“MISS NEW ZEALAND”

Taranaki Daily News, 24 November 1926, Page 15

“MISS NEW ZEALAND”

THELMA McMILLAN, OTAGO RESULT OF BEAUTY CONTEST. SCENES OF GREAT ENTHUSIASM Auckland, Nov. 20. The “Miss New Zealand” beauty contest was won by Miss Thelma McMillan, otherwise “Miso Otago,” with Miss Isobel Wilson, Maid of Honour to “Miss Wellington” second. The curtain rose to disclose the eight finalists lined before a dais packed with flowers and gifts. A great demonstration followed, but it was immediately stilled when Mr. Cohen walked on the stage. He made a short speech regarding the beauty of womanhood, with special reference to those before the audience, and spoke of the wonderful manner in which the contest had been conducted. His method of announcing the winner was dramatic. The house had not realised that he had finished his preliminary remarks 'before he said “Thelma McMillan is Miss New Zealand.” Up went a roar like thunder, and it was taken up by the crowd outside. His Majesty’s positively shook as the huge audience let loose its pent-up feelings. Miss McMillan retained her usual composure, and she was cheered to the echo as Mr. Cohen placed the ribbon of honour about her. The noise subsided and again the house waited in perfect quiet for the second announcement. “Isobel Wilson, of Wellington” began Mr. Cohen, and again the audience let itself go in a perfect tornado,, of applause. It got to its feet and cheered itself hoarse, while hundreds of streamers came down about the girls. Obviously Miss Wilson got a great shock. She started back when the announcement was made, and did not at first seem to understand it, but she was immediately surrounded and kissed by the other finalists, who did the same t-o Miss McMillan. If was a long time before the demonstration in the house subsided. Then followed a tremendous one in the Arcade. Both “Miss New Zealand” and her maid of honour appeared on the balcony of the theatre and were given round after round of thunderous applause. The police had difficulty in keeping order in the street, and as a car left with the finalists thousands strained forward and ran cheering after them. In Queen. Street, traffic was congested and it took the best part of an hour to restore order. The demonstration can truthfully be characterised as one of the most amazing in the history of the city.

Miss McMillan wants the Dominion to know how proud she is to be its queen of beauty, and says that she will do her best to be true to the responsibility that is hers.