighted candles, which from the parade made a distinctly Brilliant effect. High up on the Town Belt blazed a huge bonfire, and Irom a point near Shannon .Street a searchlight of moderate power danced over hill and dale like an elongated firefly. Promptly at 8 p.m. there was a succession if startling bangs and lons-drawn-out hisses as a chower of golden rockets cut paths of light in the velvet night to burst in the high heavens into clusters of brilliant stars of all colours. The first display drew from the crowds which packed the parade and the terraces above the bur an involuntary "Ah!" of delight. Then from the hillside away above the Bay a slender trail of fire climbed uy and up into ■ the blackness, then burst into a shower of green and ruby-red stars, which, as they dropped, earthward, lit up the whole ot the bay. Even ns tho new «oint was discovered, another yellow streak , rose from soma craft in mid-harbour, and again there was a momentary rivalry with the celestial illuminants. At times from all three points rockots soared up and banged into coloured fire at the same time, tho effect being superb. The central point of operations was the Band Rotunda reserve, wheie, in addition io rockets, there were set up fire wheels, which threw out coloured balls of fire as they spun round,, an'd whizz-bangers, which spun like golden tops as they rose and fell, emitting showers of golden eparks during their brief flight. Another form of rocket that was extremely popular were those which, on'bursting, descended like wriggling snrikes of golden fire. When half-a-dozen of these rockets were fired at tiie one time the spectacle' was very beautiful, and dri>w from tho crowds shouts of delight. The crowning achievement, however, was the firing of the set pi'eces. The first one disclosed in the midst of a golden waterfall the word "Victory," in brilliant rubr fire, in letters big enongli to be read half a mile away. Others wrote in flame a?ainst the ni#ht sky the words "Rule Britannia" ind "God Savo the King," and as this was done, tho bands played appropriate music from the parade. The display was viewed by from 20,000 to 30,001) neople ashore, and the ferry boats Duchess and Cobar, with large complements of passengers, stood off the bay to watch the fireworks. The display came to an end-at about 9.15 p.m., and onco more Clyde Qnajj and Courtenay Place became alive with men. women and children finding their way Jiom? after a long>t happy; and memorable day. •The fiijoworks were in charge of Mr. Bickerton, mho succeeded in setting through his big task without accident of any kind. GAY DECORATIONS FINE DISPLAY~AT THE G.P.O. Flags were the dominant feature of the decorations of the cily on Pciioa , Day. Thu garlands of red, white, and blue that spanned the streets here and there were aflutter with ilags. Every building flow iIuKS, and n.ore flags waved in the hands of the people, particularly the young peopje. A few buildings were decorated ith branches of tee-fern and other greenery. Cuba Street, from one point of view, presented a vista of gTeen leavus. But everywhere the flags were supreme. Tho Railway Department's building had shields, bearing the jiames of battlu-grpunds, as the central feature of ■ a [airly elaborate scheme of decoration in red, white, and blue. The Government, i'uildings anil Parliament Buildings had streamers of flags. Just how, many flags wero used in Wellington on Saturday it would not be possible to compute. The number muse have run into tens i.f thousands. The flags ranged from big i-nes of tho regulation bunting.to tiny ones of silk, to be worn in hat band or.buttonhole. The variety of flags was very wide. The flags.'of dozens, of countries were to be soen, and then there wera iiags that represented no country at-all. They were all bright and they lluttered very, vory bravely in the northerly hreezo that prevailed during the day. The decorations of tho G.P.O. building were designed in the first place as a daylight display on' the main front, Featherston Street, and an illuminative display on the front facing Post Office Square. Owing to the Cabinet decision to eliminate all illuminations by electricity, the latter scheme is curtailed, and only tho centre portion, under the clock tower is carried out. This comprises all ,the flags of the .countries within 'the League of Nations, and are displayed by transparencies on the windows, the illuminating of which; was done by ratent lighting at the Inst! moment, as even this instructive portion of the display was cut out of the >electrioally-lighted illuminations. The cloth-covered screens, blue and white, now looking rather odd and lonely, were designed to >ci'ecn the transparent flags from the light of the general illuminations,. and the- colours chosen to decorate the front of the screens are tho colours of the League of Nations. The Empire Dominion flags draped on this front are emblematical of the Dominions' ehare in .the war, and in the subsequent peace, 'i.he whole ie crowned with a large painted sign, bearing ihe words, "Peace with Honour."

