BEHIND THE SCENES

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10393, 10 May 1927, Page 9

BEHIND THE SCENES

AND IN' FR ONT OF THE HOUSE.

GISBORNE’S 1 EARLY THEATRICAL DAYS.

MR. WM. GOOD’S REMINISCENCES

Much of the romance of theatrical life has departed and the show business nowadays has become too commercialised. Gone are the okl days when actors went round in their long frock-coats, perhaps buttoned tip to the neck to hide the absence of any shirt, and scorned -a. job which, while giving them food, was a lowering of dignity to their fantastic views. They considered they were worth £SO or £IOO a week, and £2 a week was no use to them even though they were starving. Gone too are the “paper’’ houses, when complimentary tickets were issued in shoals, and any old identity of the stage could be sure that his name was “on the door” when he wished to view a show. Managers and producers hand out a free ticket only when there is no alternative and they dodt grudgingly, with none of the old-time genial generosity which said: “Take four or five old man—you’re welcome?” It is a reflex of the age. Mr. William Good, of Childers Rd, is one of the old band who knew the profession before this age of commercialism and, in a chat on early theatrical happenings in Poverty Bay, he deeply deplored the change. WORK OF A “BOARD-BOY.” Mr Good began his association with theatrical matters at the early age of seventeen when lie held the position of “board-boy” in the old Masonic Hall which was situated in Gladstone Road on, the site occupied a few years ago by Mr. Walter Samson’s auction mart. litcidentally the old stage is still in existence and can be seen to this day. The duties of “board-boy” were not particularly strenuous. In those days the theatre was lighted by cil lamps placed in kerosene tins. When darkness was desired a bell rang and the “hoardhoy” went into action by pulling a string operating wooden flaps which fitted over the gpen face of the tins, shutting off the light. At a further signal, when required, he would pull a second string and the brilliance of the lighting system would again fall about the theatre. SOME FAMOUS VISITORS. Later Mr. Good became interested in the promoting side of theatrical life and was instrumental in making Gisborne a port of call for all prominent companies which toured the Dominion He went into partnership with Mir. W. Barrington Miller, who nowi resides at Monte Carlo, and tho partners induced visits from all the celebrities of the stage who came to tho country. Among many others, Mr. Good recollects visits by Cinqucvalli, Dante the Great and Carl Hertz, the three foremost illusionists and conjurers of the world; Antoinnette Stirling;, a famous English contralto; Bland Holt, the most.famous dramatic producer ever seen in Australasia. with his Drury Lane successes, on several occasions ; and Genevieve Ward, another famous English actress.

WHEN TRAGEDY SUPERVENED. “I recall one very sad occasion,” Mr. Good remarked, “when an Itai- j ian company were coining here. J have forgotten their names now. ' l had gone out in the launch to meet them and, as we wore coming'in, a small boat with six young lads in it crossed the bar. A heavy swell was running and the boat overturned, throwing all the boys into the water. Two of the Italian men jumped in immediately and brought four of the boys to our launch, where they were hauled aboard. The women of the company, one of whom had been a nurse, attended to them and brought them round. Meanwhile the tWo men had rescued the remaining two hoys and all were taken aboard, but it was too late and the boys were past human aid. These two were sons of the late Mr. John Warren, who was county clerk for many years. The news soon got around ancl the concert that night was a failure—for their bravery the Italians got nothing but praise from the papers and the company lost badly. TOO MUCH “PAPER?” “Lots of people get exaggerated ideas, about the profits of theatrical business,” commented Mr. Good, “especially when they see the house packed. I remember, on one occasion, a w.ell-known local slieep-farmer was anxious to come in with me on a theatrical company I had brought here. I allowed him to do so and on the first night the building was crowded. On making up the “house” after, the returns seemed very small and my friend asked about it. I told li.'m the house had consisted mostly oft ‘paper,’ and he asked what that meant. When I told him that it meant complimentary tickets, lie .waxed indignant and—said I could have the' rest of the season to myself, His theatrical ventures fended there and then..” EVERY' LITTLE HELPS I

