[Queen Carnival Pageants]

This photograph album contains photographic prints and newspaper cuttings related to fundraising pageants held during the Second World War (1939-45). It was compiled by fashion artist, designer and journalist Mollie Rodie.

This album contains photographs of three events: 'Spirit of Empire' at the Wellington Centennial Exhibition, November 1939 - March 1940; the Red Cross Pageant on 18 September 1940, and the 'Victory Queen Carnival' grand finale on 3-5 June 1941 (the latter two were held in the Wellington Town Hall).

Queen Carnivals and pageants were common fund-raising activities during the world wars and the Depression, yet little remains of them today. The album is a significant survivor of these colourful community events.