A GALLANT IN RED

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 103, 22 July 1927, Page 13

A GALLANT IN RED

ROMANCE STILL LIVES “MISS AUCKLAND” GREETED WELCOME IN THE SNOW Romance is not dead. It lingers still in out-of-the-way places. It was present when the Dunedin express pulled in, bearing the six provincial finalists of the “Miss New Zealand 1927” screen quest. A fall of snow, and bitter winter weather, did not cool the ardour of Dunedin’s warm-hearted welcome. It was typical of the South in Dunedin’s carnival week —the university “capping” ceremonies, and great multi - coloui'ed throngs of gay masqueraders had gathered at the station, singing and shouting their welcome amid the crash of bands. * Not expecting such an ovation, the girls at first imagined that some victorious local football team was returning home, but&as the bewildered cc | testants stepped on to the platform the crowd swept round them. The station rang with cheers for each province. It was a memorable scene. With the utmost difficulty the police endeavoured to clear a way through the crowd toward the waiting taxis. The girls finally fought their way through the crush, and were quickly whisked off to the Grand Hotel in cars bearing the vai'ious provincial pennants. THE GAY CAVALIER As the taxis reached the hotel a gay young cavalier in a scarlet cape broke from the crowd, and, dodging a busy policeman, jumped on to the running board of “Miss Auckland’s” car. With a low bow he swung open the taxi door and encountered a smile from Auckland’s Hildred Graliam. “Are you Miss Auckland?” he ventured. “No,” she replied, “I’m only maid of honour; this is Miss Auckland.” “Are you Miss Auckland?” he repeated in surprise to petite Billie Andreasson. \ The astonished Billie nodded in reply and the young man offered congratulations. “You’ll win, Miss Auckland.” he said; “you’ll win! Let me carry your suitcase, please!” The gallant in seai'let escorted the Auckland gii*ls across the snow-covered footpath to the hotel. Miss Billie Andreasson paused. to thank the gallant one, and blow a kiss through the glass to the crowd outside. Suddenly the arm of the law descended upon the scarlet-cloaked interloper, and dragged him back within the cordon. Again he endeavoured to bow to the Aucklanders, but they were fast disappearing behind the glittering doorway. Romance is not dead!