CORONATION DAY

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 100, 14 May 1937, Page 3

CORONATION DAY

Our Own Correspondent)

OTANE'S CELEBRATIONS A GREAT SUCCESS

(From

OTANE, Last Niglit. Pme weather favoured Otane for its Coronation celebrations, and was the Oue thing necessaTy, over whieh the committee had no control, to make the day a complete Buccess and an outstanding event in the lives of tho children. At the usual hour the children assembled at school, where tbey saluted tbe flag and were addressed by the headmaster, after which all adjourned to the Post Office preparatory to joining in the procession. Here Mr A. E. Jull, Waipawa, addressed the gathering, speaking most interestingly on the significance of the day and the Crown and what it meant to the Empire and the individual. After the ninging of the National Anthem, tho procession was formed and a creditable display it made as it passed through the town en route to the recreation ground. The decorated horses and their youthfu* riders took the lead, followed by a large contingent of children on decorated bicycles. Next came dolls ' prams and miscellaneous items, followed by the school children, a great proportion of whoin were in fancy costumes and ail carrying flags; Ihe school display, "Britannia and children of the Empire," then the decorated vehicles, and iastly a long line of motor-cars, all sporting decorations of some description; Ted, white and blue being th© predominating colours. The judgets of the decorated vehicles, fancy costumes, etc., Mesdames T. J. C. and G. Warren, had a difficult task in making the awards in some of the sec* tions, where the competition was particularly keen. The parents, school teachers and children aro to be commendod for the manner in which they entered into the spirit of the occasion, making such a bright ' and attractive display. Onft exhibit that made a special appeal was a miniature decorated carriage in which were two daintily dressed and charming little girls reprcsenting PrinceSses Elizabeth and Margarot Rose. The small Watson Brothers ' covered waggon, drawn by a pet lamb, also attracted much attention. Everything was in readiness at the llogreation Ground, which was so'on the scone of much activity. The children under seven yqare old down to the youngost batty each received a gift, while for all the children there were games, races and events of every description to suit very age and inclination. Upwards, of fifty events wore decided, in addition to seven aside foothall and basketball tournaments, and also tugs-o'-war. Thore was not a dull moment for the children throughout the day, and' they entered wholeheartedly into everything provided for their amusement. There was a very large attendance of adults who entered into th'e fun of the day and found much to amuse and intereSi them. Thero were races for tho mothcrs and fathers, and the fathers played against their daugljters in some games of basketball. The children were regled with an abundajice of refresh« ments and soft drinks, and the overpopular lollie scramhles were hailed with delight. Altogether it was a wonderful day for the children and the committee is uceply grateful to those who so generously contributed towards the day's onjoyment in money or in 'kind, and also tho many willing helpers who as* si-sred to make the day such a bright, jflly and happy one. Follcwing are tho awards in the decorated and fancy sections: — Bost decorated .bicycle. — L. Earnshaw 1, Joan Arnott 2. Tricycle. — Special, Bobbie Mills. Dolls' prams. — Isabel MacDougall 1, Betty Trevena 2, Dahpne Symmons 3. Horso and rider. — P. Oram 1, F. White 2. Best vehicle (effect in procession).-— Women 's Institute (United Kingdom) 1, School (Britannia and Children of the Empire) 2, Women. 's Institute (Red Cross) 3. Best costume. — Rosa Mills 1, Gowan Bruce 2. Most original costume. — Joan Oram 1, Bobbie Logan 2, Miss E. White special. Special, originality. — Gracie Mills and Lily Priest ("The Primlvses") 1, Cyril and Teddy Watson ("Covered Waggon") 2.