CARNIVAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1062, 28 October 1911, Page 3

CARNIVAL.

The Carnival, held under the auspices of the local Presbyterian Church with the object oi liquidating the debt on the Sunday school hall, was formally opened yesterday afternoon by His Worship the Mayor (G. H. Stiles, Esq.) The weather conditions were anything but propitious, and as a result the attendance at the opening was very meagre. The Rev Mr Aitken, before calling upon the Mayor, asked those present to join in singing the Hundredth Psalm, which was followed by a prayer. On behalf of those present he then welcomed the Mayor and Mayoress. The Mayor said he regretted that the promoters were not favoured with better weather for the opening. However, he hoped the weather would not dampen the enthusiasm of the stall-holders. It was surprising the effect the weather had on the spirits ot some people, and there was nothing like the sunshine for an occasion such as this. He referred to the disappointments the promoters had been subjected to owing to unavoidable postponements, and paid a tribute to the generous spirit displayed in further pulling the carnival off so as not to clash with another church function. The object of the special effort was a laudable one. He knew from experience what a handicap Sunday school work was with limited accommodation. Now that the Sunday school building was erected it would give scope lor better work, and would be a great rebel to those interested. He had heard that since the erection ot the hall there had been a marked increased attendance at the school. He paid a tribute to the ladies and others who had laboured to make the Carnival a success, and he hoped their efforts would be richly rewarded. He thanked the Rev Mr Aitken lor his kindly references to the Mayoress and himself, and declared the Carnival open. The Mayor was accorded a vole of thanks, which was carried with acclamation. A The stalls doing business were as unuer : etc., Mrs (Dr) Adams and Miss Ross ; plain and fancy stall, Mesdames Aitken, Parkes, and Maudl ; produce, Mesdames Rough and Juo. Ross ; flower stall, Mrs Kuevvstub and Miss Rough ; Christmas tree, Miss Speirs and Mr E. Huntley, the latter gorgeously attired as Father Christmas. In the spacious supper room, afternoon tea was served under the supervision of Mesdames Hornblow, Alex. Ross, Alex. Speirs, McEwen, Wood ham, and Miss Littlejohn. In the evening there was a very much larger attendance, and the interior ot the hall presented a very animated appearance. The local Band played several spirited -selections on the Hall balcony, which greatly enlivened the proceedings. The counter altractions hampered business in the stalls. Mr Wood’s side-show on the stage was well patronised, and the various tricks were greatly appreciated. A second performance had to be abandoned owing to other attractions. The Punch and Judy show had to be squeezed in between whiles, but greater time Will be allowed for this business this evening. Mr John Ross had charge of the shooting gallery. The principal attractions were the children’s pageant ol Empire, Maypole dance, and crowning of the Queen of May. The grouping, dressing and gracetul movements of the children was very effective, and called forth loud applause Irotn the audieuce. The Rev. Mr Aitken, Mrs Wrigley and Misses xiiucw.. jj. --.veirs and Inez Hodgson are to be congratulated upon the success which attended their weeks ol; patient training. In connection with the dressing the name ot Mrs W. S. Stewart must not be omitted, tor what local juvenile would function would be complete without her whole-hearted assistance ? Most of the lloral decorations and wigs were entrusted to her. The coloured effects in the Britannia tableau were operated by Mr McArtney. This performance in itself was well worth the price ot admission. This portion of the entertainment will be repeated at S o'clock this evening and we recommend all jLyho have not seen it to take the opportunity of doing so to-night. The winner ol the lucky admission ticket prize, a handsome cushion, was Mr C. O'Neil, and he generously handed it back as a donation. Mr K. Furrie had charge of the button-guessing competition, the prize lor which is either a gent’s tailor-made suit or a lady's costume. This will be decided tonight. Another prize will be given tonight to the holder ol the lucky admission ticket. Among to-night's competitions Will be guessing the weight ol the sheep donated by Mr Davey. The animal is in the yard adjoining the hall. • All goods remaining unsold on the stalls will be quitted by Dutch auction. The names of the children taking part and a description of the pageant will appear in our -next issue. The winner of the bride competition will be decided to-night.