LUNA PARK OPENS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 840, 7 December 1929, Page 20

LUNA PARK OPENS

FUN AT AUCKLAND’S CONEY ISLAND BIG CROWD ATTRACTED Girlish screams as switchback cars whirled up and down incredible hills at incredible speed . . . blare, and boom and thunder . . . multi-coloured lights flashing brilliantly . . . roundabouts grinding out music and motley throngs surging and swaying in a solid mass, seeking excitement. Luna Bark, Auckland’s Coney Island, presented an animated sight last evening when the Christmas season was opened. Crowds were present and mirth and jollity were the order of the day—or the order of the night. Cares were thrown to the wind by young and old alike. Death-defying stunts were staged by J.he Staig Duo, who defied the laws of gravity with high-powered motorcycles. A young woman allowed Air. Leighton C. Hamilton, “The Man Who Mystified Alagicians,” to remove her head on a guillotine. Her faith in Mr. Hamilton was not misplaced and though she lost her head for the time being, it was quickly replaced by the mystifying magician-surgeon. Cannon-ball Joe, the world’s greatest trained monkey, did his stuff in an automobile, and Alargie van Camp’s trained pigs were so human that the audiences felt ashamed that they ever ate ham and eggs for breakfast. The scenic railway was, as uslal, the star device, and old patrons clamoured to experience “that sinking feeling” again. The river caves were eagerly patronised by those who did not crave thrilling excitement, and young couples whispered the usual words and held each otheps hands tightly as their craft meandered past the dragon’s lairs on its way to the South Bole and Venice. The whip was crowded as usual, while Goofy House ejected lines of strained-looking folk. The fun factory with its many small gadgets was packed from the time the park opened until the last minute, while the dodge’ems, the caterpillar, the joy wheel and the merry-go-rounds received their just share of patronage. This afternoon and evening the amusement park should be well patronised by the public. Special buses run from the bottom of Queen Street every few minutes for the convenience of patrons.