LEVIN MARDI GRAS.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 13 February 1920, Page 3

LEVIN MARDI GRAS.

■ CARNIVAL DAY. A SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION. Perfect weather was experienced at Levin on Wednesday last for the big carnival day in connection with the Mardi Gras held to raise funds for the

beautifying of the town. Levin resi

dents turned out eu masse, while all parts of the district were well represented, and a goodly number of Otaki, Manakau and Te Horo residents were present.

The function opened with a grand procession from the railway station, headed by the Levin Band. The many beautifully decorated motors, traps and other vehicles were a feature-.of the procession, while a large number of »ancy costumes added to the display*

and also created much amusement. Elaborate arrangements hud been made at the Levin Domain, where the fete was held. Numerous stalls, side shows, etc., had been erected, and the I display of bunting, etc., lent a festive 1 air. On arrival of the procession the vehicles, etc., were drawn up, and > judging was then proceeded with. Many of the decorations were really I exceptionally line, and the judges had some difficulty in making their awards, j following were the results of the deco- ! ration competitions:— j Decorated Motor Car. —-Abraham , and Williams (Anzac Wedding) 1, - | Sutcliffe (Peace and Plenty) 2, C. j Beuld (Sports Queen), F. Davies (Bon- J nie Babies), and Mrs J. R. Macdonald, | highly commended. There were ten I decorated cars tor competition, and all were excellent. •

f Decorated Motor Cycle-—N. Andrews I. Messrs Barratt Bros.’ Indian cycle, with Red Indian warrior and squaw riders, was clever and original, but hardly came within the scope of the entry;. Decorated Bicycle (children). Phyllis Noble 1. Eight entries.

Decorated Pram or Go-cart. Phyllis Noble 1. The winner’s gocart, designed and decorated as an aeroplane, was particularly good. Jack Keys’ and Mrs G. Butt’s entries were deservedly highly commended.

Herse-drawn Vehicle. Fairfield Queen and Maori Queen (equal) 3. The judges said both exhibits were so specially good, though so different in design, that they recommended both be given a prize.

The sports events created great interest, and were well competed for. The horseback wrestling, won by J. Hopa. pillow-fighting and blindfold boxing created much merriment, whilo the tug-of-war (won by a stalwart. Muori team) was an exciting contest. K. Hodge (Te Horo) tied with E. Clark for first place in the high jump, and the other athletic events were all well competed for. Swimming sports were also indulged in. The side-shows were a feature of the gathering, attracting much attention, and, at, the same time, bringing in a very considerable sum of money. Those in charge of "Killing the Kaiser" and the "Hoop-la” did particularly good business. while the Punch and Judy show, in tlio capable hands of Mr Ferry, of Otaki, was freely patronised by delighted people. The ladies in charge of the refreshment. booths had a most strenuous time.

As a result of the day’s efforts, the funds were augmented by £331 2s 3d, to say nothing of the many pounds “raked in” by the many supporters of the various cjueen candidates.

A successful concert was held on Wednesday night, to wind up the day. THE POLLING. The following is the latest reports of the polling for the queen candidate: — Votes. Maori QueeD 25,124 .Sports Queen 20,012 Fairfield Queen 15,650 Hokio Queen 14,120 The voting will close on Wednesday night, l.Sth inst.