The Autumn Carnival

A varied and interesting programme was presented on the oval, ranging through demonstrations of sheep spraying, model planes, a sheep dog trial, jumping events, physical drill displays, an item by a Maori party, field-craft demonstrations by Scouts, a parachute jump, an exciting "drag" race, several open-air plays, and a demonstration of top-dressing from aeroplanes. On the side there were piping and dancing, a children's health and beauty contest, a tractor—driving contest, and displays in the hall of industry.

A section of the huge crowd
Favoured once again with perfect weather, the annual Autumn Carnival held at the show-grounds last month was a notable success for its organisers. It was estimated that 6500 spectators attended.

Gretna Green characters

From the play, "Robin Hood"

One of the highlights of the carnival was the presentation of an elaborate costume play on the oral, in which the traditional story of Robin Hood was enacted.
There are special difficulties in a production of this kind which has kinship with the earliest days of pantomime, but in the main these were overcome to a degree which suggests a faster pace and more coherency in future efforts of this worthwhile type.
Robin Hood's merry men quaffing ale. At left, facing camera: world champion archer Bill Burton.

The sherriff's men attack....

....and capture Maid Marian.

Goodies in Lincoln Green arrive......

....and the baddies are soon on the run

A pitched battle outside the tavern

But all ends well, Robin is Knighted and wins his Maid Marian

Maid Marian and friend

Friar Tuck and friend

Davy Crockett takes pot shot at one of the many rabbits found infesting the show-grounds on carnival day

Jeep chases rabbit round tavern, later drove clean through building

Rabbits also found themselves up against high-tailed dog

(Close-up pictures taken during the presentation of "Robin Hood" and "Rabbit Pie", and three of the pictures on this page are by Miss Annette Hutchinson by arrangement with the A. & P. Association)