The display of the Featherston Street front is on a more elabarato style, the two ends of the building having Venetian masts, draped with Allied coloured bunting and laurel wreaths and festoons, and the centre or main entrance being artistically draped with national flags, sur-1 mounted with a banner inscribed, "Peace i won by duty done," painted in red and j blue on a white ground. The whole front from the top of the masts to tin upper window*; is gaily festooned with bunting and flag.?. On each mast and in numerous windows a distinctive and appealing feature is given prominence in the form of battalion blazes, as worn liy the .boys both in France and ■in Egypt'. These aro mounted on a khaki-coloured shield, crowned with sprays of small Allied flags. Tho Main body men aj' u given priority and are placed in the centre of the building, the first four infantry battalions' shields being on the tiers of the main entrance, flanked on either side by the regiments of mounted rifles, whose shields are mounted on the first Venetian masls. Battalions and units of other brigades are represented in prominent positions on other adjacent masts and in the windows of the second floor. Several units are not represented simply because thore are no regimental blaze.-; similar to those displayed. Showing tiicse blazes at such a momentous lime will appeiil to thousands of men who have dune their bit, and also to the parents and relatives of those who have lost boys in the fight, and will help to keep thoughts fresh in our minds of those who died fighting for us. The Navy is represented by two Navy League . fliiß.s draped over the centre of the main entrance.

Tho main vestibule was taken possession of by the post office girls, and the pleasing and artistic elfect is universally admired. The artificial flowers were all made voluntarily by the girls, and the whole scheme is emblematical of the Allied nations, each being represented by the national flowers, including the daffodil, in' honour to Lloyd George. Great praise is due to these patriotic girls for the energy and good will displayed in their oj-duous task, but tho effort wns

well worth the hearing of spontaneous and generous admiration by the public. The lloral decorations wore j'esigned and carried out by Miss Black and Miss Johnson, and the external decorations wore designed and supervised by Mr. J. Conies Nevitt, chief draughtsman. PLANTING PEACE TREES IN NEWTOWN PARK & BOTANICAL GARDENS. Thero is perhaps no more beautiful or serviceable way of celebrating peace than to plant a tree, ouc that can be referred to and looked upon 'in future years as having been given life to in the year of the peace made and ratified in the Treaty of Versailles. The Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) believes in tree-planting as mio of the finest aids to civic beauty, anil on Saturday he and Mrs. Luke, accom- [ pauied by Councillors T. Forsyth,, R. A. Wright, and W. H. Bennett, participated in a peace tree-planting function at Newtown Park, and later at the Botanical Gardens. At tho Park, whither the party were accompanied by the Director of Reserves (Mr. M'Kenzie), thu Mayor made a few appropriate remarks on the state of peace which 'they were celebrating, and the brighter prospects that were ahead for the whole of tho world as cue result of the war. Both he and Mrs. Luke planted young oak trees on the knoil near the caretaker's residence, and there the councillors present also planted trees in memory of_ the dav. The Highland Pips Band were in attendance, and enlivened tho occasion with a skirl on the pipes. In recognition of the good work the band had done patriotically right tlrough tho war, the Mayor invited Chieftain Colin Campbell to plant a peace tree, which was well and truly done. The Mayor and councillors afterwards motored to tho Botanical Gardens, and there planted further trees, as a memorial of a great occasion in the history, of the Empire. . Owing to an attack of bronchitis, Councillor. George Frost (chairman of the Reserves Committee) could not be present at the ceremony. AN AWKWARD MOMENT TRAMWAY HOLD-UP AVERTED On Friday morning last it looked very much as though the city would have to get through its three days' peace celebrations without the assistance of Ithe I trams. As the result of negotiationsibotween the council and the employees of the tramways power-house last , week, the counoil offered the men time and ahalf and an extra holiday on. to their annual leave for each peace day worked. Tho men demanded double time and tho holiday. This was refused, and the men were informed by the Mayor that if they did , not turn to on Saturday they need not any longer consider themselves employees of the City Corporation, >a3 by their action they would interfere with the convenience and comfort of nearly everyone in tho community, in particular tho working class, who could not aftord to indulge m any other form of transit. A deadlock had ken arrived at by noon, when the services of the Conciliation Commissioner (Mr W. Newton) were called upon to try and bring about a settlement. Ho interviewed representatives of both sides. Mr. Newton pointed out to the power-house men that any such action as contemplated during peace days would affect the interests of practically the whole of Wellington and cause very great inconvenience in connection with the peace celebrations. • As thero was no time to waste, Mr. jNew-. ton promised the men that if they consented to work aa usual on tho threo peace days, ho would aslc the City Council to favourably consider the application of the men for double time and the holidays. The men argued that they were not in the same position a* the tramway men, as they were shut oilfrom everything, whilst the tramway men were out and about, and-could eoe most of what was going on. Moreover, fchoy quoted the armistice day arrangemont as a precedent, when the City Engineer (Mr. W. H. Morton) conceded them double time and a holiday as well. It is chiefly on the latter grounds that the Conciliation Commissioner will recommend the council to favourably consider tho payment to. the men of tho power house of double time, and three holidays .to be 1 added to their annual Under those conditions the men decided to carry on through the peacn period. ' DAY Peace Day/was much e.'