“MISS AUCKLAND”

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 48, 20 November 1926, Page 9

“MISS AUCKLAND”

MISS SUTHERLAND WINS TITLE MAID OF HONOUR, MISS FORD “MISS NEW ZEALAND” TO-NIGHT Dominion Special. Auckland, November 19. Lou gbefore 8 o’clock to-night a tremendous crowd thronged His Majesty’s Arcade and waited the arrival of the Auckland finalists in the Beauty Contest and the southern beauties. It was “Miss Auckland” night, and when the local girls stepped from their car a great roar of applause went up, drowning even the noise of traffic in Queen Street. The girls fought their way through the crushing mass, aided by special police detailed for the occasion. The southern representatives arrived later and were rlso accorded a tremendous reception. Misses Doreen McCubbin and Isohel Wilson received individual ovations, which were repeated inside the theatre. His Majesty’s was packed to the doors for the gala night and hundreds had armed themselves with streamers, hooters, and other paraphernalia to assist in the demonstration to "Miss Auckland.” Throughout various vaudeville acts the packed house waited in suspense, and then the great moment arrived. After the southern girls had paraded the curtain was dropped for a few’ minutes. It rose again to disclose the four Aucklanders lined on the stage before a huge dais covered with flowers and various gifts. A terrific roar went up from the house and hundreds of streamers w’ere thrown on the stage. The Mayor (Mr. G. Baildon) then walked on and announced that Miss A. Sutherland had won the coveted title “Miss Auckland,” with Miss Ellen Ford as Maid of Honour. More enthusiasm followed, and a pleasing feature was that the other two girls. Misses Distin Strange and Queenie Grahame, came in for a full share of the enthusiasm, and with the two winners received innumerable floral tributes and gifts. A repetition of the enthusiasm was seen outside the theatre as the girls left. The crush was so great that the police feared accidents, and it was made imperative that after the first tot og girls got away in a car, the others had to be smuggled out the back door, while the huge crowd waited outside. It was a memorable night in the history of Auckland, and will only be eclipsed by “Miss New Zealand” night to-morrow. •