LABOUR DAY CELEBRATIONS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 716, 28 October 1914, Page 5

LABOUR DAY CELEBRATIONS.

TE KDITI EN FETE. A STRIKING PROCESSION. SPORTS ON THE DOMAIN. Monday was a gala day at Te Kuiti. Usually in the country districts the observance of Labour Day is little more than formal, but a combination of circumstances tended to make Labour Day of 1914 one to be remembered in ths annals of the town. A3 a forerunner of what may be expected in future years, moreGVsr, it 13 an excellent standard to have set before the public. Bowls and tennis each claimed their votaries on Monday, but as far as the general public was concerned the attraction of the day was the procession to the Domain and the Labour Day celebrations generally. The route chosen fc? the procession—from the Fire Brigade station along Tanpiri street to the Esplanade and down Rora atrest —was the best ob-tainable-and afforded the public an admirable view cf the whol9 of ths exhibits. Whether it was the prize?, ths spirit of emulation, or the mere desire to do credit to the town and its industries, there can be no doubt the entiies would have done credit to s much larger centre than Te Kuiti, both in respect to merit and numbers. There was not a unit in the procession which was not. worthy of special commendation, while the humorous aspect was well maintained throughout. A start was made from the firs station at 1.45 and the Oparura Maori Band headed along Taupiri straer, followed in turn by the Oddfellows, school children, decorated motor cars arid vehicles of various descriptions, the King Coutry Motor Company's exibit being prominent. The People's Pictures announced their interest in the event by a decorated fire machine, while a formidable looking Dreadnought ad mirably designed proclaimed the labours of the Empress Picture. Company to celebrate the occasion. The trade exhibits were excellent, and included these cf Messrs Green and Cole

brook's bakery; Wells and Sons and Cotter Bros., butchers.; W. Cole, L V. Morgan, Turchie and Gabel, Sanderson, pork butcher, A. E. Robinson,' and the Ridd milking machine, while the exhibit of D. J. Young, plumber, was striking in its originality and effect. Among the carters and carriers were to be seen the vehicles of M. Kerr, Charlton and Willis, and V. S. Hattaway, and the teams Would have done credit to any procession in any district. A decided hit was male by J. Pitcon with the ancient 'bus which has for long lain anused in a Taupiri street section, and thß manner in which the vehicle was handled wag provocative of much amusement, while the Te Kuiti : Laundry vehicle wag also seen to advantage. The Druids' decorated wsggon was «n imposing s'ght, and added a wealth of greenery and colour. ' A feature of'the procession was the manner in which the Boy Scouts were organised. The lads marched as if on active service, while relays took part in bearing an ambulance stretcher on which was borne a wounded Scout who '■had been sniped by one of the enemy's sharpshooters. Royalty added dignity to the"oecasion in the shap3 of the M»on King and retinue, represented by Messrs A. Ormsby, J. T Eetet, and H. Hetet, all resplendent in the regulation frock coat and tall hat, while the royal equippage was suitably decorated in true Maori re'gal style. Other exhibitions included decorated vehicles in the shape of perambulators and gc-narts, while an Indian dog sledge with a fox terrier passenger led by an Indian brave lent a dash of unusual colour lo the scene. In every respect the procession was a success, and the public who turned out in large numbers could not fail to' be satisfied with the results.

RESULTS. Best decorated bicycle, gent's.—C. Hawley 1, G. Osborne 2 Maori costume.— Patupatukeepa 1. Original costume, pakeha.—D. J Young" 1, H. Glover 2, B. Guy 3. Industrial exhibit.—Wells and Sons 1 H Douglas 2, Tarchie ar.d Gabell 3 Child with cot.—Girlie Sanderson 1 H Glover 2, M - McDonald 3. Chidren's pram.—Val. Cantell 1, L. Thompson 2, D. Lipscombe 3 Boys' race under 16.—A. Turner 1, 3 * under 16.—A Sanderson 1 A. Luders 2. . Married ladies' race.—Mrs Spring 1 Mra Tiscb 2. 'Ponyraca-J. Seott 1, H. New 2. Married Men's race.— T.. Anderson 1 A B p H 2> 'Gi'rb' race over 16.-N. Soonay 1, L Ludera 2. ' ' ' Boys' race under 10.-T, Rooney 1, under 10.-E. Legg 1, B. Sanderson 2. Hop, step, and jamp.-T. Anderson lr Pl'ace g Scking.-W. McKinnon 1, W ' M S t d 2 -ladies' race No. 2.-Mrs O-hy 2 " Friendly Societies' race—H Vause 1 W Copssy 2 Boy Scout race-J Cotter 1, L. Me Donald 2. _; Pony jumning.—Cotter 1, Lomas 2. THE MINSTREL SHOW. • The People's Picture Palace was crowded to excess to witness the prolamine arranged to conclude the day and many were turned away. SI' 1 fir3 <- nart cnsi3ted of an exLptionaHy fine picture film entitled "The P'incs of Darkness.," which was highly appreciated. The second S was iiven over to the local talel Xprf sed in the Te Kuiti Nigg"e Minstrels. The stage was set m Z regulation lowing parts being allotted.— Inter10

Cain, Jarram-T. Sherlock; piamste, Miss B. Mackay. Opening Chorus, "Mississippi," "Dixie,"' "Lindy, ""Tippsrary." Song, "Lazy Con," A. Cantell. Song, "Ailsa Mine," Mrs Cowan. Song, "Thora," Mr A. Michell. "Johnny Sloper," comic, Freddy Sanderson and sisters, encore. War Song, Mr T. Sherlock. "Rum-tum-tiddle," comic, JVlr W. Jepson. Song, "Devon" Mr Joe Flanagan", o£ Napier. "Mummy's Boy," in character, Miss- 'Maisie Rawlinsosi; encored. "Scandalous Eyes," Mr J. Cain. "Tobermory," in character Mr W. Jepson, encore. Finale, "Sammy," "Egpyt." "Navajo." The performance was highly creditable, the children's items being particularly well received, while the ballads and character songs were extremely well rendered. The antics of the corner man were provocative of much mirth and the stage gags included a number of local hits which always delight an audience. The performance concluded with the singing of the National Anthem, and the large audience dispersed, tirad doubtless after a long day, but in a happy frame of mind, which will eerve to keep green the memory of Labour Day in the hearts o? young and old alike.

The success of the day is due largely to the interest taken in the function by the'public and the willing assistance rendered by all who were called upon to take part. Special praise, however, is due to the joint secretaries, Messrs J. B. Young and R. M. Tinsley for the manner in which the programme was organised and carried out. All sections and ages were catered for, . and interest waa never allowed to lag for a moment. The Opar'ure Band also deserve, commendation for the muster present, their music adding considerable pleasure to the function. From a financial point of view the.-.func-tion w as quite up to 'expectations, and a substantial amount will be handed over fur the benefit of Mr W. Rundle, who was injured at the Borough quarry. The takings at the Domain in the afternoon amounted to over £24, Vhile the proceeds from the sale of tickets for ths evening performance amounted to about £3O. Altogether the fund now totals about £7O.