CARNIVAL AT LEVIN.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 17 June 1915, Page 3

CARNIVAL AT LEVIN.

AN OUTSTANDING SUCCESS

To. a few minds the holding of a carnival during a time of war when the young men of New Zealand are bleeding and dying for the Empire seems in a measure incongruous. But how better could those whose duty remains at home show their sympathy and their desire to JieJpP if the community like David of old decided to sit down in sack cloth an dashes would the munitions of war, leaden or golden, be the more 'plentiful or the less? .Sorrow for the dead is as real when repressed as when outwardly manifest. Thoro was no attitude of outward grief manifest at yesterday's carnival in Levin, though Madder hearts than the ordinary were amongst the crowd. The games and reyele wont on merrily. Here a troupe of JPierrote surrounded willing contributors &nd sang for sixpences or greater amounts;, there an Aunt Sally disguifletJßas Wilhelm had its eyes poked at £yr twopence a shot; near by email beys and men shied at various other marks for testing skill in correct aiming / -"n a jjlatform the Darktown brigade sang songs to the accompaniment of jingling coins thrown by the crowd; in one tout a mysterious fortune teller foretold good prospects lor .all who crossed her palm, while in others tho needs of hungry people were catered for by bevies of fair helpers; and in a spacious marquee a mock court was held, wherein citizens and settlers of ail ranks were fined in eums ranging from two guineas downwards for supposititious offences. The . Tarious sources of income all proved to bo prolific and a Danae-like shower erf wealth fell upon the treasurer in his separate tent. The procession that began the festivities on the recreation ground was highly creditable to the district. The mile-long route from the railway station to the recreation reserve was a chromatic lane of bunting. Preceded by a mounted policeman and with a rearguard of decorated motor cars, the * procession extended for about onethird of a mile. Major Burlinson, as marshal, was followed by the Levin Town Band playing excellent march music, and then came the friendly societies in regalia, children in fancy costume, a dozen Pierrots, juveniles dressed to represent the friendly nations, an excellent tableau of Britannia, a brass band from tho local training farm for boys, the corps of cadets, some oxcellent tableaux arranged on decorated lorries, the' Levin Fiio Brigade and their Darktown rivals. The Mzarre aspect of orange, blue, pink, cardinal, white, yellow, and green presented by the dresses imparted a tone <-.? vigor to tfae moving scene, ami the general alertness and vim of all' the participants gavo p resale of the succeea that characterised the proceedings from beginning to end. The proceseion debouched on the reserve at about 11.15 a.m., where a grand march led up to the merry-making in general.

THE OPENING CEREMONY. The opening ceremony was performed bj Mr H. G. Hi If; chairman of the Wellington Canival Committee. Ho Was accompanied from Wellington by Mr Doddrell (vice-chairman), Professor Cardston ami live oi the Wellington Queen candidates, TIB., Mrs W. H. Smith (Forget-me-iNot ißranch of Overseas Club); Nurse Everitt (Combined. Sports); Mrs Algar ICJlliams (St. John's Ambulance Association); Miss Low .(Combined Drapers); and Dv Platte-Mills (Tramway Boys). These, together with Miss AleHegg, the Manawatu district candidate, the iMayor (Mr B. R. Gardener), Mr G Wateon (chairman of the Horowhenua several members of tfoe executive and leading Maoris occupied seat on the platform. Jklr Hill, who was introduced by the Mayor, was received with applause on coming forward to speak. He said bo was surprised and delighted at the extensive decorations, and at the size of the procession. The turnout was a great credit to the district, and to those who had worked so hard to make it such a success. All tliose who were enjoying themsolves ought to be truly thankful to the committee that had ttmae so much. The object of the carnival was to provide funds for the wotinded soldiers and their dependents. Wee there a m(»j - e worthy cause to which they could contribute? If they oouJd blot out the present scene of pleasure and picture the condition under the men were fighting on the Gallipi Peninsula, it would cause them to give freely. It should 'be a duty and. a pleasure to givo Avhat they could. Everyone could not go to the war, but they could all help at home. All ■would stand by the grand old British flag (applause). They were able to stand on ground where they were because of the protection of that flag and the navy. (Cheers for the navy). All the ''Queen" candidates were more conthe miccess of the fund than fafwieir own success in the "Queen" competition. It -was in the same spirit that the men were .fighting on the Gallipoli Peninsula, and it was this spirit that was going to keep the British people on top. He had much pleasure in declaring the carnival open, and Hoped that all present would leave the ground with empty pockets (applause). Mr Doddrell, introduced by Mr Hill eaid that ho had not been long in New Zealand, but what struck him most ■was the loyalty of the people. He hoped tnatall present would thoroughly enjoy themselves. Kipa Roera, of Ohuu, speaking on behalf of tho Maoris, said they were there to assist Jhe men who were fighting at the front, fighting a Power in wnose footsteps tyranny and oppression always followed. Since the Union Jack had been flying in New Zealand {he Maoris realized tho protection it gave them, and it was their duty to eubuort the Europeans. They already

Over £300 Raised in One Day

For Wounded Soldiers' Fund.