.ijoyed by the men who took part in festivities arriVed for their stay at tho Sailors Friend Society. In the afternoon games were indulged in, mid prizes competed for. The winners were: Messrs. .Morris, Turner, Smith, Hickoy, Lever, Bennie, Edward', "Honi'.ve!!, Helling, Parker. L'oorey, Long, Kemp, Murphy, Williams, Harnwoll, and Thomas. The lady workers arranged a capital tea, which was much enjoyed by the guests. After'tea tho sports wero continued, and many rare games played under I he. guidance of the missioner. At 8 o'clock a dolightful concert was given by Miss E. Wiren, when the eaebres were many. The iperformera wero: Mrs. Jackson, the Misses C. Cranmer, Hmther, Wylio, .E. Wren, Lea, and J. Lewis, and Messrs. Sishworth, Cooper, Murphy (Shropshire), and Harnwell (Port Pirie). Miss Teychesnie was at the piano. In intervals a bit oi "baccy i was served to the men (through tho kindness of generous donors) for which they expressed thanks. It.was fine' to see the men standing ot the salute as a Jnark of respect to Hinse vho had "gone West" from sea and land. Light refreshments wore dispensed before the guests departed. '-Mr. Moore, missioned led the-men in the cheers for all who had mado the <lay a tj.cmcrablc one for thoso away from homo. > i 4. concert was also given, on Thursday by Mrs. Macfarlane. when the following l were encored:—Mrs. Macfarlane, the ! Misses Henderson mid "Oymoek, Captain Macfarlane,'and Mr. Val Jones. On Peace Sunday services appropriate I to the cecasion were held in, i he Seamen's Mission Church. PEACE , GATHERING A large and enthusiastic meeting of ! members of tho above club took place at the club rooms on Saturday. The president (Mr. B. J. Finucane) presided, and in a short address referred to the great joy exhibited throughout the world on the signing of the Peace Treaty. New Zealand before the war was almost unknown, but to-day she is recognised as one of the smaller nations of the world. But while we have made peace with Ger- ! many, and put her in-her place for all i time, are we at peace with .ourselves:' I What is the cause of labour ■ troubles J throughout the world at tho present i time? The speaker contended that a j better spirit should prevail between masI ler and man. We should be at peace ! fiiunns ourselves, and take a greater in- ! terest" in each other's lives. Reforeii' , ! , was made to the great part played bv Mr. Llovd Georgo and others, also ti: the good work of the Prime Minister (Mr.W. F. Mnssoy), Sir JosejA Ward, ;u; j Sir James Allen. Mr. L. Hennessey ar.c! I Sergeant Charles Nixon, a Gallipoli hero. I also spoke during the proceedings. Ser- ! geant Robio sounded "The Last Post."' ] and the Dead March was played by Mr. I V. Hooper, Mr. Will Raynor (of vaudo- • villo fame) Deathless Army , J and other patriotic songs. A vote of ttianks to the president was enthusiastically given, and after singing _ the _Nalional Anthem and cheers beinsr given for the Kin? and our brave Allies, the proceedings closed. The club rooms wore tastefully decorated with the Allied flass. i a jarWnote MR. SEMPLE PROTESTS AGAINST I CKLEBIiATIOXS. I Mr. R. 'Se.nipK , , M.P., is not in accord I (with the spirit of the pence eelebratione. ! Writing to Jlr. A. 1 ,, . Lowe, Clerk of the I House of Representatives, acknowledging I receipt of an iiivitani.ui to lake purl, in I the peace celebrations , , he says he. does j not intend to take purt in what ho bcI lieves to bo a sheer waste of I iiblic money I at a time when a policy of strict economy should be adopted, lie protests nsiiin.~t the burning of thousands of <:ords of wdod in bonfires, while thousands of working-class children are thivering with the cold, amongst whom are ihildrcn whose fathers fell on the battlefields. Such a policy is nothing short of criminal. It would have been more in lino

with humane principles if the money that is to bo wasted tluougliuu.; New Zealand within, the. next few days were used to form the nucleus uf u fund to build maternity homes for the cave, of the motherhood of our country, or given to the maimed .and crippled soldiers and their dependants, or for some such lofty purpose. There is no real pence. This world of ours is rocking with the whirlwinds of rebellion. The dasa war, the struggle, for existence, bets eon the workins class and the privileged class is raging as it never did since the beginning of man. In every country in the wcrid we have the sordid spectacle of hovel life, smiallor, hunger, and misery on the one hand, and nrivilegod robbery, laziness, luxury and pomp on the other. To talk of peace under such ciri'mnstances is sheer cant. There can be no peace until the economic war between the classes above mentioned is over, and every man, woman, and child is given an equal opportunity in life, security of tenure, a home to live in, and a place at nature's table. These are the terms o: neace that I am looking forward to."