LABOR DAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2322, 15 October 1908, Page 2

LABOR DAY.

GISBORNE’S FIRST DEMONSTRATION.

AN AUSPICIOUS CARNIVAL. SUCCESS OF THE CELEBRATIONS

Labor Day, which has for many years - boon celebrated as a general holiday throughout the Dominion, was fittingly observed in Gisborne yesterday by a procession and sports on Victoria Domain, and arranged by the East Coast Trades and Labor Council in aid of tho proposed Maternity Homo. Though rain fell during the night, the weather, until late in tho afternoon, remained fine, and the day was eminently suitable for out-door gatherings. A close holiday was observed by all business-people, tho banks, and Government offices,' and while the procession was en route to the Domain, Gladstone Road was lined with people. Tho procession was. the first hold in Gisborne, and the various trades unions, business people, and trading companies went to a groat deal of trouble to make up a splendid disjday. THE PROCESSION. The procession, which-was nearly a mile in length, was as varied as tho resources of tho town could supply, although there was very little attempt to .arrange exhibits or- decorations of a humorous nature. Shortly before ten o’clock the decorated vehicles began to gather at the starting point—the Rost Office—and at half-past ten the pageant, which was marshalled by Mr! C. E- Lewis, moved off. Tho Mayor (Mr. AV. D. Lysnar) was in the lead, aiid in the van was a number of cyclists, whose machines were decorated with ribbons, flowers, and various other devices.

The newly-acquired property of the Borough Council, the Straker steamwaggon, came next, dressed out in greenery, and the Councillors wisely allowed their place in the vehicle originally allotted to them, to be taken up by' children. The steam-roller also puffed its elephantine way, and carried a small number of passengers. The Salvation Army Band in uniform followed, and tlieir music made a pleasant relief. The Carpenters’ Union, in full strength, and carrying their appropriate banner, showing a tradesman at work, came next. The Bakers’ Union made a splendid display, a number of .the decorations having been sent down from Auckland for tlie purpose. On the top of lorry was a model baker’s oven, at vhich were working a, number of tradesmen, who distributed hot buns j'ml cal cs to the children who walked alongside. _ The Drivers’ Union was next in tlie march, and their banner was appropriate to the day’ they’ celebrated. The “Jungle” shooting gallery had a model rifle range on board a lorry’. A number of hoys dressed in naval costume, sitting under arches of bamboo decorated with flowers and greenery’, were oil board Mr. F. Lowndes’ cart, and the design was very novel and decorative. • Theii followed a number of decorated tradesmen’s carts, representing H. H. Craig, the Gisborne Co-operative Bakery (3 carte), J. Erskine, baker (10 carts all differently decorated and displaying various mottoes), and tlie Kia Ora Dairy Company. Mr. A. Fletcher’s fresh butter and ice business was well advertised by a neatly and artistically decorated cart, on the top of which the word “Ice’ stood out boldly. The carte of the Okitu Butter Factory’ and Messrs Primrose and Leslie, tlie latter driven by. a Royal Hussar, was also conspicuous. Messrs F. Hall and Sons had two decorated carts, and other painters represented • by’ attractive, displays were Messrs J. Morrison and J. D. 'Austin. •

The Gisborne Fire Brigade, under their veteran superintendent, Mr. J. Towuley arid Mr G. Wildish (President of tho Now Zealand Fire Brigades Association), followed in full muster with the manual fire engine, hose reel, and ambulance trolly. The two former \vero decorated,' the wheels of both being covered in white lilies and greensHere the Gisborne City Band, under Conductor Lawrence, made a pleasant- musical break in the order of march.

The Slaughtermen’s Union and the Freezers’ Union followed, both unions being well represented. A couple of slaughtermen were mounted on one of the Gisborne Sheepfarmers’ Frozen Meat Co.’s carts, and gave an exhibition of killing and dressing sheep as is done for export. The fellmongers also gave exhibitions of their work, and both displays were most instructive. The members of the Freezers’ Union carried the coverings for the carcases as used in their trade. Then followed representatives of the Turanganui Lodge of Druids and the Gisborne ..'Waterside Workers’ Union.

Mr. D. J. Barry had five waggons loaded with some of the products if his brewery. Mr. J. F. Pettie had a cart advertising Walker’s whisky and his other agencies, and Mr. H. Martin’s cordial factory as also represented.

Three Royal Mail coaches drawn by five horses made a most creditable display for Messrs J. R. Red-done and Sons’ stables, and the Federal Band, under Conductor McKillop, her© made a harmonious break in the procession. Then came the Court William Glad-’ stone,. Ancient Order of Foresters, and a display made by Messrs Smith Brothers’ cordial factory. The No-Licensc League was represented by a handsomely decorated waggon filled with happy children under the charge of Mr. F. Stafford. Standing out boldly were the mottoes, “For the children’s sake strike out the'top line” and “We have got no votes; vote for our sakes.” Other businesses represented were Speight’s beer, R. Robertson (mercer), T. Howarbli, J. H. Norcross, J. Maynard, and E. T. Harries (butchers), and the Civil Service and Citizens’ •Co-operative Bakery Society. A newly-imported American roadgrading machine, owned by the Cook County Council, and nicely decorated, ciime next. The vehicle, which was driven by two men dressed in stars and stripes to.represent “Uncle Sam/’ carried the motto, “Advance Cook County.”

