Down on the Beach

King Neptune's a friendly sort of bloke. Every year he comes ashore at Tahuna Beach and distributes prizes to children in sand modelling competitions, smiles at everyone and gives a few words of advice. As he strolls the sands, King Neptune receives a host of smiles and kind words too, so you can see he is also a popular visitor. See you next year, King! Later in the day various beach beauty contests were held and we think even King Neptune would have had to take a back seat while the girls paraded.

Miss Tahunanui this time is Mrs Ann Pointon, 24, a mother of two. Ann is from Nelson and won the contest despite stiff opposition from visiting beauties.

Karen Batchelor, 4, of Christchurch, won the best costume award. But Mum, Mrs J. Batchelor, came up to the stage to help collect.

Marilyn Graham, 15, Invercargill, was third in the Miss Tahunanui contest.

Runner-up to Ann Pointon was Sharon Johnston, 19, of Christchurch.

Photographers' choice was Robyn Hulme, 11, Nelson. What a smile!

Is that judge looking at me?

The contestants in the Miss Junior Tahunanui contest parade

Focus up

Teeny weeny champs. Kiri Barrett, 4, nearest camera won the contest and her sister, Angelina, 5, was second. With them is big sister, Mereana. They are from Stoke. Third was Tania Reynolds, 3, of Timaru with her mother, Mrs W. Reynolds.

Julie Hood, Christchurch, right, won the Miss Junior Tahunanui event. Runner-up, Debora O'Neill, Wellington, is at left and third was Sandra Walsh, Nelson.