CARNIVALS.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 November 1915, Page 5

CARNIVALS.

To the Editor. Sir,—The enclosed cutting is taken from the Auckland Herald of Thursday last:— "Evidence that novel and ingenious ' methods of assisting the fund may still be devised is afforded by the programme announced by the committee of the Labor and Friendly Society's Queen for the close of the carnival. Tho committee proposes to select the most handsome couple in Auckland, to present them to a gathering in the Town Hall concert chamber on Saturday, and if the young people are willing the marriage ceremony will be performed by a clergy- - ' man. The selection will be made among the people who gather at a mock court in Albeit Park to-morrow evening. Committees of 100 ladies and of 100 men will make the selection of tho handsome people in the crowds, and the final decisions will be made by committees of six. The preliminary nomination of ladies will be made by (lie Ladies' Committee, and their choice will be reviewed by men, while a similar method will be followed in selecting the most handsome young men. The final decision will be communicated to the couple concerned, with express instructions to adhere to the directions in a letter given to eaeii of them. The selected couple wii be intro- ■> du.-ed in the Town Hal] on tiie louowng \ evening. A gold bangle will be presented to the lady and a signet ring to tne gentleman. An attractive programme of music will be given during the proceedings each evening." When methods such as these are resorted to by carnival ; promoters in order to raise money, is it any wonder that carnivals aie condemned by right thinking people, even though the money is to lie devoted to a good purpose ? Can bad taste or vulgarity go further, even if the young people are not willing to get married? One wonders what clergyman will be found to i-o prostitute his sacred caliug as to many a couple under such circumstances, or what the future life of u couple i.i likely to be who enters into the most solemn and sacred engagements of married HfQ under such conditions—l am, etc. C. E. B.