THE FLORAL FETE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7982, 9 March 1906, Page 5

THE FLORAL FETE.

A FINANCIAL SUCCESS,

The Floral Fote, which was held on the Park Ova!, yesterday afternoon, in aid of the Building Fuud ot' tho new Hospital, was well attended, aud it is gratifying to be able to report that tho Building Fund of tho uew Hospital will be largely benefitted. Contrary to all expectations, Klurious summer weather prevailed, aud that fact alone contributed greatly to the success of the function. The attendance, which was estimated ar, about 2,000 people, might be considered ruber on tho small side, as there were not as many preseut from outsiue districts as was anticipated would b9 the case. The proceedings commenced v. ith a procession, which was drawn up in Chapel Street, opposite the Borough Council Chambers. The route taken was via Perry, Bannister and Dixon Streets, Worksop Road and Queen Street, to the Park Oval, the latter street, especially, being lined by crowds of interested spectators. The procession was headed by Mr J. C, Whitmore in the attire of a clown, who, by his eccentricity, greatly amased the crowd. Then came "Mr and Mrs McDougall" (Messrs J. Bates and U. Braggins), both being on horseback, and well "got up." The Masterton Municipal Brass Band, which played soleotionß all along the route, was the next portion of the procession, and cben came the members of the Masterton Rifle Volunteers, under Captain A. B. Charters, the Public Scho6l Cadets, under Lieutenant A.» N. Burns, and the Fire Brigade and Fire Police Corps. A number of florally decorated bioycles and go-carts, Mr J. Symis as an "Indian" and Mr E. Richarda mounted on a bicycle upon which was the frame of a boat completed the procession. Arriving on the grounds, tho floral exhibits were drawn up to be judged, and the remainder of the afternoon was occupied in sports of various kinds. Numerous stalls were erected under the trees, and these, by their handsome decorations, attracted special attention, and no doubt excellent business was done, for the various stallholders worked untiringly to make thw Fete a success from a peouniary point of view. The Museum and Modern Art Gallery, under the supervision of Mr C. Y. Dally, attracted many visitors during the afternoon. In it were arranged a number of South African War trophies, such is shells, bullets and a Boer Ams, captured by Dr. Dawson, late of TeNui, moa bones, various stuffed animals, the Penetrating Rays and numerous other attractions. The following is a list of the other stalls, and those in charge of them:—Art Union and Jumble Stall: Misses Gillespie (2), Easthope, Goodwin and Mrs Wagland. Produce Stall: Mesdames A. W. Gave, P. Taylor and Mr 0. Bannister. Afternoon Tea Stalls: Mesdames J. Day, P. Hider, A. W. Hogg and J. Tait. Cake Stall: Mesdames F. Hill and W. Sellar. Hospital Stall (Flower): Misses McGregor, Wilkius, Richardson, Parker, and Nurses Nicholson, Hare and Stewart; Lolly and fruit stall, Mesdames Montgomery, Rayner and Corbett, and Misses G. Apperley and Montgomery. Bran Tub: Misse? Hogg and Ockenden. Gipsy For-tune-telling Tents: Miss Peterson and Mrs Edwards. In the\arena there were numerous boys' and girls' races, sack races and ticket races. Mr 0. Pragnell, in his motorcar, carried ohildren around the Oval, at 3d per ride, and "good business" is, safe to say, reported. Mr Pragnell was kept going all the afternoon, and each trip he had, at least, six highly delighted ohildren in his car. Tho dancing of Mrs Kendall's pupils was greatly admired, and each effort was received with loud applause, and, indeed, their training reflected the highest oredit upon their instructress. The following is a list of the ohildren who contributed so largely to the entertainment of the afternoon:— Fairy Floral Dance: Elsie Yarr, Nellie Kendall, Violet Rayner, Ivy Graham, Coral Dobson, Queenie Fox, Elsie Millar, Hattie Brooks, Connie Easthope, Violet Reardon, Olive and Rita Cross. Dolly Dance and Skirt Danoe: Nana Collier, Gladys Daniell, Vynie Tait, Hazel Fuller and Nellie Kendall. The various side shows,' whioh included Aunt Sally, Hidden Treasure and Bran Tubs, were a great sucoess, and around these crowds of people were seen standing all the afternoon. A squadron of the Masterton Rifle Volunteers, under Sergeant Morton, gave a very interesting exhibition of physical drill, bayonet and rifle exercises. During the afternoon the Masterton Munioinal Brass Band rendered several very appreciative selections. The whole func tion lefleoted credit on the Supervisor, Mr F. Huan, and the joint Secretaries, Messrs A. Nicol and W. M. Easthope, who were ably assisted by the energetic lady and gentlemen members of the committee, of which Mr A. W. Hogg, M.H.R., was Chairman. The competitive events resulted as follows: Obstacle ra'ce, Rickards 1, R. Mason 2; orange bobbing, A. von Keisenberg 1, boys' sack race, C. Ashley; slow bike race, S. McNabb; fcioket race, G. Scrimgeour, holding V. O'Neil's tioket; Men's sack, race, A. E. Baker. The prize list of the floral exhibits is as follows:—Decorated boys'gocart, Barrattand R. Millar 1, N. Millar 2; children's decorated bicycle, CReynolds 1; floral design by child, Christina Ilosking 1. The design was a lyre, Deoorated parasol, Jessie Trigger 1, Mr J. Symes 2; lady's florally decorated biovcle, Christina Hosking 1; decorated gentleman's bicycle, Mr E. H. Richards 1: basket of flowers, Mrs Arnott; decorated go-cart, with oocupant, Mrs D. M. Graham 1 and special. At the evening entertainment there was a large number of people present. The Oval was brilliantly illuminated by means of six large arc lights. The well lighted stallß presented a gay appearance, and a number of Chinese lanteras hanging from the trees and around the various side-shows, greatly enhanced the brillianoy of the scene. 'lhe stalls were liberally patronised during'the evening, and at the conclusion of

the gathering all the superfluous stciok was sold by auotion, by Mr J. S. Niool. The pupils of Mrs Kendall again gave a uumber of dances, which were greatly appreciated. Mr J. Akel gave a clever exhibition of rifle swinging. The Masterton Municipal Brass Band were, also, present, ancj played a number of selections. The shooting gallery, which was under the management of the Druids Lodge and Ogilvy and Sons' staff, was open last evening, and was one of the principal attractions. Before the gathering dispersed Mr A. VV. Hogg took the opportunity to thank all who had given so generously and who had worked to make the Fete the success it was. At his instance, three cheers wore given lor the Band, the Volunteers, the stallholders, the committees, and all others who had given their assistance to the gathering. The Mayor, also, returned thanks, and said be felt sure that the remaining £BOO required for the Hospital would be raised. The gate ta'.unas for the day were £lO9 3s Bd, and the gross takings, so far as it was possible to ascertain, were £255 but there are many amounts still to come to hand, in-' eluding a number of donations, which were promised yesterday.