Messrs Langford and Hogan’s Royal Mail-delivery cart concluded a procession that.was entirely worthy of all who participated therein. Gladstone Road was densely packed with gaily attired people, and --the scene; as the procession, passed between the two rows of spectators, was one. worthy of admiration. The everchanging view presented, as the various displays with their vivid and mul-ti-colored decorations rolled past, presented a living picture such as' lias never before been seen in Gisborne, and was truly a wonderful kaleidoscope. AT THE DOMAIN. When the procession arrived at Victoria Domain the large crowd in attendance at once entered the grounds, and as the afternoon approached the attendance -swelled until there were between 2000 and 3000 people present- to witness tliesports. The crowd was very ordoit’.y and good-natured, and the successful competitors in each event wore loudly cheered. The City Band played selections on the grounds during the 'sports. The gross takings at the Domain totalled £IOO.

THE SPEECHES

On the procession coming to a halt at the Domain gates, tho Mar. sha] (Mr. C. F. Lewis) thanked all who had taken part for tile excellence of their displays. The demonstration was the first held in Gisborne, and 'ho hoped it would ho continued in ■future years. He congratulated the tho favorable condition of the weather, and hoped tho sports would be thoroughly ouioved Tho Mayor (Mr. W. D. Lysnar), who wore the new mayoral chain for

tho first time, said he had much pleasure in being able to join in such a fitting celebration of the great holiday, Labor Day. The labor organisations and the businoss people of t.ho toivn were to bo congratulated upon the displays they had made, and their support to the movement, .for, considering the size of Gisborne, it was a very creditable labor procession. (Applause.) The pre.-rssion showed the amity of feeling among the business people, and it was a feeling that should bo encouraged. (Applause.) If the labor unions worked together in a reasonable manner and asked for concessions that wore reasonable, tho unions would always have the sympathy of the people with them. To ask for a six-hour day of labor, instead of an eight-hour day, was, to his mind, not reasonable, but tho success of the celebration showed that as long as the demands of labor were within reasonable limits the workers were assured of the sympathy of the community. He hoped the gathering would be the forerunner of many greater demonstrations in years to come, and that the event would go on increasing in,importance. (Applause.) . Cheers were then given for the Mayor and the Marshal, and the procession dispersed. SPECIAL PRIZES. His Worship the Mayor (Mr. W. D. Lysnar) acted as judge of the various displays, and awarded the prizes as follows: Decorated lady’s bicycle, Miss Olive Johnston. Decorated gentleman’s bicycle, Mr. A. Sutton. .Cyclist’s comic costume, Mr. Anderson. ' Trades Union display, Bakers’ Union. Business man’s turn-out, F. Hall and Sons’ plumbing cart. THE SPORTS. In the early part of the afternoon the weather was beautifully fine, but unfortunately .rain commenced to fall before the sports were concluded. There was a fairly large programme of events, ladies and gentlemen of all sizes ‘and ages being catered for. Messrs Wildish, Da it on, I\ isbett,Hall, and Nasmith junr. worked very hard in this connection, and more than a passing word of praise is due to these gentlemen and a number of others who lent a willing hand in an endeavor to make the gathering a success. - The following are the results of the different events: — lOOvds Race, hoys under 14. —G. Grant 1, S. Dennett 2, W. Walker 3. There were 24 starters, and the race was run in heats, as were most of the others. The winner ran well throughout, and won by a narrow margin. 100yds Race, for youths under 18. —E. Luttrell 1, H. Higgins 2, C. Pollock 3. There were 11 starters. Luttrell won both his heat and the final with ease. High Jump, for men. —A. G. Gerr'ard (oft. Ojin) 1, C. Lasker and B. Sutton divided for second places at 4ft lljiu. Some good jumping was shown in this event, nine men competing. Victory finally rested with Gerrard, who cleared the bar cleanly. Married Women’s XCace. —Mrs. Newett 1, Mrs. Faulkner 2, Mrs. Walworth 3. Sixteen matrons faced the starter, and after tw 0 exciting beats Mrs. Newett was declared the winner in the final.

