THE MILITARY CARNIVAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2420, 8 February 1909, Page 1

THE MILITARY CARNIVAL.

A BRILLIANT SPECTACLE AND A

WORTHY OBJECT

The volunteers of Gisborne may Veil bo complimented upon the courage and enterprise which prompted them to obtain the fine building now used as the Garrison Hall, a structure which is a credit alike to them and to the town. It must be borne in mind, moreover, that the purpose lor which the volunteers have erected this building is very far from being a selfish one. -It is indeed, laudable in the highest degree, being to enable thorn to qualify themselves to take, part in the defence of the country, to perform what is, perhaps, the highest duty which the citizen can render to the State. Hence it is reasonable and just that the public fihould, when the volunteers appea. for assistance, render that assistance with no grudging hand. The volunteers are appealing to the people of Gisborne for aid now, and their appeal is so framed that the public, in responding to it, may obtain a great deal of enjoyment while so doing. The spectacular carnival, to be opened in the Garrison Hall under the capable management of Signor Borzoni this evening, and to be carricJ on nightly until Monday next, will afford the people of the Poverty Bay district an opportunity of contributing towards the funds sorely needed for paying for and completing the liiall, and also of beholding r, spectacle, the like of which lias not yet been witnessed in Gisborne.. By the generous aid of a number of friends of the volunteers, ladies, gentlemen, and children, a company has been organised, which Signor Borzoni has trained in a pitch of great efficiency, and which will present marches, tableaux, and dances of the brightest sand most attractive character, to the accompaniment of sparkling and skilfullyplayed music. Such a programme for such an object should attract the people in very large numbers. It is net to be supposed, however, that the spectators will be numerous enough to fill the whole of the great floor space of the Garrison Hall. The promoters of the carnival will be satisfied if. every night, the specially-constructed auditorium is filled. This auditorium is built up in tiers, surrounding the space on which the evolutions of the spectacle are to take place. The seats have been so arranged that every spectator will have a good view of what is going on. Further provision for the enjoyment of the visitors lies been made, by means of refreshment rooms, where, during an interval in the programme, various light refreshments may he obtained. To show th- need for a generous respoil.S'.) by tilt public to tbo appeal oi the volunteers, it may be stated that the sum which is required by the latter is no less than £2IOO. The total cost "of the Garrison Hall, when completed, is set down at £6IOO. Of that sum £4oo* ‘ h-- s been paid by the Government, in recurn for -the site of the old drill si. *d in Customhouse street. The volunteers have pluckily undertaken to raise the balance. Fli->-they will have to do independent of any capitation or'other Government grant. The annual capitation grant. £2 10s per man per annum, is barely sufficient to cover current-expenses oi carrying on the corps. Indeed, every volunteer lias to put his hand into his own pocket, to greater or less extent. "if he would become as efficient as every coo cl citizen soldier wishes to he. tinder all the circumstances, therefore, there is ample ground for asking the. public'to extend right liberal patronage to the military carnival.