SKATING CARNIVAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1097, 17 September 1912, Page 3

SKATING CARNIVAL.

A SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION. The much looked - for plain, fancy dress and masquerade skating carnival, which has been the topic of conversation for some weeks past, took place in the Coronation Town Hall last evening. There was a large attendance of onlookers, who were accommodated on the stage and in the dress circle, and ttu un» at me hail was packed to its u.m .-st with skaters, inciudu.g visitors trora Palmerston North. Prior to the commencement 01 tiie carnival the Borough Band played selections outside the hall. Sharp at eight o’clock the Grand March was announced, and the way in which the skaters performed this, reflects great credit, and with the quaint and pretty fancy costumes, presented a very picturesque appearance, There was very keen competition for the honour of securing the best couple skating, and this was eventually awarded to Miss O’Neill and Mr Starr, both of Palmerston North. The next event was the judging of the best lady skater, and after a good contest the prize was given to another Palmerston visitor, namely, Miss Turner. Then came the competition for the best gentleman skater, in this the judges were set a hard task in making a final choice, but after a little disagreement gave their decision in favour of Mr C, Edwards. The principal attraction of the evening was the next item, the gentlemen’s half-mile open race. This was run off in three heats, and our local “champions” easily accounted for the outside competitors, there remaining in the final C. Edwards, W. Currie and Haslett. The final was very exciting and alter a hard struggle was won by Haslett. The ladies’ quarter-mile race came next and was easily accounted for by Miss O’Neill, of Palmerston N., who had no difficulty in deieatmg her opponents Irom the start. The next was a competition foi the best lady taught on the local rink this season. This created a little interest and there was a good contest for the honour, which was given to Miss A. Young, wuo put up a very creditable peuoimauce. In the competition for the best gentlemen taught on the rink, there was a very keen battle and the winner, Mr H. McDonnell, gave an excellent display. Foi the above two competitions two special prizes were awarded. Miss M. Walker, (Perriot), succeeded in annexing the prize for the best ladies’ fancy costume, and Mr Peter Robinson, (Good Night), secured the gentlemen’s. The judging was carried out by Miss Watt, of Wellington, and Messrs A. R. and J. Rough. Shortly after xo o'clock His Worship the Mayor (Mr A. J. Gibbs), made a briet speech and presented the. prizes to the successful competitors, each one receiving a great ovation Irom the spectators. During the evening the Borough Band, under the conductorship of Mr J. Golder, rendered selections, which considerably added to the evening’s enjoyment. The promoter, Mr Rough, is to be congratulated on the excellent lines in which the carnival was run, and everything passed oft without a hitch. This is the first function of its kind held in the new hall, and as it has proved so successful, both socially and financially, it should not be long betore the public are given another chance of spending a similar enjoyable evening. The decision of the judges in all cases met with the approval oi those present, as was proved by the ovation accorded each winner. As far as the prizes being taken out ot the town goes, all local lovers ot this pastime were only too pleased to compete against all-comers, snowing that the best sportsmanship exists uo matter who their opponents might have been.

Mr Rough desires to tender his sincere thanks to the public for the generous support accorded him last night, which shows that his efforts were appreciated.