Queen Carnival

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 13, 8 October 1937, Page 4

Queen Carnival

PLAN APPROVED Hastings Sports Bodies' Enthusiasm A WEEK OF GAIETY The holding of a queen carnival in Hastings, providing sufficient nominations are received by the Hastings and District Progress League, was approved at a meeting of local organisations and sports bodies last evening. While a number of delegates present were rffther lukewarm on the question of a campaign for the queen carnival, on, the grounds that it would follow too closoiy upon the efforts along similar lines last year, there was undoubted enthusiasm shown on tho proposal Oi holding a carnival week} which it was suggested skoiuid provide the climax to the queen .carnival "campaign. Some iz of more organisations and clubs were represented at the meeting, which was presided over by Mr. W. A. Whitlock^ in the absenee of the president of the league, Mr. A. I. Rainbow, who was attending a committee meeting of the Hastings Borough CounciL The chairman said that tne executive of tho league had considered it advisable to hold a carnival week, and that it should be preceded by an election campaign for a queen. The proceeds were to be devoted towards equipping tho proposed sports ground for Hastines .and the meetine was called to

ascertain the views of the organisa txons and bodies on the proposal. Miss H. Ford, representing the Hastings Townswomens Guild qnd the Hastings. Kindergarten committee, intimated that both these ' organisations were in favour of holding a canival week, but neither would be enteriiig a candidate or a queen carnivaL "We are prepared to help the general funds by doing what we can during carlxival week," she said. The Hastings Cricket Sub-Associa_ tion couli uot see its way to sponsor a candidate for the queen carnival ) for the nexb-few months were a critical stage for the sportt said Mr. S. Rouse, but the association might consider linking up with some other organisations and lend some assistanoe. "I do not wish to throw cold-water on the idea, but is it wise to go on with a queen carnival this year in view of the fact that we held one jiist 12 months ago?" he continued. "Experienee shows that the work lalls on a few, and I am sure that the majority of those few who worked so hjard for their respec tive candidates last year would prefer not to have another similar experienee so soon after that one." Mr. G. E. G. Rogers, secretary of tho league, said that this aspect did occur to the executive, but it was anticipiated that tne candidates nominated would be on behalf of different organisations, and further, that the holding of a carnival week would in itself provide an advantage that was not available last year, in that it would provide an opportunity for fay more enthusiasm to be worked up to the advantage of the queen candidates. Mr. J. Stickland, on behalf of the Hawke's Bay Boxing Association, pointed out tliat at the initial meeting called last year there was a sraaller attendance than at the present gathering, yet the proposal was brought to a successful conclusion. ''My executive has discussed this propoaal, and has

decided to nominate a candidate," he Baid, ''I feel sure that once the campaign is under way the enthusiasm and co-operation will como." Representing the Heretaunga Swinx raing and Life-Saving Club, Mr. D. Mclvor said that the club would not euter a candidate under any circumstances, and was not even prepared to iink up with some other kindred body to entor a candidate. The club, however, was quite prepared to assist the league and the other sports bodies in obtaining funds for the sports grounds by participating ln the carnival week wxthout expocting anything from the proceeds of the carnival week or from the campaign. He pointed out, that last year the club took part, quite successfully, in the campaign, but it was felt that to dp so again this year would be neglecting its own partieular sphere of activities. He also considered that a campaign over six weeks was too long, being of the opinion that the general public became sick of the continual calls for competitions and funetions. Pity to Miss Opportunity. "The carnival week makes such an excellent climax to a queen carnival that it would be a pity to miss such an opportunity," said Mr. Rogers. ''After all, the enthusiasm will be worked up to a great lieight, and the carnival week will provide the queen committees with. something to benefit

from this enthusiasm when it is at its J height." He pointed out that last year ' on the final night "there was a huge crowd assembled to watch tho final figures go up, but there was nothing arranged to take advantage of this interest and enthusiasm, This year it was proposed to finish up with a speciial big function and so conclude the campaign in a fitting manner. Mr. A. Kirkpatrick said that the Hastings Rugby Sub-Union would not be able to enter the campaign, for its term of office was now over. He personally considered that it was better to conduet a queen carnival in the winter months than in the summer, and favoured a long campaign rather than a snap one as suggested. "The Hastings Citizens' Band is xn rather an awkward position," said Mr. j. Sawyer, "If it is decided to hold a carnival week tken the band will be in attendance while the other organisations are reaping the benefit. The band has discussed the question of a candidate and it will be decided in a few days. We are in the unf or_ tunate position of requiring finance, for the Borough Council put us down £75 in its subsidy this year and we have to make that amount up somehow. Then again, this is jiibilee year \ r the band and n&turally we are anxious to celebrate that occasion in a fitting manner." "To test the feeling cf the meeting I'will move .that a queen carnival be held pro'fided sufficient entries are received," said Mr. Rogers. This was seconded by Mr. Stickland and, following a brief further discussion, was carried unanimously. A brief outline of the proposals for carnival week was given by Mr. Rogers who pointed. out that these would be discussed at a later meeting. In tfie meantime the loague was concerned only with settling the question of a queen carnival, and the other matters

could be considered after Oetober 15, the date of closing of the entries.