QUEEN OF THE NORTH!

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 25 November 1915, Page 2

QUEEN OF THE NORTH!

GREAT CARNIVAL AT HELENSVILLE Whole of Populace Turn Out GRAND PROCESSION As predicted by the Echo, the weather was all that could be desired on the occasion of Helensville's effort to 60 justice to tae Queen .of the North (Mrs A. E. Harding), and in helping to swell the funds promoted for the wounded soldiers. It had been raining and blowing great guns from the West Coast for nearh a whole week prior to the function, which had been hurriedly promoted for Friday last, November 19th., when happily evarything went off as merrily as wedding bells. THE PROCESSION" The procession started (as timed) from Helen svillo North Railway Station at 2 p.m., and was headed by some forty memoeis of the Ponaonby Drum and Fife Band, which arrived by 10.10 a.m. express train, and, alc_ost needless to say, was a great acquisition to the '" show." Then followed— Troopers Stewart's big motor 'bus rigged up up in grand style as \" Our Breadnought,'' containing Britannia (Miss Hafford) and crew Tattered Belgium (Miss Megson) More Troopers Friendly Societies Wounded Soldiers Red Cross Nurses, with stretcher Fire Biigade School children, in many characters The Little Japs A Funny Crowd - Fishermen's Van. loaded with fish Business (tarts and vans of every ' description, all carrying children and grown-ups Maori Caravan Private motor cars and many vehicles all beautifully decorated with nikau, flowers, flags, coloured ribbons, etc.

And general public The whole bound for the Sports on the Helensville A. and P. Association's ground, taking the main thoroughfare and Commercial Road to the south end of the town.

No sooner on the ground, than the fun began to move, ahcl the rattle"of the money-boxes by the ladies were soon en evidence, Misses Pureell and Donovan, gorgeously attired as princes, -being- most conspicuous. Th.c competitors for the best lady character were soon lined-up, and all looiced very pretty and charming, the judge awarding the prizes to Eussia, Ireland and Japan (Mrs Allen and Misses B. Mitchell and MeAnnalley respectively.

Mr Jas. Stewart was awarded first prize for best decorated vehicle, which was a Dreatinougnt, having on board, Britannia (Misi Hafford) and her allies. The second prize went to Miss Nita MeLeod for the ParaKai House exhibit, and the third to Miss Ganlej's Britannia. ' The children's prize was won liy Miss E. Menses. THE EVENTS Chain Stepping—M. Carmody 1, S. Coulter 2. The winner was successful by an inch. There were 49 entries. Tug-o'-War—Eifle Club v Frontiermen t won by Frontiersmen ; Fisherui«n v. Maoris, won by Fishermen ; Frontiersmen v. Fishermen, won by Frontieismen. (8 men aside). Sack Sace -A. J. Garry 1, V. MeLeod 2. One competitor fell. There were four entries.

Girls' Race—Myrtle Hughes 1, Theluia Murphy 2. There were eight starters, aucl the winner came in comparatively easy. Town Board Kace—Mr E. T. Field ( chairman) I, T. Elliott 2. Distance 75yds; 7 entries. Mr Jas. Stewart was not present at the time but later " ran off " with the winner (Mr Field) and was successful by a couple of yards. Incidentally with this event it may be mentioned that the He] ensville Town Board has been in existence since 1853, and there was one of the first members of that Board on the ground that day in the person of Mr I. MeLeod (70 years of age), and he can run 75yds too ; the remainder of that Board were : Messrs A. N. Lester, H. Balance, H. Powell, and D. Stewart,

Fire Brigade Competition (one man event) —This comprised running up a ladder to a staging and sliding down ISix competed, and Firemen W. Evans and E. M. Beci-ofi tied; time, 10 4-ssecs. In the run off, Becroit won ; time 11 l-ssecs.

Baby Show—There were 13 entiios. The judge finally decided on four, viz., Mrs Ellett's, Mrs Frost's, Mrs McGarvey's, and Mrs L McLeod's. Lots wero drawn, Mrs L. McLeod's baby winning.

A side-show, run by Mr Langdon created a good deal of excitement, and the sum of £2 12a 9d was realised. The game was to kick a football through a hole in a hoarding erected for the purpose. °

Douxey rides caused a good deal of amusement.

Spoudulix was discovered within the half-hour allotted by Francis Arlido-e Mrs Garry was the lady who bore the title. The youngster was pleased with his £1 win. ■

Ihe sale of fish, presented by the local fishermen, realised the sum of £5 7s 6d, some of the bundles eomooff for as much as 9s. Messrs Garry and G. Murphy conducted the auction assisted by Messrs Bennett and son '

Much more could be written, but the want of space forbids, suffice to say that s ring was formed after the last performance of the Drum and Fife Band, and many silver coma were thrown in for the boys expenses, and everything passed off most snccesasully, the ladies .doing a fairly good business during the^ afternoon in supplying tea. confectionery, etc.

The crowd left as early as possible in anticipation of a " late night " at the Mock Court.