• While on the subject of partnerships, Mr. Good mentioned a certain “impersonator” he had brought here. plavin" 50-—5 O. This man gave a very feeble display and, after a; crowded first night, practically nribody turned up for the second. In fact the house was worth exactly 13/- and Mi. Good, mentioned this to the man, sayino- it wasn’t worth, while going bn with the show. “Of course it is,” came the answer. “Half of that money is mine and I mcan.to get it.” HOW ‘ FULLER’S” STARTED. Generally speaking, Mr. Good considered ' that straight-out concert companies were not great drawing cards, hut there was one. great' exception with which he was concerned. Two very beautifu 1 young women, the Misses Albu. . soprano and contralto, with "Mr." John FuMer, senr., n,s tenor, . attracted big houses; at the old City Rink. The company were just finishing a world’s tour and proceeded hence to Auckland where-they disbanded. The Misses Albu returned

to England, but Mr. Fuller stayed in Auckland where lie opened a small wax-works. Later his family came out from England and they started what .were called “shilling-a-pops” at ; the Opera House, this being an abi breviation of the Fuller family’s slo-. ! gan. 1 ‘Popular Concerts for One j Shilling.” That was tho seed from i which the present Fuller 'vaudeville 1 circuit, which now extends throughout New Zealand and tho Commonwealth, grew. THE LAST VENTURE. “In my last venture,” com Uk*. Mr. Good, “I was associated with ’ Frank Bullen, the writer of sca-stor- . ios. Ho was around lecturing on his ■ life at sea and landed here in mid--1 winter. Wo used McFarlane’s old Infill, which has been burned down 1 since, and after the show Frank said J to me that the hall had seemed coldj cr than anything he had ever struck | in the Arctic regions.” | PEOPLE WANTED. SHOWS. ! As showing the keenness of the 1 people to see good work, Mr. Good ! retailed, -the facts of a visit by Chns. j Godfrey, .the well-known character . vocalist-actor. He came by boat from Napier and the sea was very rough, delaying the tendering for a long while. The show was timed to start at 8 o’clock but there was no sign of the tender’s return. To make matter’s worse, it commenced to rain solidly. Crowds of people, however, waited on the wharf in the hopes of something eventuating. At ten' o’clock, a shout came from the river, in Mr. W. B. I Miller’s voice (he had gone out to meet Godfrey) assuring Mr. Good that everything was alright. Mr. Good obtained a beTl and rang it loudIv, announcing that the performance would he held. Charles Godfrey played to a. packed house that night, despite the lateness of the hour. His main item was the dramatic song, ®‘On Guard.” WHEN THE PHONOGRAPH CAME.

A phonograph was then entirely a novelty and a tour of the Dominion had been arranged by Eli.son, a i-o----I'cssor Archibald bringing a machine with him and lecturing on it. It was simply a small square box avil.i none of the conveniences and refinements of the modern gramophone. Mr. Good put this show on in the City Link, a iaro-c building which stood on _ the site now occupied by Mr. 1. Adair m Peel Street, and for throe nights drew packed houses. “You would he surprised what a little it took to draw a crowd,” commented Mr Goou.

MARIE LOHTI ASSOCIATIONS. Mr. L. J. Lehr, father of the pre-sent-day famous actress, Miss Mane Lolir, also visited Gisborne several times,- playing, among other plays, “My Partner” and “Mammon. Mr. Lolir, who is well-known to many Gisborne residents, became associated with the theatrical profession in a romantic way. Le left England to take up sugar-planting and on boarc. the vessel In which lie travelled was Miss Kate Bishop, a leading English actress. They became friendly ancl were married at the end of the voyage, Mr. Lolir then adopting the the- , atrica 1 profession. Nearly fifteen j years later their daughter Marie w as i horn. Mr. Lolir died at YV aivera hot j springs only a year or two ago. When a company was visiting Gisborne for a one-night season, arrangements were usually made lor the vessel transporting them to wait in the roadstead and pick them up after the performance. MARK TWAIN'S VISIT. - Mark Twain, the famous American humorist, in the course of a lecturing tour through Now Zealand, was booked to appear at Gisborne for one lecture, related Mr. Good, hut, on the fateful night, a terrible southerly blew up and the “Ho tom alia na” (known as the “Greyhound of the Fleet”), on which the lecturer was, was unable to wait the necessary time to permit of the lecture being given. It was therefore cancelled and , the humorist did not come ashore. I Air. Good wished to see him regawiring the financial arrangements and approached Air. Dougherty, the then manager of the LT.S.S. Coy., to obtain transport out to the vessel. The manager said that if Captain Neill, of the “vSnark” (the tender) was agreeable they could attempt the trip. Captain Neill consented and a nian. was made, despite the fierce storm raging outside. Before leaving the wharf all on board the “Snark” were j girded with life-belts. “I can safely say,” continued Air. Good, “that it was the roughest time any vessel was ever tendered in the roadstead. If the papers of that time are looked at, it vvill be sec-n that they concurred m this view. When we got out near the vessel iwto liaa a ' thrilling time.. At one’ moment , were high above the Rotolnahana and could look right down on to her deck —-next we were away down and could almost see her keel. After an excit-in-''period of manoeuvring, I managed to get hoisted aboard in a basket and ! there met Mark Twain and his daughter, Air. and Aliss Clemens. AVe had > afternoon tea and transacted our business.” THE HUMORIST’S SALLY.

