CENTENNIAL PAGEANTRY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 March 1939, Page 8

CENTENNIAL PAGEANTRY

REQUEST FOR PERIOD CLOTHES. Costume will play an important part in the' Centennial pageantry that will form a feature of our celebrations in so many places next year (states the "New Zealand Centennial News”). Where the pageantry is of an historic character it is essential that the clothes of the actors should be correct. If actual costumes worn in by-gone days could be used the interest would be increased and the artistic effect heightened. New clothes never carry quite the same conviction as old ones.

In many New Zealand homes there must be. folded away in boxes, perhaps, old clothes which would be invaluable at this time. Already requests for uniforms, naval and military, from 1840 onwards are reaching Centennial headquarters, and inquiries are frequently received for the crinolines and bustles that our grandmothers and great-grandmothers wore with such grace. Generous citizens who could give or lend such costumes for Centennial pageants in their districts, or for National pageants, are asked to communicate with the National Director of Pageantry, Centennial Branch, Internal Affairs Department, Wellington. A description of articles of attire available would be appreciated. The period it is desired to cover is, roughly, from 1840 to 1900, and, of course, clothes for men, women, and children will be welcomed. Boots and shoes, sunshades, asd other accessories are difficult to obtain and should not be overlooked, ,