OTAHUHU.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 397, 2 August 1918, Page 4

OTAHUHU.

RED CROSS CARNIVAL. OTAHTJHTJ'S QTJEEN CROWNED. Otahuhu's determination, to excel the surrounding districts in their Queen Carnival Coronation festivities was upheld on Tuesday evening last, when the crowning of the Otahuhu Queen (Miss Connie Lippiatt) took place amid the choicest blend of colouring combined with dignity warranted by such an auspicious occasion. The Public Hall, which was artistically decorated with the Union Jack and the flags of the Allied naiions, presented a brilliant scene, which was intensified by the aid of electric and lime-light effects, the arrangements for lighting being ably controlled by Messrs. W. Apps and H. J. Moffitt, To Messrs. J. MeTvor, W. Shepherd, and W. Apps lielong the credit of arranging the staging. the decorations being arranged by Messrs. W. Apps, H. Wilson, and H. J. Moffitt. whilst Mr. E. Le Roy (Auckland) kindly supplied the flags for the purpose. At the rear of the stage was a scene of Westminster Abbey, which, by the aid of the electrician's art. was lighted up to show off that famous building as at night time.

Soon after eight o'clock the Queen's Trumpeter (Mr. E. H. Rosewame) proclaimed from the stage the approach of the royal party, who then entered the hall, headed by the Herald (Mr. W. J. O'Hara), bearing his staff of office and becomingly attired in a dark green velvet jacket, white stockings and Court shoes. He was followed in consecutive order by the Crown-bearer (Master Jack Morgan) and two Sword-bearers (Masters J. Fraser and Deacon); the Mistress of the Robes (Miss L. MeGee), and ten Maids of Honour, viz., the Misses F. Muir, C. McArthur, M. Hall, Currie, M. Moffitt, M. Lippiatt, J. Todd, E. McDonald, Graham, and D. McCorry, all of whom were charmingly attired in white silk dresses with Court trains, and carried choice bouquets. Four Boy Scouts (Masters K. Gardiner, Harvey, L. Knott, and R. Parkin) came next, carrying the Queen's canopy (of red silk with white tassels), under which the Queen (Miss Connie Lippiatt) walked. Wearing a'handsome Court dress of white silk, relieved with red, she carried herself with a dignity becoming her station, her train bearers being Masters McDonald and Humphrey. Six little flower girls, viz., the Misses Lila Apps, Margery Fraser, Nelly Wills, N. Todd, TJrsula McAnalty, and Phyllis Stringer, followed, all being prettily dressed in white, and carrying baskets of flowers. The rear was brought up by the Lord High Chancellor (Mr. A. McDonald) and the Lord High Chamberlain (Mr. H. Wills), whose gorgeous robes were emblematic of their exalted posts. On the party reaching the stage, the Queen took her seat upon the throne, a Guard of Honour being formed by two Boy Scouts, each with drawn swords.

The. interesting ceremony of the coronation then look place, the Lord High Chancellor (Mr. A. McDonald) reading an address and declaring " by rights of niy office I place this crown upon your brow, and name you Queen of this Carnival."

Following this notable event, the High Lord Chamberlain (Mr. H. Wills) read an address of loyalty, and paid homage to Her Majesty. The Maids of Honour were each in' turn presented to the Queen, after which Her Majesty conferred titles as follows:—Earl of Somerset, Mr. Currie; Earl of Favona. Mr. Parkin; Master of Ceremonies, Mr. W. Apps. All the company then sang "Land of Hope and Glory." The effect of the limelight on the jewels and crown worn by the Queen, and on the varying colours of the courtiers* and ladies', costumes, combined with the lustre properly associated with a Royal Court, produced a kaleidoscope scene of marked brilliancy.

The Lord High Chancellor next declared that the Queen would leave Westminster Abbey, so that she might mingle with her subjects, and this being done the Coronation ceremony was thus concluded. It should be mentioned that appropriate music was provided during the proceedings by Mrs. C. Fraser (piano), Messrs. W. J. Dinnison (violin), and Robertson (trombone). The floor was then cleared for a plain and fancy dress ball, at which there was a crowded attendance. The grand processional march was headed by the .Mayor (M/. A. McDonald) and tlie Carnival Queen (Miss Connie Lippiatt), followed by n large number of ladies and gentlemen in plain and fancy dress costumes, many of the latter being exceedingly original and artistic. Messrs. ,T. Mclvor and W. Apps most efficiently acted as M.C.'s. Among those in fancy dress were:— The Misses E. Castle, Sailor Boy; K. Moffitt. Scotch Lassie; Dorothy Nixon. Roumania; Jessie Short. Servia; M. Sheffield. France: .1. McArthur. Dutch Girl; X. Muir. Japanese Girl: —. Corbet t. Black and White; --. Wingate, —. Whitely, —. Pilkington, and -. Rogan. Red Cross Nurses; —. Jobs, Snake Charmer; K. Whitely. Pierrot; M. Whitely, Rosalind; Travina. Oranges and Lemons; and Messrs. Percy Clark, America: —. White. Dutch Boy: and T,. Lawson, Jockey. Dancing was freely indulged in until the early hours of the morninV. An excellent supper was provided in the supper room, and those ladies who assisted deserve special thanks, as the entering for such a large party involved much labour on th'ir part. Captain Wilson, of the otahuhu Fire Brigade, and his men were in attendance, and many other volunteers materially helped to make the evening's function such a success. The whole proceedings were well carried out, and the Otahuhu Carnival management are to be commended for providing such an excellent entertainment, the financial result of which should be very satisfactory. '