Y.M.C.A. CARNIVAL

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 273, 17 October 1927, Page 3

Y.M.C.A. CARNIVAL

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE. For the second presentation of the fifth annual gymnastic carnival of tho Palmerston North Y.M.C.A. there was again a very large attendance of the public on Saturday evening, tho Opera House being filled almost to capacity. As on tho opening night proceedings went with a swing, and interest xvas sustained throughout. There xvas never a dull moment; even in between items entertainment xvas provided, a band, of “Chinamen” dispensing humour.

After seeing the programme through, one did not knoxv to xvhat section of tho performance that tho honours xvent, such xvas tho all-round excellence of tho items. Tho gymnastic feats of the senior men xvero certainly attention commanding, but to no more degree than tho graceful movements and exercises of the ladies. Particularly attractixm xvas the illuminated club sxvinging oil a darkened stage by the latter, this provoking rounds of applause. On the horizontal bars the men xvero very much at home, and their ability here, as xvell as on the vaulting horse, xvas astonishing. At pyramid building they proved themselves very adept. The younger performers, although they xvere not called upon to carry out as spectacular xvork as their elders, acquitted themselves very xvell and received liberal approbation. A skipping dance by the girls xvas very cleverly executed. Wand drill by the ladies provided one of the most beautiful items of the evening, and the faultless time of the performers provoked much comment. A feature of the entertainment xvas the dressing of tbe ladies and the girls, their costumes being most appropriate and effective. The music, too, left nothing to b@'desired; xvith an accompaniment not so good much of the charm of the xvliole performance xvould have been lost.

As on the first niglit there was much eulogistic comment concerning the efforts of tlie gentleman responsible for the training of the performers, and xvhen Mr Chas. Woods, the Y.M.C.A.’s physical director, xvas persuaded to go on the stage by several of tbe men lie xvas greeted by a round of applause from tbe audience. Called on for a speech, that gentleman briefly thanked the audience for tbe way that it had treated the items. Cheers xvere given for the xvay in xvhicli ho had trained bis charges. Mr J. H. Dick, chairman of the physical committee of tlie Y.M.C.A., also spoke a fexv words to those present, expressing gratification at the large attendance and thanking all xvlio had assisted to make the function a success, particularly the orchestra, xvhicli had gix'en its sendees gratuitously. Tlie carnival xvill be brought to a conclusion this evening xvhen the same higli-class programme xvill be again presented.