THE SIDiE-«HmVS

had sent 500 men to help and wore prepared to send another thousand if necessary. All the lighting should not lio leTt to those at front. Those at home should fight ill I ionic lor the men at the iront and they were going to do it that day (applause)Mr Tuiti McDonald said they wore going to .show the Uernian Empire that they were not to bu beaten. ' Though small in mini bore the people of Mew Zealand wore descendants of John Bull and would take part in tlio march to through the streets of Berlin. Everyone, men, women and children, should hip, in order that they continue to enjoy JJritish liberty, tan-play and justice (applause). Tii ■ Maory t' en gave a haka ar.d . ■ Mr .Hill's call the crowd gave them three hearty choere.

The scene on the grounds was the most animated yet seen in Levin. The varied and brilliant colours of the different dresses made a most attractive show. The "Darktown ' band had a great time, and ite inarching through the crowd and frolics and performances on the platform proved entertaining. WliLle people were watching them a gay troupe of Pierrots and Pierrettes, hand in hand, suddenly would form a ring round an unsuspecting individual The captive would bo joined by a pierrott with a collection box and the persistent rattle of the box, the singing of the encircling troupe, and the fact that escape was impossible, always induced the victim to part with a coin. Tho apparently easy task of winning a prize at "Hoop-la," run by Mr F. W. Pink, seduced many small, coins from their owners' pockets. The prizes mostly remained on the table. A special attraction for young folk was "Shie tho I'iiiser, , ' run by Mr A. Denipsey, and what the shots may have lacked in accuracy they gained in vigour. The guessing competitions were many people having plenty of opportunities to trust to chance. TiiE~corJiVj-. Everywhere through the crowd meni"uers of the ''carnival police force," eonie in uniform, and some in plain clothes made their way and arrested ail whom they suspected ol being burdened with too much money. These promptly were taken and haled Before the court where the charges laid against them Mere read out. One of the first to be "arrested" was Mr Hill, of Wellington. He was charged with assisting the, Wellington candidates to the detriment of Miss McKegg, tho Alanawatircandidate, and with bumping I up against tho property of the court, to wit, the dock. For these "misdemeanours" Mr Hill was fined £1. Almost the next to be caught was Mr Doddrell. He was charged with lending flags and bunting to Levin contrary to tho rules and regulations. Mr Doddrell argued the case and was then charged with taking up tho time of the court and with arguing. The fines totalled 12s 6d. Mr J. Robertson was next brought forward on a charge A "inciting capitalists to riot." He pleaded guilty, and attempted to show his "learned friend" that ne was justified in doing so. For this he was fined 20, and the judge fined him another 2s 6d for pleading guilty. Another "icapture" was Constable Bagrie. A charge of keeping late hours was laid against him and he parted with 3s 6d Wearing tan boots cost Mr H. Murray 10s, and for a breach of promise Mr J. Davies was fined £2 2s. The charge was that * to-morrow he had promised to marry Miss McKegg, tlio district "'Queen" candidate, yesterday. Mr Davies pleaded not gmlty, but it was of no avail. Two humorous "arrests" were tllose of "Mrs Pankhurst," one of the most striking characters of the carnival, and "Amy Bock: ,, Both broke away from the police, and when captured resisted. It iiotWl tho assist -. ance of several members or the Dar-k town band to convey them to the Court. Constable Greggan was fin- d lor sleeping in a field with the gato open and Major Burlinson wae brought up on a charge oT having a family over fhe statutory number and tor not applying for the £5 bonus. He was fined \d for each' lad over the number. Altogether the court was a most profitable and amusing venture.

THE BABY SHOW. One of the greatest attractions on the ground was the ha by show which was crowded to the utmost, about i-b being taken at the entrance. Dr'PlattJMilJs. of "Wellington, was judge, and out of a largo entry placed the prizewinners as follows:— Girls under 12 months.—Mrs 11. l>. Wallace's child 1, Aiits A. i!i. l'rime's child 2. lioye, under 12 mouths.—Mrs Boyle's child 1, Mrs W.'Field's child 2. Boys under 18 mouths.—Mrs W. Eecleton's ciiild 1, Mrs l'leteher's child 2 Special prize, Mrs Motstyn's child. Girls under 12 month*.—Mrs Noble'*, child 1, Mrs Marsh's child 2. .N'urse Everitt (Sports ciiudidatc) gave two fine quilts as prizes and Mrs Algar Williams (St. John's Ambulance Association candidate) gave u special prize to Mrs Fox's two children (twins). The babies then were taken to the platform and put up for sale by auction The first offered (Mrs N. Kirkcaldie's) was sold for £T; put up again and sold for £5; Mrs -Noble's £2, Mrs K. Simpson's £2 10s; Mrs Fox's twins £1 15s; Mrs Eccleton's lus; Mrs Wallace's 10s; Miss McKonzie's £1, put up again los; Mrs Perkins 12s Cd and 10s; Mrs Itobson's £1; Mi's Doyle's 10s an 3 on; Mrs Butchers 12s Cd and 7e 6ti, Mrs S. Butts 5s and 10s; and Mrs D. Vernon's 5s and ss.

