Gymnastic Carnival Enthusiastically Acclaimed

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 249, 20 October 1938, Page 11

Gymnastic Carnival Enthusiastically Acclaimed

FINAL PERFORMANCE PRESENTED TO CROWDED HOUSE A capacity house paid tribute to the fine work, of the Y.M.C.A. at the final, presentation of the annual gymnastic carnival at the Opera House last night. At the conclusion of the performance Mr. F. Yortt, chairman of the Y.M.C.A. board of governors, on behalf of the association thanked all those who had in any way helped to make the function the undoubted success it had been. He thanked especially the band of workers backstage —the stage manager (Mr. J. P. Stubbs), assistant stage manager (Mr. W. H. Brown), musical directoi (Mr. L. Smith, whose services were rendered free of charge), Mr. Con McGrath, who was responsible for the excellent stage scenery, and Mr. W. H. Richardson and his son (scene pain* ers).

Mr. Yortt also paid a tribute to tlxassisting artists, Mesdames Whitehousc and Bailey who trained the senior girls in ballet, tap and hornpipe, and to Miss I. Stuart who played for rehearsals and who taught the Saturday morning classes. The comedians, Messrs. L. Wood, A. Vernon and H. Woodhouse also received a tribute for their hilarious contributions to the programme, as did the Palmerston North Harmonica Rascals for their musical interlude. Mr. Yortt said Messrs. Vernon and Wooahouse deserved special commendatiot for writing the naval revue libretto am. for training the choruses. Thanks were also due to the ladies’ auxiliary fo* selling sweets and providing refresh ment for the large number of perform ers, also to the girls assisting, the doorkeepers and ushers who had all given so cheerfully of their services. Mr. Yorn also mentioned that the striking costumes worn by the ladies had been made by themselves.

Mr. Yortt concluded his thanks by making eulogistic reference to the great work among the young people of the community of Mr, C. Woods. He sata it was indeed an indication of public appreciation to see such a crowded house after 16 similar annual performances which were greatly due to the good work of the general secretary, Mr. Woods, and his able assistants.

Mr. Woods, in endorsing the thanhs expressed by Mr. Yortt, stressed particularly the loyalty of all those with whom he had worked and said he was sure all parents would be proud to have their own children associated with those who had appeared in the performance that night. That Mrs. Whitehouse, who was an old gym member of long standing, had graciously appearea once more in a gym carnival, was an indication of the interest taken by old members, Mr. Woods said, and concluded by thanking the public for their encouraging support.

The whole company appeared in a colourful finale and accorded Mr. Woods musical honours, bringing yet another successful function to a close.