GYMNASTIC ENTERTAINMENT

Evening Star, Issue 7754, 27 October 1888, Page 2

GYMNASTIC ENTERTAINMENT

Professor Oscar David was tendered a complimentary benefit at the Garrison Hall last evening by his pupils attending the Normal, High street, Christian Brothers', and Port Chalmers schools' classes. A long and interesting programme of gymnastic performances was drawn up by a committee formed of several of . the older pupils, and the proceedings were enlivened with a quantity of mtislcal selections capitally played by the Caversham Band. The various gymnastic exercises were gone through in a manner which must have been as gratifying to Mr David as it was pleasing to the spectators. The emulation shown by the pupils in the competitive items on the programme, roused the audience to a quite enthusiastic pitch, especial interest being taken in the rope-climbing, jumping, and pole-climbing competitions set apart for boys'only. The Indian club exercise was graceful and interesting, and it was gone through by the adult pupils with great precision and correctness. Some capital vaulting over the bar was also shown ; while on the horizontal and parallel bars several extremely difficult feats were performed. Professor Da vid himself went through some striking and original acts that required great skill and strength to execute, and did so in most neat and finished style. The whole performance was, if rather drawn out, most attractive in its general features, and the audience were very liberal in their applause. Three boys from the Christian Brothers' school (St. Joseph's) succeeded in carrying off four prizes in the gymnastic' competition for schoolboys. This is all the more creditable to these lads, as they have been but a short time (four months) receiving instruction from Mr David.