"JAZZMANIA"

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 149, 21 December 1923, Page 8

"JAZZMANIA"

EASTBOUBNE'S LATEST IDEA.

Public entertainment in these ultramodern days has reached such perfection that makes it difficult to devise any new form, and anyone . successful in doing so quickly gains pubic favour. California and the Southern States oil America last summer had a bad attack of "j.-izzmania," and dancing was iridulged it all sorts of conditions, some strange and bizarre, but none more popular than those held in the open air during afternoons and evenings. The idea has now been brought to .Wellington, and Eastbourne, always to the fore where amusements are concerned, is to have the honour of introducing the idea to the public for the first time. The Eastbourne Gala Committee is laying down a large cabaret floor on the Recreation Ground, with an attached bandstand, all of which will be gaily decked with bunting, lanterns, and electric lights. Dancing is to commence at 2.30 p.m. on Boxing Day, and will be continued till midnight, the same hours being observed during each day of the gala. Two bands have been retained to supply the musical side of the programme.

Each day a varied programme is to be submitted. Boxing Day, on which the gala opens, being a general holiday, has received unusually careful attention. Forty-eight events are arranged to take place on the Recreation Ground, commencing at 11 a.m. Tho events include 100 yards handicaps, relay races, walking competitions, and novelty events, all of which are post entry. There are races for both young men and girls, and in each event two prizes will be awarded,' while entry in most events is free. The very young children, those under 10 years of age, are being catered for on the. beach, where sand designing ; and modelling will be rewarded with toys, while races will also be .held for toys and sweets. Sideshows in endless variety will be proceeding throughout the day,, meals may be procured at the Pavilion, adjoining the ground, and hot water will be free to those presenting a ticket, which may be procured at the gate. On the second day (Thursday) there will be Highland sports and swimming; on the third day the attraction will be a basketball tournament, and novelty sports; and on the fourth and last day senior sports will be conducted. Each day' there will be children's events of varied character:

The tennis tournament, conducted by" the Muritai Tennis Club, opens on Boxing Day on courts adjoining the ground, and offers excellent opportunity to city players to take a hand in gala events. Entries close to-morrow at 8 p.m. Entry forms may be obtained from club secretaries or from Mr. A. J. M'Lennan, secretary of the Wellington L.T.A., Lambton quay. . . • ; BOAT SERVICE. The time-table of the boat service for Boxing Day appears in the gala advertisement. Boats will be available from I 9.30 a.m. till midnight. A special innovation will be the tour round-the-tiar-bour service to Rona Bay. Boats will b< dispatched from Wellington at 10.50 I a.m: '-and ■ 2.50 p:m.'',' calling at Petone 'and "Rotia Bay -after ■ an hour's trip round the harbour.