QUEEN CARNIVAL

Evening Star, Issue 23701, 8 October 1940, Page 8

QUEEN CARNIVAL

THE CROWNING CEREMONY PRODUCTION IN CAPABLE HANDS OAMARU'S SUCCESSFUL DAY A grand pageant which is intended to be the final highlight in a series of bright splashes connected with the queen carnival festivities to raise funds for the rehabilitation of Otago’s men on their return from the war, will be a crowning ceremony. The queen carnival executive yesterday appointed Miss Helen Gardiner (Wellington), and Miss Bessie Thomson (Dunedin) to (produce it. As producers, both these ladies are well known in the theatrical world of the Dominioh, and as a result of their collaboration, they should create something really outstanding. The production will be staged at His Majesty’s Theatre, and in order that everyone will be able to see the spectacle. it will be run for a least a week. This will be some time in November. EQUAL DIVISION. Following discussion in committee at the City Council meeting last night on the question of the distribution of the £I,OOO donated by the city to the queen carnival funds, it was finally decided by a unanimous vote that this sum should be equally divided between the three queens—Army, Navy, Air Force. NAVY ACTIVITIES, Fun in plenty will be the order of the day at the Paddy’s Market, "which is being organised by the women of the Navy Queen Committee. It will be held in Burns Hall on Friday next, commencing at 10 a.m. There will be produce, sweets, cake, and plant stalls, and a jumble sale at 2 o’clock. Donations for the latter will be welcomed. Fun on skates will prevail in the evening at the skating rink, where an interesting programme will be gone through. Children will be allowed on the floor until 9 o’clock. Friday is the night of the big procession in the city 4 and the skating carnival will be an adjunct to the whole carnival spirit of the evening. Donations of furniture, etc., for the big Navy auction on October 18 are still required. It will be held in the Winter Show buildings. If one has anything to donate for the auction, ring Navy headquarters, and the articles will he collected. The Ladies’ Navy Queen Committee is also organising a cabaret evening at the Crawford Lounge on Monday, October 14. Dancing will be on the ground floor only, the upstairs being reserved for novelty amusements. Ben Finlayson’s Band will be in attendance. BIG LIFT TO FUNDS. The big gala day held at Oamaru racecourse on Saturday was a success in every way, and judged from the financial aspect, at least £1,500 will be added to the funds being raised in aid of the Air Force Queen. While every event attracted considerable interest, undoubtedly the highlight of*a successful day was the Draught Horse Derby. The competitors in this event included the mayor (Mr J. K. Familton), Mr James Rodman (chairman of the Waitaki County Council), as well as prominent business men. The race started at a very sedate pace, but soon some of the horses seemed to “ catch on ” to the idea, and decided really to make a race of it, much to the obvious discomfort of a few of the riders. However, all managed to finish. ARMY QUEEN AT LYRIC CONCERT. Queen Airini made a personal appearance at the recital given by the Lyric Choir in the Town Hall Concert Chamber last night. She was warmly welcomed, and a collection was made. This realised the sum of £l6 11s, a very satisfactory response to such a plate collection. AIR FORCE QUEEN. The Air Force Queen, Miss Mary Pratt, was heartily welcomed by a full hall at Dunback last night. The programme had been arranged by Messrs J. Himburg and Alf. Pcttitt, and the items were much appreciated. Miss Pratt sang three songs. A quantity of produce was sold and a collection was also made for the pennant which was presented to the Queen at Balclutha last week. This resulted in the sum of £ls 5s being taken in the hall. The door takings and sale of produce will bring the total amount for the function up to approximately £SO, which is a very worthy effort from a small community. To-morrow the Queen goes to a concert function at Tapanui, while she will also attend a mannequin parade at Balclutha. Concerts are also arranged for at Hei-iot. Roxburgh, Milton, Alexandra, Middlemarch, and Palmerston this week.