Y.M.C.A. Stages Splendid Gymnastic Carnival

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7287, 14 October 1933, Page 8

Y.M.C.A. Stages Splendid Gymnastic Carnival

.ELEVENTH ANNUAL CARNIVAL CURRENT AT OPERA HOUSE

Tho aim of tho Palmerston North Y.M.C.A. to stago a "bigger, brighter and better” gymnastic carnival each succcssivo year was again fulfilled last evening when the eleventh annual display was presented for its season and exceeded its predecessors by far. Neatly staged, well costumed and ably arranged, with interludes by local artists, it reached a standard that is not only a credit to tho local institution but tho envy of similar organisations in other centres.

Tho curtain went up on "tho flower of youth,” SCO performers in tho pink of condition participating in tho evolutions of a grand march which rovealed tho four-squaro characters built up and trained by tho Palmerston North Y.M.C.A. Item after item followed in quick succession, introducing all phases of youth work, many novelty numbers and a series of acts that called forth tho highest appreciation of tho large and enthusiastic audience.

Tho ladies and seniors joined in a mazo of twists and turns that bewildered with its intricacies of a real jigsaw, whilo a neat contrast followed when tho boys from eight to 12 years showed tho audienco how to "get health first” from excises executed .with lino precision.

Costumed in shades of blue, salmon, green and yellow, frocked girls, ranging from eight to 12 years, contributed "Lady Spellor,” a folk danco to captivating rhythm. Perfect synchronisation wao exhibited by primary school youths in their exercises with heavy dumb-bells, whilo tho seniors came next in order with "springboard frolics” over ,tho vaulting horso and all. With beribboned hoops and in costumes of bluo tho secondary school girls contributed "a colour whirl,” Miss Melva Day singing tho new favourito "Just a Little Street,” in charming fashion. Beverso values came ,to light when tho ladies and seniors in all their "graco and vigour” went through a series of clever exercises, another folk dance, "Reap the Flax,” coming from tho young girls immediately after. Pyramids, complex jumps, twists and turns again saw tho senior men—fine examples of manhood—participate in "flips and flops” as fancy chose. "Gipsy Gaiety” by tho ladies was another special turn, Miss Edna Boon and Mr. E. G. Spraggon combining for tho singing roles of "Gipsy Moon” Whilo Miss Boon also led tho dancing. Parallel bars furnished tho chance for a balancing trio to show how the seniors do this work, High School and unemployed boys joining forces to demonstrate tho advantages of a "clean mind and healthy body.” A never-failing source of satisfaction to tho audienco is tho club swinging with tho coloured lights attached rivalling tho beauty of tho glow-worms with their "mystic light.” Other contributions included "aerobatics” on the horizontal bars, tho ladies 1 ‘on parade,” in. which Miss vdna Boon sang i ‘Soldiers on Parade,” finish and fitness by tho seniors, "colour and rhythm” by the secondary school girls enchanced by "A Little Sunshine” sung by Miss Melva Day, pyramids by tho ladies and seniors and a splendid grand parade which brought "all good things to an end.” As usual tho entertainers provided fun and frolic, thoso participating in tho humorous antics being Messrs Jack Wilson, Georgo Young and A. Harris. Other items wero contributed by the Low-hatters (including Messrs u. Pattle, G. Kenning, N. Bees, D. Simxnonds and E. Hopwood). A. Sundbom ©a his guitar, E. Gedson, solo, Hutchins and Jeromson with some clever "thought transmission” and Mr. Jack Wilson again in some or his own blend of versatile humour which local audiences enjoy so much. To Mr. Chas. Woods, tho physical director, much credit must always be .riven first for tho arrangement and presentation of tho annual gymnastic display of such outstanding merit. These performances aro always a striking manifestation which the city postsosses -of its Y.M.C.A. and servo in some measure to acquaint the public of the splendid work the institution is accomplishing. Others assisting Mr. Woods include Mr. L. Cross, the boys’ work director; Mr. A. E. Joblin, stage manager, auu Mr. J. P. Stubbs, assistant stage manager. An orchestra, under tho baton of Mr. I. Speight, contributes in no uncertain measure to tho merit of tho entertainment with its bright music. Tho performance will be repeated again to-night and will concludo on Monday evening. Tho public are urged to support this gym. carnival and in assisting tho Y.M.C.A. branch at Palmerston North, Tcceivo in Teturn an entertainment of outstanding merit and appeal,