CARNIVAL WEEK.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 August 1922, Page 5

CARNIVAL WEEK.

A SUCCESSFUL START. PROCESSION AND HARD-UP SOCIAL. The expectancy surrounding the efforts of the Pierrots to raise funds for the unemployed in New Plymouth had reached a great height by the time their active public campaign commenced last night, and if the torchlight procession and the “hard-up” social are any criterion, their goal of acquiring a thousand pounds by the end of the week should be easily attained. Promptly to time, Inspector Day and his committee had the torchlight procession marshalled at the Post Office, and, headed by a couple of cars and the Regimental Band, it set off for the Coronation Hall. There were about a couple of dozen ladies and gentlemen clad in nondescript garments, ranging fronf sacking to an effective garment made from flax, but all indicative nf a pecuniary embarrassment, while some enterprising spirits made the journey in a humorous burlesque of a Henry Ford automobile. On either side of the band marched the Fire Brigade with torches, and then followed the hard-up ones. Tlie Pipe Band made its first public appearance, the stick play of the bass drummer attracting a deal of Attention, while the Pierrots in costume brought up the rear of the procession.

Arrived at the hall, the ceremony of handing over the key was postponed owing to the unavoidable absence of the Mayor, but the doors were quickly opened, and the crowd soon gained admission. Inside, the energy of Mrs. Jenkin and her committee was made obvious in the decorations and the condition of the floor. Colored lights and flags broke the harsh outlines of the building, while the floor was most appealing to those delighting in dancing. The couples dancing well filled the hall, but its spaciousness obviated crowding. At an interval in the dancing the costumes were judged by popular acclamation, Mesdames Weston and Walker, who had judges the procession, again agreeing to act as adjudicators on the measure of popular approval bestowed on the competitors. The decisions went to Mrs. Milne and Miss Doughty as first and second among the ladies, and to Messrs. Whale and Bolton for the men.

Shortly afterwards the Mayor arrived; and, headed by a piper and followed by the Pierrots, paraded the hall, holding in firm grasp a key of imposing dimensions. In a speech from the platform he paid tribute to the work of the Pierrots, and handed over the key to Mrs. C. H. Weston, conferring with it the freedom of the town for a week to exact contributions for the unemployment funds. Mrs. Weston then passed the key to Mi*. Brookman, chairman of the Pierrots, remarking that as he had opened the easier pockets the key would assist him to open the harder ones. Cheers for the Mayor and Mesdames Weston, Walker and Jenkin led the way to a resumption nf dancing, which, with a brief interr- ' for supper, was kept up until an early hour to the music of Mrs. George’s jazz orchestra.

The prizes for those taking part in the procession were awarded to Misses Doughty and Wallach and to Messrs. P. Bolton and Blackball. The public enthusiasm was good, and the satisfactory sum of £37 was taken at the door, while the sale of tickets is expected to bring the amount up to £5O. The enjoyment of the evening was materially added to by the singing of Misses Annie White and Harper, and Messrs. Chandler, Frederick and Holder, and the dancing of Miss Kitty Harper and Mrs. Manson, who also gave a haka. TO-DAY’S PROGRAMME. This afternoon and evening the campaign will be continued and two very strong attractions will be placed before the public. The football match at Pukekura Park should draw a very big crowd, as bo*n teams can be relied on to give a good exhibition, while the community “sing” in the Coronation Hall to-night should also appeal. All business premises are asked to close in the afternoon. At the sing in the evening some of the leading vocalists nf the town will assist, and a strong orchestra will be present. Pierrots are to assemble at the hall at 7.45 p.m. The Pipe Band will also attend. PADDY’S MARKET. Housewives are asked to look through their shelves to see what they can give towards Paddy’s Market on Friday. Jains, pickles, sauces, cakes, bread and sweets will be much in demand, and contributions of such articles will help to swell the fund. Goods may be left at the Clarke Memorial Hostel, Vivian Street, from now on, and on Friday morning in the alleyway of Everybody’s Theatre, where the mart will be held.