EBBETT PARK

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 24 November 1927, Page 5

EBBETT PARK

A HAPPY CROWD YESTERDAY’S FESTIVITIES. GARDEN FETE A GREAT SUCCESS. Before performing the ceremony of opening the gates at Ebbett Park yesterday, in the unavoidable absence of the Mayoress (Mrs G. A. Maddison), Cr. M. J. Johnson. DeputyMayor, said: “It is my privilege, m the absence of the Mayor, and acting on behalf of the citizens of Hastings, to return sincere and grateful thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Ebbett for this, their great gift of Ebbett Park and these wonderful historic gates. Surely this wonderful action of our good citizens, Mr. and Mrs. Ebbett, prove to us that they have garnered the great truth, that the greatest pleasure in the world is the pleasure of giving pleasure to others. “His Worship the Mayor, in his statement which has been read to you has dealt very fully with the whole position and very little is called for from me. I heartily endorse what the Mayor and Mr. Bennett have expressed with reference to the value of this open space to the citizens of Hastings. To appreciate the value of it one should know this property as I remember it 20 years ago when there was a stream of water running right through its length—the Makarikari Creek. Mr. Ebbett filled it up and I know that he paid a royaltv to the Borough Council on about 3400 loads of earth and not less than 5000 loads went into it at Mr. Ebbett’s expense. The filling up can not have cost less than £lOOO to say nothing of the cost of the land.

THE VALUABLE GATEWAY.

“As to the gateway, I am sure no one could fix its value. It is insured for £5OO and we can be certain that Mr. Ebbett did not get it for nothing. “Among many others who have helped ip connection with it should be mentioned Mr. Ebbett’s brothers, one of whom has put in several weeks erecting the gateway and the building and otherwise helping to equip and get the Park in order. I can assure the residents of this portion of the borough that the Council is very sympathetic. They are always willing to help those, within reason, who help themselves and will lend a willing ear to any reasonable requests in connection with the Park.”

After the gates were fiung wide, the joyous crowd thronged through th© portals and spread all over the grounds, on which were stalls containing all kinds of alluring refreshments. produce, draperies, flowers and other commodities, all of whirh were generously patronised by »'ne adults as well as the youngsters, and. for the time being, everyone was just a boy or a girl out for a happy time.

A feature of the entertainment was the girls’ folk dances, presented by The “Sunbeam and Brownies.” instructed by Miss Frude, and “The Butterflies.” instructed bv Miss Gibbs. These girls flung themselves with spirit, gaiety and understanding into these alluring country dances, to the accompaniment of an orchestra, and the grace and abandon with which they went through the delightful movements caused the spectators immense gratification, which they expressed in loud applause. COMPETITION RESULTS Amongst the many oompetitions held on the grounds, the following awards are available:— Decorated bicycle: Uhriseie Lowe 1. Desmond Wright 2 Noel Scarratt 3. Decorated pram: June Ebbett 1, June Brewer 2. Gwen Schofield 3. Weight of sheep (881bs.): W. Westley, Siflbs, Weight of cake: Mrs L McKenzie. Weight of ciike: Mr F. M Wallace. The decorations of the bikes ano prams by the children were very artistic, reflecting much credit on the exhibitors’ skill and originality, and so pleased were the people that Mr. S. J. McKee, of Hastings, and Mr. W. L. Dunn, of Napier, donated special prizes for the decorative classes. Altogether the fete was a pro nounced success and the organisers are to be congratulated on the result of their untiring efforts. In this connection the management desire to thank specially the ladies wh o worked so consistently and so willingly to achieve such a pleasant entertainment.