OPENING OF EBBETT’S PARK

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 26 November 1927, Page 11

OPENING OF EBBETT’S PARK

GAY FROCKS AND DANCING ON GEEEN.

The throngs of people at Ebbett’a Park on Wednesday presented a gay scene of colour and movement, as many pretty summer frocks were worn, and the busy stall-holders disposing of their wares together with the festive look of tlq_e large tents combined to make the occasion attractive to all. The tea was under the supervision of Mrs Nesbit, Mrs Keith, and Mrs Pearso , assisted by members of the various ...*sket ball teams, including Hawks, H.G.C.G., etc. Miss Gibbs had charge of the ice cream and fruit salad. Mr Brittain did excellent business selling youug plduts ready for summer gardens. There were some delightful “Polk Dances” given by girls of the Hastugs West School. Miss Gibbs had arranged a butter-fly dance and very sweet did the children look in their white frocks with vari-coloured large wired butterflies on their shoulders. Miss Prude and Miss Gibbs had taught country dances. Little girls fluttered about as brown leaves, most quaintly attired; and other children wore dresses of yellow green, blue, pink and every hue, all representing flowers. Their frocks were charming with lightly petalled skirts, and petal flowers on their heads. The ground had been mown reads’ with rings for the danving, and crowds of interested people watched and amired. The decorated bicycles were clever, and showed originality and thought. One was a “bicycle built for two,” where under a gay canopy sat a dainty little doll bride and bridegroom. Another represented in soft shades of heliotrope, blue, orange, pale pink, and silver a charming gondola. Much admiration was accorded the black and white one with rosettes, with on the handles a large black placard inscribed “Hastings West School.’’ Tricycles, too, were wonderfully well decorate'’, also little dolls prams charming in tueir rows and frills or crinkled paper and flowers. Little June Ebbett’s dolls pram was a clever representation of a swan with reins.

The beautiful gates of Maori carving were most impressive as the visitors entered the Park; and all who saw them felt, that Hastings was indeed fortunate to have such trea» ures where they can be plainly seen It is only hoped that they will always be protected as curios. The fete, due to excellent organisation and line summer weather, was an undoubted success, the proceeds from it being divided amongst the Progressive Society, the Hastings West Tennis Club and the H.B. Basket Ball Club. PARKVALE MOTHER’S UNION. The Parkvale branch of the Mother’s Union also farewell the Deaconess on Wednesday afternoon last. Mrs Masters, the presiding member of the branch, made a little presentation on behalf of the members, for which all were cordially thanked. The gathering was held in the Hop Kiln, the scene of so much Church work, and all were greatly interested in a delightful and most interesting talk given to them on this occasion by Miss Bargrove, of the Hangshow Hospital, China, who spoke of her work there.