King Neptune's Day At Tahuna

First girl home in the harbour swim was Nelson's Sharon Cressey, who was fourth Somehow or other, King Neptune always gets the message to appear at Nelson's Tahuna Beach each year. Whatever method of communication is used, it is reliable, for every year, draped in sea weed and carrying his trident, King Neptune wades ashore, usually accompanied by a lolly-distributing lifesaver, to greet the hundreds of children gathered to meet him. However, as popular as King Nep. is, his presence is always over-shadowed by the beach beauties who vie for honours in the Miss Tahuna contest. Other events held on the day include a harbour swim, and sand modelling contests.

Miss Tahuna this year is Auckland's Cinta Stanaway, 16, who won the contest from fellow-Aucklander, Sharon Leigh, 15. Visitors stole the show, for third place-getter was tall Wellington girl, Nanette Collinson (left)

First girl home in the harbour swim was Nelson's Sharon Cressey, who was fourth

Winner of the harbour swim for the second time in succession was Ronnie Tomlinson (Nelson)

Surrounded by well-wishers and curious children, King Neptune strides up the beach as if he owns it

The place-getters in the Miss Teeny Weeny contest don't look too sure of their futures. Movies or television? Decisions, decisions! Anne Carston (Richmond), left, was first, Jackie Andrew, a vivacious blonde, was third, and Sandra Hole, right, was second

Equal first with Jackie Andrew for best costume was Nelson's own Nicola Hunter

Gaye Barclay (Dunedin), right, won the Junior Miss Tahuna title from Lynette Robinson (Nelson), centre, and Jeanette Cook (Christchurch), third

And this is what the judges (and several hundred other people) saw in the main contest. Front view.

Rear view. Both very nice. It all depends from which way you look

"Now where's that manager of mine gone?"

The little girl on the left almost fell from the stage but another competitor reached out and grabbed her

Shucks. I think the judge likes me!

Not all the pretty girls were in the contest

Sweets handed out to pacify contestants in the Teeny Weeny competition had side effects. They make little hands nice to lick

Aah so! A visiting cameraman shows exactly how one should smile when a camera is pointed in one's direction

The best overall model in the sand modelling competition was this racing car made by Philip Andrew and Graham Tinning. In the driver's seat is Jackie Andrew. All are from Christchurch

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The Nelson Photo News

No 135 : February 5, 1972

King Neptune's Day At Tahuna