SKATING CARNIVAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 892, 15 September 1910, Page 3

SKATING CARNIVAL.

The first annual carnival in connection with the local rink, which had been looked forward to by all local roller-skating enthusiasts for some time past, and fo: which great preparations had been made, was held last night and turned out a most successful affair from every point of view- Special seating accommodation was provided on the stage for spectators, and at the time appointed for the evening’s entertainment to commence this was fully taxed, there being fully roo onlookers present. The Grand March was timed to start at half past eight, but for some unaccountable reason it was fully half-an-hour later before the gaily attired ones taking part took up their positions. This apparently unnecessary delay, was very adversely commented on by the spectators, some of whom had been in the hall for an hour and a halt. However, the scene that met the eye when the march began a few minutes after nine o’clock, was well worth waiting lor. Thirteen couples took part in the march, which was led by Mr W. Mitchell and Miss Levett. To see the twenty-six gaily attired skaters gracefully gliding round was a very pleasing sight, and on all sides one could hear most complimentary remarks on the manner in which it was carried out. The march was got through without a hitch of any description which, considering the very limited time for rehearsing at the disposal ot those taking part speaks well tor the good work ot the leaders. More than a little praise is due to those taking part in the march for the very excellent fancy dresses worn, the wearers sparing no pains or expense in order to make their dressing thoroughly appropriate. As a display of faucydresses it was far ahead of anything ot the kind yet seen locally. The following are the names of those who took part in the march and the characters represented : LADIES. Miss Edwards, “Varso Vienna” ; Miss Walker, “Winter”; Miss Minnie Walker, “Folly”; Miss Vida Walker, “ Snowball ” ; Miss F. Edwards, “Dutch Girl ” ; Miss M. Vibert, “Negress”; Miss Cooper, * 1 Spanish Dancer ’ ’ ; Miss Levett, “ Dutch Girl ” ; Miss M. Levett, “Pierette”; Miss D. Wright, “Frost”; Miss K. Levett, “Irish Washerwoman”; Miss Esme McCarthy, “ Spanish Girl.” GENTLEMEN. Messrs W. Edwards, “Gentleman of Georgian Period ” ; W. Mitchell, “Uncle Sam” ; E. Huntley, “Father Christmas”; H. Osborne, “ Pirate” ; R. Hunt, “ Toreador ” ; Touhy, “ Turk ” ; J. Marsh, “Jockey” ; Stevensen, “ Footballer ” ; McCarthy, “Courtier ” ; G. Eevelt, “Pierrot”; H. Osboldstone, “Coon”; E. Walker, “Cricketer” ; Ashmore, “Drum Major”; R. Rimmer, “ Cadet ” ; Guy Edwards, “ Day and Night”; Carson, “ Eord Nelson”; J. Golder, “Professor Smally ” ; C. Edwards, “Nigger” ; Peter Robinson, ''Swagger.” The prizes for the best fancy dressee were won by Miss Vida Walker and Mr Walter Edwards, and the applause that followed the announcement of the result was sufficient proof that the judges’ decisions were approved by the spectators.

The next item on the programme was an egg and spoon race for ladies, but the only ones that could be persuaded to try their skill were Misses Vida and Minnie Walker, Cooper and Vibert. This event was quickly over being easily won by Miss Vida walker. In the event for the most graceful couple there were ten entries, and the judges’ (Mesdames Greig and Healey) duties were no sinecure. After watching the graceful actions ot the competitors, these ladies must have had great difficulty in making their choice. The winners were Miss Walker and Mr H. Osborne, and this couple received a great ovation when the judges announced their decision. Mr Carson, of Palmerston North, who is looked upon as the best skater in the Manawatu district, gave an exhibition of f fancy and trick skating which was much appreciated. By his display Mr Carsou clearly demonstrated that he is thoroughly at home on the rollers, and his feat in picking up a pocket handkerchief whilst balanced on either the front or back rollers only was a very clever performance. Tue flat race for ladies brought out four starters and was won by Miss Minnie Walker, alter a good race.

Mr K. Walker was successful in carrying off the prize in the musical chairs race. The event was a highly diverting one and no doubt several of those who took part in it will have the fact brought forcibly before them today on account of bruises received in their efforts to gain a chair when the music ceased.

Mr Steveusou, dressed as a footballer, had charge of the bell in the bell-chase and for a time kept the competitors very busy trying to locate him. He was, however, eventually k collared by Osboldstone —the Albion Football Club’s half back —who followed the orders usually given on a football field by taking his man low and grassed—or floored —him near the corner and gained possession of the bell.. The whistle blew aud Mr Osboldstone was awarded the prize. The evening’s entertainment was brought to a close by an exhibition of trick skating by Messrs Peter Robinson, Stevenson and Carson, ip which the first-named, dressed

as a “sun-downer,” kept the spectators in a simmer of amusement by his clever antics, Mr J. T. Levett, proprietor of the rink, in a few well-chosen words thanked all those who had helped to make the affair the success it was, specially mentioning Mr W. Mitchell for the trouble he had taken in organising and superintending the Grand March, and Messrs Robinson, Carson and Stevenson tor their exhibition of fancy and trick skating. The judging was carried out by Mesdames Healey and Greig, best fancy dress and most graceful couple, and Mr J. Gillies in the other events.

During the evening the proceedings were enlivened by spirited music supplied by Messrs F'. C. Berthold (piano), R. T. Betty (trombone) and Carl Berthold (violin.) All those taking part were afterwards entertained at supper by the lady skaters aud it is hardly necessary to state that in this connection ample justice was done. Mr Levett thanked the ladies for providing the very excellent supper and called for three cheers which were heartily given.