I" candidate, sold five fat lambs. JBidj ding wat> brisk and for the lot the sum • 01 £30 was received. J At the platform several objects of Maori handiwork mats, bags, etc., ware sold by Mr T. McDonald and Mr W. Simpson. For these £1 10s was taken. A fair amount of produce also was sold by auction. THE STALLS. in a. large marquee afternoon tea and refreshments, excellent in quality and ample in quantity, were served, and ladies in charge had an extremely tiiisy afternoon, attending to the steady stream of visitors. The ladies in ciiarge were,: Mesdames Gardener, Kinguton, iierriek, Holdaway, Wallace, itfihie, Axup, Procter, Chapman, UorlTiige, UJussford Adkin, Miss McKegg and Miss Adkin. For those who have foarned the '"counter lunch" habit, through much railway travelling or otherwise, the tea aim sandwich .stall filled all requirements. The ladies in charge were csdauius Wilson, Mclntyre, Lancaster, Freeh tiing, Gapper, Hislop, Howell and Johnson. The Allies' sweet stall was well 6-tocK-ed at the beginning, but looked depleted towards the close, showing tliat a big exchange of coins and lollies had taken place. The ladies in charge here were: Mesdames Porteous, K.eedweii, Eggleton, Miss A. -Collier and Miss 1. Midcllemiss. Tobacco, cigars, cigarettes and all smoking requisites sold at the totfacco stall, and here, as at the other stalls good business was done. The ladies in charge were: Mesdames Pink and Plaster, and the Misses Williams, Walker and Pink. A GREAT SUCCESS. The whole carnival was a great success, due entirely to the whole-heart-ed energy with which everyone connected with it worked to that end, and they deserve- all possible credit and praise. Their best reward was the response tlio people made to their efforts. Even the most optimistic hardly dared to think that the carnival would prove what it did. Hie attendance must have been about 2000. Last night it was announced that there was over £300 in hand, and still there wore numerous returns to bo made up and collection boxes to oe handed in. The names of the officials who had the carnival in hand were.— Executive.---Messrs D. W. Matheson (clfairman), K. Aitken, i<. Hotter, J. Young, E. W. J. Smith and C. S. Keedwell (tion. secretary). Procession committee :—The executive. Marshall.—Major G. M. Burlinson. Sports committee.—Messrs J. Procter, M. "Winata, J. Arcus, A. Smart, W. JJroughton, C. H. Judd and C , . liowe. , Produce committee.—Messrs E. M. Herrick, A. F. Wilson, H. J>enton, M. i≤. GorringO; A. K. Simpson, R. VBrown, and J. Johnson. Ground committee.—'Messrs, T. Edwards, F. O. Smith, J. \Vhitaker, W. Whitaker, AV. Broiighton and J. Ryder. Decoration committee ior streets.— Messrs, A. Prime, J. Young and two Borough Council employees. Gates Committee.—'Messrs K. D. Wallace, W. Bull, E. S. .Lancaster, I , '. G. Roe, F. Plaster, W. Price sen, "W. Windeley. Mock court. Judge. Mr T. G. Vincent., crown prosecutor, Mr J. White., clerk of court, Mr A W. Richter., door keeper and crier., Mr 11. E. Den ton., sergeants. Messrs D. P. Porteous, W. Eccelton, S. Broadbelt. Con Saxon, Jos Saxon, F. O. Smith and W. Walton. Side shows.—Messrs K. Aitken and A. Grover. in addition to the above officials the ladies put in long hours of hard work, and to them, is due in a great measure, the carnival's success. Throughout the afternoon the Levin Brass Band under Bandmaster G. Davidson, and the Boys' Training Farm Brass Band, under Lieutenant Herd, played selectfons within the oval. At night in the Town Hall a plain and fancy dress Eafl was held. It was attended by a great number and many of the dresses worn in the procession were worn at the dance Music was played by Miss MoLeavey and Mr R. Sloan, and Mr E. W. J. Smith and Mr F. W. Pink acted as M's C. The takings totalled £10.