QUEEN CARNIVAL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 6, 4 December 1926, Page 3

QUEEN CARNIVAL.

Y.M.C.A. CAMPAIGN. CONCLUDING CEREMONY LAST NIGHT. After a campaign lasting six weeks, the Y.M.C.A. queen, carnival was brought to a conclusion last evening, the final counting of votes taking place and the queen being crowned. The buildings presented a very animated appearance, and tor two hours prior to tho filial ceremony the supporters of the three queen candidates were busy cajoling everyone—whether their own supporters or not/ —to render assistance in some way to their nominee. Stalls were dotted around the spacious gymnasium, while outside in several of the other rooms there was a variety of side-shows, notably a chamber of horrors, a snake-charming establishment and an art gallery. Later in the evening a mock court provided a great deal of amusement, as well as assisting to swell the funds of the association. Among those brought to “justice” were three Justices of the Peace and a member of the legal profession. Polling closed at about 9.45 o’clock and tho votes wero then counted, following which tho coronation ceremony took place. Cheering broke out when it was announced that Mrs C. Woods, the ladies’ nominee, had gained honours, and amid scenes of pageantry sho passed through the crowd of her subjects to tho throne Attending her were: Misses Alma Ridley and Hilda Cunningham, the defeated nominees, Misses L. Torstonson and M. Kilpatrick, maids, and .Masters Ron and Maurice Andrews, Harry Oram and Renton Gregor, page boys. Mr G. Houston, as Chief Justice, had chargo of the proceedings, and assisting him were Messrs I. Rickard (clerk), W. Duckworth and H. Farrier (constables). The duty of placing the crown upon the head of the queen fell to Mr Jas. Wallace, president of the association, who, in the course of a humorous speech, congratulated the ladies on their efforts in having placed their candidate in the position of honour. Mr T. R. Hodder, chairman of directors, next paid homage to the queen, following which bouquets were presented to her and to t tlie defeated candidates by Misses Myra Billinsand Leonic and Joyce Bennett. The installation ceremony completed, the Queen bestowed honours upon those who had taken an active part in the carnival, those “Knighted” including Messrs F. M. Keesing (secretary and organiser), C. Woods (physical director), P. Hunt (men’s organiser), Miss V. Wilson (ladies’ organiser) and Lloyd Pacey (boys’ organiser). During the evening Mr Wallace announced that the sum of about £270 had been raised, greatly exceeding anticipations. The successful queen polled 12,588 votes, and the defeated nominees—the men’s queen —5287 —and the boys’ queen —3550.