Mark Twain, during his short stayin the roadstead, found an opportunity to air bi s irrepressible wit. A constable brought a prisoner aboard bound for Napier. Any sentences over a month had then to he served in the Napier gaol. Mark Twain inffuii'ed as to the prisoner’s ..wrongdoing and was told that ho had been sentenced to 6 months for wife-beat-ing. “Six- hours and-a trip out to this steamer should be enough,” was Air. Clemens’ comment In his last hook, the author has an account of his experiences in the Gisborne 'roadstead. “It was .cortainlv a storm to impress anyone,” remarked Air. Good, “and I’m afraid I didn’t bring mv afternoon tea back to shore with nw ” - PROFITABLE CIRCUS VENTURE. “Some of the shows that eamo here had interesting experiences and lot us in for sonic too-,” he continued. “I remember chartering a vessel called the Stormhird to bring Frank Fil--1 is-’ circus and menagerie from Wellington to A uckland with a two days’® session In Gisborne en route. I paid all transport charges and in return

took all the proceeds of tlieirUhowing here'. Tho cost of the charter was £6OO and in their two nights we cleared £I2OO, which gives an idea of how people used to patronise visiting shows. INTO THE LION’S CAGE. “As an additional ‘draw’ for the second night, the manager suggested that I should go into the lion’s cage and stay while the trainer went through his exhibition. I agreed to this and we spread the news about. After seeing the performance on the first night, however, I thought better of tho stunt and told the manager that on no account :would 1. go in with the beasts. 4ic became terribly flurried about it and *said that I couldn’t withdraw since the Ustunt had been advertised, and that, anyway, there were ‘buckctsful of money” in it. I agreed with him on tho latter point hut pointed out that ‘buckctsful of money’ wouldn’t be much good to me if I was eaten* up. He saw the point and wo hunted around for a substitute. ? A barmaid at tho Coronation Hotel consented to do it and remarked that it was very lucky that she had just get a new dress. Well she went in afi right and stayed throughout the performance, but when she came out we had to carry her to a cab and send her home. She was paid £lO for the job, but told me next dav that she wouldn’t do it again for £IOOO ” HORSE*MEETS ELEPHANT. Ibis circus had its stand in what was called ‘Tucker’s Paddock,’ where the Kahutia Bowling Club is now, situated. Mr.. Good lived next door and behind his place was a paddock where lie had dug up twenty or thirty big totara stumps, these lying scattered about. The elephant trainer suggested that he should bring in an elephant a ,J set the beast to gathering the logs into a heap. Next day round he came to the house with an elephant and entered a gate at the side, closing it after him. Unfortunately, just previously, a baker in his cart had entered and was at the back-door delivering bread. Round the corner of the house strolled the elephant and met the horse face to face. Apparently the horse wasn’t, used to meeting such apparitions, for. after trembling for a moment, it made a wild dash for tho road. It reached the closed gate and took this in its Stride. Tho cart staved inside

and smashed against the gate, being broken into uselessness and the bread scattered broadcast. “The baker eVmod £66 in damages from me,” went on Mr. Good, “and after n lot of wrnmrling between nur ]:w.~ vers I paid £25 in settlement. The baker told me .afterwards, however, that lie got only £2 out of it.”

BANK CAUSES BROKEN LEE. I l ’]'tr.gerald Bros.’ circus was another which visited Gisborne under Air. Good’s direction. They shoved in a paddock which is now occupied by the dining-room of the Gisborne Hotel and Messrs. Williams arid Kettle’s v,onl-storc. Oiie night a hairdrunken man was admitted to the “circle” -(which was the same as the ‘pit’ but had a carpet on the hoards) and made a great nuisance of himself to the performers. To get him out or the wav, ho was placed on the top row and warned that he would be put out if ho made a row. This quietened hint and he fell asleep. Suddenly the band, which consisted mainly of drain and cymbals, broke out in• an extra loud item. The intoxicated patron woke with a start and fell off his seat to the ground, breaking a leg. When Ire- oa-me- nut at hospital lie sued Mr. Good tor damages, but the chum was settled for -£2O. As Mr. Good' naively remarked: “1 never heard how much lie got.” CHASE THROUGH THE NIGHT

