The Mardi Gras.

Manawatu Herald, 19 April 1894, Page 3

The Mardi Gras.

—It is " ft oustom they have in "France on Shrove Tuesday of parading a fat ox during the celebrations. In French the words mean literally "fat Tuesday." It has now been turned into a regular carnival and ftWtitt th* last celebrations our Parisian qgrdspondent writes as follows :—MardiGras was this year observed with more than usual fntrqin. The weather, without being -Absolutely fine, was mild, and fairly lent itself to outdoor amusement. In consequence Paris had turned out in full force, and the boulevard notably presented a very [ animated aspect. There were quite a nuinT heat of chum, processions, and masks about, throwing of paper confetti and sersctins was indulged in to an almost insensate degree. Borne of the Side walks were literally cohered about an inch deep. Every-

thing went off smoothly, and no accidents of note were reported. Owing to thft c&fnivtti a great ball has alno been given by the Municipal councillors in the Hotel de Ville and about fifteen hundred persons assembled in the beautiful building. The guests were received by M. Alphonse Humbert, the President Of the Municipal Council j M, fconbelle, the Prefeot of the Seine ; and M. Laureut representing the Prefect of Police, between 9 and 10 p.m., and an hour later, when General Borio and hi 9 fellow-officers arrived, who represented the President de la Republique, everybody seemed exceedingly happy, and the young people who were present in large numbers, were showing great animation, despite the heat and the crush in the salles. All the Ministers pal ,in . aft^ appearance later on, and several netfr ihe end of tht ball, which Closed about 5 a .ni The new ceiling decoration by M. Georges Bertrand was, by tht .way, greatly admired. At the Opera a Bal Masque was held and largely attended. Some of the costumes were very original and pretty, and many persons assembled in the vicinity of the Opera to witness the arrivals.