250yds Handicap Race, for men. — T. Willie (14yds) 1, J. Pollock (syds) 2, F. Pilclier (10yds) 3. Fifteen competitors lined out for this event, and Wyllie got veil away and was never headed, winning by about syd.s from Pollock, who also ran very well. High Jump, for boys.—W. Dennett (4ft Bin) 1, Davy 2, Clark 3. Eight lads competed, and Dennett was easily first, with great competition for second place. Tug-of-War, for the local bands.— There were only two entries for this event, the Salvation Army Band not competing. The Federal Band met the City Band, and after a good pull, victory rested with the former. Single Women’s Race.—Miss Annie Colbert 1, Miss Nellie Mason 2, Miss Agnes Emanuel 3. There were 27 entries, and after several heats, in which some of the maidens showed a surprising turn of speed. Miss Colbert was awarded tlio prize. Sack Race. —T. Hogan 1, S. Dennett 2, C. Gordon 3. This race caused a great amount of amusement, several of the eight competitors being very much at sea in their rather cumbersome attire. The winner, with a peculiar hopping run, outdistanced his rivals, and won easily. Tug-of-War, for Trades Unions.— Wharf Laborers 1, Carters 2. These unions were the only entrants, and although the “horsey” men strove manfully, the “lumpers” had too nmoli weight, and gradually pulled their rivals over the mark.

Catching the greasy pig.—After one or two false starts this item proved most exciting, and “Weka” Roderick eventually became the possessor of the elusive “porker” after many vain efforts had been made to bring it to a standstill. THE SIDE SHOWS. Though the arena events attracted tlie larger crowd, a great number of people found time to give a little attention t<> the side shows. Tho refreshment booth, which under the charge of Mesdames Scott, Townley, West, and Church , did a roaring trade, and had to send into town to replenish supplies. Mr. J. Somervell had a merry-go-round on tho green, to the great delight of the children, who accorded it liberal patronage. Mr. M. Kimbell had a shooting gallery near the grandstand and was kept busy all day. THE BABY SHOW. The baby show attracted over 40 entries, and as the proud mothers were accommodated on the grandstand, the people were afforded a good view of the exhibits. The Mayoress arid Mrs. Soott, and Messrs C. F. Lewis and A. Townlev were in charge, and Drs. 'Wilson, Reeve, and Sampson acted as judges. The prizes were all very valuable, and included silver mugs given by tho Hon. James Carroll and the Licensed Victuallers’ Association, sets of silver fork, spoon, and knife from the Hon. Capt. Tucker, Messrs J. Townley, and S. McLernon, a set of silver-mounted brushes and comb from Mr. W. D. S. MacDonald, and silver serviette rings from Messrs Good and Seymour. As there was such a large number of entries, the babies were arranged in classes according to their age, the following being awarded prizes:

Baby under six months old.—Mrs. Humphreys 1, Mrs. Williams 2. .Baby under nine months’ old.— Mrs. Colo 1, Mrs. Allen 2. Baby 'Under twelve months old.— Mrs. Nelson 1, Mrs. Russell 2. Baby under two years old.—Mrs. Longer X, Mrs. Higgins 2. THE SOCIAL. r The social held in His Majesty’s Theatro in the evening, under tile auspices of the Coo'k County Women’s Guild, ivas not the least successful of the day’s festivities. About 100 couples were present, and danced until alter midnight, to music supplied by Mr. Wootten’s orchestra. Messrs W. Webb and A. Townley acted as M-C’s. and an excellent supper was provided by the ladies’ committee. A WORD OF PRAISE. AH praise is due to the Trades stud Labor Council, the various trades unions, Mrs. Scott, Mrs. Townley, nml members of the Cook County Women’s 'Guild, business people for donations of prizes, Mr. G. Darton, and the other officials who worked hard during tho day to secure the success of the celebrations.

OUTSIDE CELEBRATIONS.

[Press Association.] AUCKLAND, Oct. 14. Labor Day was celebrated to-day by the usual trades procession through the city, followed by sports in the

Domain. The weather curing tlie afternoon was very unfavorable, several showers falling.

FEILDING, Oct. 14. No special recognition of Labor Day was made here. AVELLINGTON, Oct. 14. Tho weather in AVollington for the Labor Day holiday was perfect. Largo numliors of people attended the Labor sports at Aliramar, which were carried out with success. The harbor excursions were well patronised, and everybody seemed to be out of tho city. Some of tho howling clubs had their official opening of the season, and the greens were well attended. Altogether the holiday was very enjoyable.

. BLENHEIM, Oct. 14. No special holiday was observed to-day. The Government offices, factories, and schools were closed, but the shops remained open this morning, closing at 1 o’clock lor the usual Wednesday half-holiday. CHRISTCHUHuII, Oct. 14. Labor Day was observed as a close holiday to-day. The .'weather was line, and all outdoor entertainments were very largely patronised, the tramway traffic during the day being unusually heavy. ASHBURTON,_ Oct. 14. Labor Day was observed as a close holiday. The weather was fine. TIM Allll, Oct. 14. Labor Day was observed as -a close holiday. The chief attraction was the quickstep at the. band contest. The weather was fine at the start, but heavy rain fell at 3.30. The attendance was about 6000. The quickstci> was won by the Ashburton Temperance Band, the Lyttelton Marine second, Dominion (Invercargill) third, and Ashbuton County fourth'. The Timaru. Pipe Band won the Highland music competition, with Ashburton second. , DUNEDIN, Oct. 14. The weather was fine, hut unsettled. A close holiday was observed. The principal functions were the Labor Day sports at Out ram and races at Wingatui.