Page 534 - Reading Mercury

emitting steam, came coughing slowly along, its number being B.C.1. “Misery Farm”
was just what it looked. In the rear was Wokingham’s flying squad complete with
“big four” and finger print department, all in a hansom cab. This – caricature of the
police had a wireless aerial and an inspector telephoning frantically. All those who
were not teetotallers recognised the decorated, “My favourite flower.”
As against the comic, side were some picturesque tableaux, including, ”Hiawatha's
Wedding,” hospital scene, fairyland, “the old woman who lived in a shoe.” The prize
children in the baby competition looked rather bored from their mother’s knees as
they went by in a lorry. One car showed the stork’s first public visit to Wokingham,
with the bird, nurses and babies. Apart from cars there were some original and
picturesque dresses; they ranged from a feathered fowl to Red Cross nurse to a bear.
As night fell many of the cars were illuminated, and with the lights of the shops and
Chinese lanterns the scene was one of animated beauty and joviality.
Dances and Concerts
At the Drill Hall there was a grand carnival ball which continued, until two o’clock
in the morning. Balloons and streamers, together with the colourful effect of the
dresses, made a wonderful scene as the dancers moved to the strains of the Cabaret
Dance Band. The number of tickets issued was strictly limited and there was great
competition to secure them. The Mayor and Mayoress and most of the prominent
townsfolk attended.
Another dance was held at the Town Hall the musicians being the Harmony
Orchestra. Here also many people had to be turned away because there was not
sufficient room. For those who preferred a concert the “Cheerio” and “Koko Knuts”
parties presented an excellent entertainment, which was well-attended.
It was estimated that about 25,000 people were in Wokingham during the day.
Everything, however, passed off quite smoothly. There were no accidents and the
ambulance men on duty had an easy time. The police, under Supt. Goddard, had no
trouble and no one was taken into custody during the day.
Mayor’s Satisfaction
The Mayor of Wokingham, discussing the carnival with a “Reading Mercury”
representative said: “It was undoubtedly the best Wokingham has ever known. Both
the Mayoress and myself thought it wonderful, particularly the carnival procession.
Everyone in Wokingham has worked remarkably hard; every sect; club; society, and
organisation in the town has helped and worked together for the town’s good.”
It was authoritatively stated last night that at least £300 would be available for
charity as the result of the carnival. There is still some money to come in and all
expenses have not yet been dealt with. Very possibly, it was said, £350 or £400 would
be realised.
Prize Winners
Prize winners in the various events were as follows:-
Carnival procession.—Decorated motor-cycle.—1, Mrs. Elder; 2, Mr. Giles.
Decorated bicycle.—1, Mr. Eales.
Historical tableaux on wheels.—1, Palmer School (Viking Ship); 2, St. Paul’s
School (Hiawatha’s Wedding); 3, Palmer School (Elfland); 4, Messrs. Froud and
Barratt (Messrs. Barmy and Balamb).
Trade demonstration.—1, Messrs. Drake and Mount; 2, Messrs. W.G. Jefferies; 3,
Mr. R. Osler; 4, Messrs Sale and Son.
Ladies’ costume.—1, Mrs. Carter; 2, Mrs. C. May; 3, Miss Harwood.
Pedestrian’s costume.—1, W. Hawkins; 2, T. Lawrence; 3, W. Brant.
Children under 14.—1, Dorothy Gater; 2, Barrie Nicholls; 3, Irene Hutchings.

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