Thames (NZ): Queen Carnivals 1930s

Thamesites of old loved parades and fundraiser events. Often incorporated with these events, was a Queen Carnival. Organisations in the town would nominate a person to be represent the group. They were single or sometimes married women. The groups would then undertake fundraising and then after a certain number of weeks, the Queen would be named and often honoured at a town ball. Another thing the people loved - any excuse for a glamorous dance or ball!!!

1938: QUEEN CARNIVAL AT THAMES
 Miss Marie Dovell the successful Returned Soldiers' Association Queen, with her attendants. As a result of the carnival the sum of £1208 was collected for the band of the 6th Hauraki Regiment and the Thames Returned Soldiers' Association. 

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23125, 25 August 1938, Page 3

1934: SUCCESSFUL QUEEN CARNIVAL HELD AT THAMES: FESTIVITIES CONCLUDED ON SATURDAY

Maori maidens in their "canoe," mounted on a motor vehicle, taking part in the carnival procession. Inset is the successful queen, Miss A. Griffin, representing the United Services. The carnival was held in aid of funds for the relief of distress in the district.

 

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21759, 26 March 1934, Page 6

1935: LARGE TOTAL RAISED IN SUCCESSFUL QUEEN CARNIVAL AT THAMES

 A sum of over £600 was raised by the queen carnival promoted by the Thames volunteer fire brigade, which was brought to a close on Monday evening. This picture shows the successful United Services queen, Miss Maybelle Taylor, enthroned on a fire engine and accompanied by her attendants. The money raised will be devoted to the entertainment of fire brigades which are to visit Thames next Easter.

 

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22253, 30 October 1935, Page 10