LEVIN MARDI GRAS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2095, 26 February 1920, Page 3

LEVIN MARDI GRAS.

The Leyin Mardi Gras was brought to a successful and harmonious conclusion last night when the coronation deremohy took place in the Century Hall. The effort, which was initiated in a modest way by the: Beautifying Society to raise £IOO, took such a hold upon the populace that it realised nearly one and ahalf thousand pounds. An enthusiastic committee was the driving force, and the queen carnival aroused intense interest. Maoris and pakehas ’worked together like “one. thing.” AH concerned are to ho heartily congratulated upon the effort, which should stimulate 'other townships "to do likewise. The Century Hall last night was totally inadequate to accommodate the crowd which rolled up to witness the gorgeous and spectacular (inale. The queen of the carnival (Hie Maori candidate), Miss Wickforia McDonnell, a granddaughter of Major Kemp, accompanied by the other queen candidates, charming young ladies they arc, too —and (lower girls, entered the hail amidst salvos of applause. The Queen wa-' enthroned on the singe, which had a. charming Maori background. Mr Hobson carried out Ihe duties of Master of Ceremonies, and,Mayor Matheson made a speech of welcome. Mr Gibson was grand sword hearer, while oilier cmirl attendants carried out 1 heir functions admir- , ably. “Her Majesly” delivered (he following message from Hie throne: ’ “Faithful subjects, we accept with gratitude your homage. If will always be our earnest desire to further tlie etuis of the Levin and District Beautifying Society, and to this end we do ask that a public meeting of Hie community be held as soon as possible, and that our advisers do lay before such meeting a, statement of Hie funds available for expenditure by Hie Society, with an estimate nf (he cost of purchase and laying out the new ground adjoining I he gardens recenlly purchased. And we do desire Hml our subjects will bear in mind in connection with any schemes for expenditure brought forward by them that provision must be made for upkeep, otherwise the original outlay will bo largely thrown away.” The following Court Honour,-* were bestowed, amidst lumulluous applause : Mr C. V. Hay, Lord Chief Justice, Vere do Vere Starlight; Mr 11. Franklin, laird Automobile; Mrs Tubman, Countess of Bristol Heights; Mr F. S. Prod or, Lord FlyAway; Hopa, Chief Rangitira of the Horseback Wrestlers; Mrs, Froctor; The Lady of Kindly Deeds; Airs McDonnell, First Lady of the Royal Court, and Chief of the Household; Mr Lindsay McDonald, Duke of Broadacres; Mr J. Ryder, Earl Ilorowhenua of Horowhenua Bark; Airs IT. Walker, Dame Elizabeth of Hokio; Air A. M.otlershead, Lord Alfred, Chief of Hie 'Warblers; Mr \\. Watkins, Earl Cleaver; Air C. H. Fyke, Lord High Controller of Overdrafts; Mr J. K. Horn Mow, .Baron Fox lon of Manawalu; Air C. S. Keedwell, Minister of Internal Affairs; Mr L. Scott, Viscount Mcrrilegs; Air K. A. Adams, 1 nderSecretnry lo Hie Royal Cmirl; Mr T. G. Vineent, Lord Tom-Noddy ot Kawin; Miss A. McGillwray, Baroness Ghaniaiiqua, Ambassador from "Foreign Courts. Then followed a very spectacular Maori welcome, which included speeches in Hie .Maori longue, hakas, and graceful poi dances. During Hie ceremony a few vocal and elocutionary items were given. The Mardi Gras as a whole was the most successful effort yet held in Levin, and evinced a tine public spirit.