DISTRICT NEWS.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 22 March 1917, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

KUMEU

[OWN CORRESPONDENT]

KUMEU-HAUPAI CARNIVAL

THE Patriotic Sports and Garden Fete was the scene of general attraction at Kumeu on March 10th. The Carnival Committee in co-operation with the local branches of the Farmers' Union held a Red Cross Fete in Mr R. Barnes' paddock. The weather was ideal, and a numerous displavof flags waving across the f^lr^X fields, located the spot W v Si^e busy; energetic workeri<_+^ flsed the visitors. In the unavoidable absence of His Worship the Mayor of Auckland, the Mayoress (Mrs Gunson) opened the Carnival, and gave a neat speech on our duty to our boys and our country, amidst cheering and applause.

Mrs Gunson declared the Carnival open at 10.30 a.m., and the numerous stall-holders eagerly stepped foward into a business position, and, being dressed in white and white caps with red crosses, added an inviting appearance to the well-kept stalls. The gift stall, in charge of Misses Bews, was very attractive, and the articles both numerous and of excellent quality, the net income from this stall being £40. The produce stall was in charge of Mrs C. Boord, was also well supplied, and did a big business. The competition stall was all that could be desired, and every article entered for competion was given to be sold for the Fund. The soft drink stall was responsible for selling some 46 dozen drinks. The tea kiosk, in charge of Messrs Boucher and Phillipson, was attended by many workers and a splendid lunch and afternoon tea was set before each caller at a cost of six-pence. This stall realised £28 nett profit. The ice cream stall was a busy corner and resulted in a good return, the Misses Griffin being in charge. The flower stall, which was in charge of Mrs Reynolds, was done up very tastefully, _ and resulted in a net profit of £8. Mrs.Buscombe had charge of the sweets stalls and did a good trade. The fish pond and bran dip, in charge of Mrs Hieatt, was a great attraction.

The children's sports was a very enjoyable feature. The events for boys and girls under 16 years of age were eagerly competed, and the winners were awarded a valuable prize, given by the Hobsonville Branch of the Farmers' Union.

The adult events were numerous, and competition keen. The sheaf tossing and tug-o'-war (farmers v. all-comers) events were of particular interest. Many of the prize-winners paid their awaids into the Red Cross Fund;

At about 2.30 when the stalls were in full swing and the sports at their best, the air was filled with sweet harmonious notes from the Auckland Garrison* Artillery Band, and the carefully selected programme added much to the pleasure of the great throng of people present. In the evening Mr Parr, C.M.G., M.P., gave a very interesting addresss on the Army and !Navy. The Kumeu Hall was packed, and at the close of the address j the Chairman (Mr Boucher) moved a vote of thanks to the I lecturer, which was carried by general applause. The President, Miss Bews, and hon. secretaries, Miss Bews and X Mr Phillipson, audited account of income, and forwarded the sum.of £160 13s 7^d to the Red Cross Fund (Auckland Branch), ajid announced that when all money is availabe, the sum will H^^ aniount over £180.