RECREATION GROUND'S IMPROVEMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8053, 22 February 1906, Page 2

RECREATION GROUND'S IMPROVEMENT.

SUCCESSFUL 6AIIDEN FETE. Glorious weather favoured the lice, reation Sports Ground improvement Committee OH Wednesday, when tin l Garden Fete was lipid in tin; grounds. Every detail in the arrangements had been attended to, and, save for a little delay in getting oil' the aquatic events, tile affair was most- successful, 'l'd lie sure, the absence of ([is Excellency the Governor somewhat reduced the attendance, but the good cause in whose assistance the Committee had organised the function, drew about 2500 people to the grounds. Early in the afternoon, a procession passed up De von and fjiardet-streets, composed of the Taraiiuki Rifles and Guards, the Garrison and Military Bunds, about seven or eight hundred school children, and the wearers of fancy and poster costumes, the line of route being crowded with spectators. In the grounds all was gay. The military were put through company evolutions on the racecourse and then returned to the ground, where their presence lent m air of importance and socurity. The Committee adhered to the original programme as far as possible. The children forincd.up, sang the National Anthem, and saluted the flag. To the excellent music supplied by the Garrison and Military Bands was added that of the " Strolling Minstrels" The lisplay of poster and fancy costumes was admirable, all of tile designs being carefully thought out and excellently carried, thcohildren eiiteriugthoroughly into the competition so that the judges had some difficulty in allotting prizes. The military display by the Taranaki liitles' team, under Colour-Sergeant \rinitage (their instructor) removed all wonder at their winning their events at Auckland. The refreshment booths must have added largely to the revenue, ind great credit is due to the ladies in 'diarge. At the aquatic carnival in the lake there were some interesting events, 'he 150 yards handicap providing i fine race. The supervisors were Messrs Bauchopc and Lints, whilst the latter acted us handicapper in all ■vents, as starter in the swimming faces, and judge of diving. He also contributed to the amusement by clearing himself of a sack in which he had been tied and hurled into the lake. Mr Scabright was finish judge of the .swimming. The executive of the Fete comprised so many hard ami enthusiasticworkers that we cannot differentiate, oilier than to mention the yeoman services of Messrs Humphries and Clark, the chairman and secretary of the Committee. The results of the various competitions are appended:— Boys: Poster costume, Mr T, Avery's; boy's fancy costume, Master Uichards, as Napoleon; most original boy's costume, Masters Roy and Gordon I'arkcr. Girls: Poster costume, Miss Eva Jury, Paul's Breiyery and Cordial Factory; fancy costume, Japanese Lady, Miss I). Filzlterbcrfc; most irigiiial, Miss Dora and Annie, and .Master Tommy Hawke. These competitions were judged by Mrs W. H. Skinner, Miss Percy-Si.iith, and Miss Alice Hemptou, and Mrs R. Cock (Mayoress) presented the prizes. AQUATIC. Buys' springboard dive: L:\ing, 27 points, 1; Blytlie, 2(> points. 2. Crocodile race : Stohr and Bennett, 1; Dixon imlGibbon. 2. 150 Yards Handicap: Stohr, scr., 1; Bennett, osec., 2; Brow n, Usee., 3. Springboard dive : •I. Anibury, 2tipts., 1; S. Bennett, 22pts„ 2. Cigar and Umbrella race: Stohr ], Anibury 2. Kigli dive: S. Benilett, ltipts., 1; Bullock, llpts,, 2,