Goosemaii’s dog and monkey show also, eamo here and their first- night had plenty of excitement... They placed in a naddoclc where Mr. Fred'. Halt’s shop now stands. One act was given in .which a monkey was- strapped to a dog’s hack and the latter jumped hurdles round the r'ng. Something frightened the dog and it made for the exit, dodging attendants who attempted to stop it and dashing- off into the night with its peculiar burden. The proprietor appealed to the audience to give oho.se and n Targe number of men, Aomen and children took up the running. About,l a.m. the runaway was captured - up v.t r l c Hapara and escorted hack in triumph to town. So pleased was the proprietor at recovering li-s animals that he entertained all. who. hod joined in the chase to an early morning supper in a baker’s shop which stood where

Messrs. Hannah and Co. are now situated.

Mr. Good remembers well a visit by Mr Lemmone, who. is now manager for Madamo 'Melba, and his company. Mr. Lemmone was as is well-known, one of the best' flautists in the world, and with him were Frank Gee, baritone, Baker, a harpist and Wallace King the tenor. A peculiar incident happened on their first night here. Lemmone was playing selections from "Maritana” and was in'the midst of "There is a.. Flower that Bloometli.” The audience was spell-bound and one • could hear the proverbial pin drop, when a Native woman came dancing up the aisle of the old Masonic Hall (where the show was staged) doing a haka. it quite broke the audience up and even 'Lemmone enjoyed it as much as anyone. On any occasion when lie met Mr. Good thereafter, he recalled this interruption with much amusement. "Thirty or forty years ago,” went on Mr Good, "the shipping facilities were much better than they are today. We had a bi-weekly service served by the largest of the U.S.S. Company's boats, which were tendered at any state of the tide, and it was- seldom a boat ever passed without being worked. During iny theatrical experience, extending ovi r more than 30 years, the only companies that were unable to land were Mark Twain’s, Dr Talmage’s, Madam Patey’s (English' singer), and the Simonson’s Opera 'Company.

HOW THE ROADSTEAD LOST ITS "BAR.”

‘‘As regards the Patcy company, we had a great night. Hundreds or people had booked seats and most of the leading country people had come to town, indications po.uting to what the papers would call a "select and fashionable audience.” • The steamer (Mokoia) from Auckland, was late in arriving on account of meeting bad weather, and did not reach the roadstead till 0 o’clock, when she spiralled, "Can work passengers, but must proceed on journey.” Several ol the young bloods, who had been waiting about town and filling in the time by having a few drinks, decided to go out and interview the Madam to tei! about their disappointment. On reaching the steamer and before getting to business, they drank each other’s health a fev.« times at the ship’s bar. The lady was in her cabin and would not come out, which caused a general not, and the situation was only saved by the cry: "All aboard for the- shore/’ Even then two of the partv were carried on to Napier. On arriving at Dunedin the Madam's husband and several of the passengers reported the matter to the head office of the XJ.S.S. Co., and instructions came that, for the future, the bar was not to be opened in the Gisborne roadstead. I was blamcc. for the whole affair when, as a matter of fact. I had not gone out, and had not had a taste the whole day. CHURCH AND STAGE CT-ASli. "I mentioned the people v ho could not land, but I must tell of some who did get’ashore and could not get aiwav for two or three weeks. This

was the Myra Kemble English dramatic company, 32 people in all, and one of the best that ever visited Gisborne before or since.. They were booked to play for four nights. In the sums week a mission v. as being carried on in Holy Irirnty C hureh, which* was a- great success. Nearly everybody in tiie town seemed to get converted and you Id not go inside a theatre, the company play.ng to -fcS and £lO houses. On top or this the steamers had to pass bodi north and south for over a fortnight, the weather awful the whole tune, a lost £3OO on the venture and it was very unlucky for the company ns it, threw ah their dates out. However, we had a very jolly time and at present I have a number of Miss Kemble’s photographs.''with some very funny and witty remarks written across them. “Talking about shipping reminds me. of tire first poll taken lor a loan to, build the breakwater. Nearly everyone v.*as in- 1 avoir of it. and any person talking and; voting rgainst it was a- marked man. One prominent business man, since dead) was very strongly against it, contending that an outer harbor could never be built in its. present position, and' favored Tuahiiie point as recommended bv Sir John Ooode. After the poll was carried a number of excited electors gathered in front of the aforesaid, man’s business premises and, after r singing “Rule .Britannia,” broke soi verat of bis windows with road metal. ; rf anv of those persons are rate pavers 1 at the present time I should think (a‘ter reacting the report ' of the Whareongaonga quarry), they would feet like throwing stones at one another.”