THE DAZZLING DANDIES

NZ Truth, 7 February 1925, Page 7

THE DAZZLING DANDIES

♦ A Prisoners' Extravaganza MUSIC AND LAUGHTER BEHIND THE BARS. Right m the heart of busy New Plymouth, set m the centre of a dip at the top of a hill sits a sullen and stolid-looking concrete building surrounded by frowning and forbidding fences and powerfully hinged gates. No beauty here to greet the eye and the casual' climber is glad to turn away and coritemplate the smiling vista of sea and coastline that runs for miles north and south of New Plymouth lying cosily at one's feet. The jbuilding is the New Plymouth prison and though the outside is stern and chilly yet the hearts of many of the unfortunates within have responded to the warming influence of a sympathetic administration and for the prisoner who confirms easily to the rules of the institution the truth of the lines: "Stonewalls do not a prison make nor iron bars a cage," is made manifest. At various times during the year, concerts are given m this and other Dominion prisons by bands of musicians and songsters that very materially help to lighten the load and reveal a ray of the outside world's beauty and culture to the unfortunate guests of what the prisoners themselves ironically term His Majesty's Hotel. Grateful for this, and no doubt encouraged to' take a healthy interest m anything good and wholesome, the prisoners at the New Plymouth gaol determined to repay the courtesy and at Christmas time invited their benefactors to witness a specially arranged programme of song, music and the art of magic. Those persons who were present will testify to the quality of the entertainment and will readily aver that a system that is designed as an encouragement to .ref orm rather than a punishment bears favourable comparison with the bad old days. Not the least interesting fact of this entertainment was the programme prepared with much painstaking effort and no little ingenuity by the prisoners. In it appears a joke or two at the expense of the officers of the institution, but jokes that bespeak respect for all, and a good deal of reverence for some of the officials. No tinge is there of riialice or bitterness but there is a note of sadness here arid there and a verse or two denoting resolution for better times to come as m "GREETINGS." "Christmas is with us again, 'let us greet it with head erect, spirit buoyant, and the face alive with "a smile that expresses confidence m life. We have had enough of dour men who drip pessimism, or women who hang up their said hearts on washing day. and- who iron out the joy of life the next. Let us now and forever hug the dqar old -world to our breasts and tickle a smile from her ribs." The butcher however, receives a salutation . of a different kind: It's really almost meat to give A greeting thus for old time's sake. I'll not mince words, but may you live As old as did my last night's steak. The Company is introduced thus wise: — ONE NIGHT ONLY. Disturbance Extraordinary ! His Majesty's Circus and Menagerie, New Plymouth. Under the Direction of William Dineen Esq. Late Manager of Wi-Tako Opera House. Stage .Manager. . . Richard Arnold Composer of that moving melody "Every morn I give thee porridge and at eventide as well." DINEEN'S DAZZLING; DANDIES, I A gorgeous array of talent m Music, Song and Story. The only Company of its kind m New Zealand. Box Plan at Supreme Court. j Seats r may also be booked by Mr.! Mowlem, S.M. Free list entirely suspended. You don't get m here for. Nuthin'! A Managerial notice informs us that "This brilliant assemblage of artists were, originally engaged by the most eminent judges iri New Zealand assisted by twelve members of the public. When these twelve gentlemen agreed that the, artist m question was a fit person to appear at His Majesty's Circus arid Menagerie the judge stipulated the length of the engagement. The managing director of His Majesty's Circus and Menagerie is confident that this is absolutely the best combination of its kind that can be got together m Australasia." THE PROGRAMME.. No fewer than seventeen varied items go to comprise the programme commencing with Professor Flite Ski who is billed to render "Jessie's Dream," which the programme says will iriore resemble a nightmare and finishing with a "Theatrical Trifle" "than which," says the programme, "there was no more painful act perpetrated m the Russian, Revolution." Other noted performers are: The Knowallsei Chorus m dancing time," "A Delicious Dominant Dandy," starred as GangGreene whose item was a ditty entitled "Where are the Boys of the Village To-night?" "The Deadly Tour," "The Duchesse of Dunedin," and "Alphonse De-Greeceun," whom one of His Majesty's judges had no hesitation m signing on for a ten years' contract. "The Thirsty Due," "Roberto," or the "Naval Nuisance."' Mr Harold Chesty, the infamous tenor, and' a comedy entitled "Domestic Discord," after which the. audience is thoughtfully informed that they may rest for a few moments. Then comes "The Mad Mullah m his throbbing haka," The audience is cautioned not to think that this is a cake walk simply because the porformer's name is Sultana. Here also is recorded the cheering information that, "if you feel faint the attendants will bring you to. If you don't recover that will bring you two more." Little Willie Wheeny,eitus is styled as a bilious baritone. E. Willdoit provides "Moments of Madness" and then you are urged not to miss seeing McKee m his monologue, "Through Darkest Africa m a Bathing Suit. Will V. Givusashau as a Human Volvaco presents a* tabloid drama called "Smoke, Smoke, Smoke." As a conclusion the Company will sing: "The Board moves m a mysterious .way it's wonders to perform;" which is evidently a gentle jibe at the Prisons Board. Another feature of this remarkable programme is the menu of His Majesty's Hotel ranging from Bouillon a la Bellririger, • a dish made from a simple recipe viz: — lib. bread, 1 pint water, recommended by Mr Mowlem, S.M. as a corrective, Mr Mowlem knows personally many of our patrons who have benefited by it," and topped off with Diplomatic Pie. "This is our most famous dish, recommended . by William Dineen Esq. Take equal quantities of commonsense, diplomacy, kindness arid firmness, mix thoroughly. Serve with remarks chosen specially for the occasion. Some of our customers prefer it served with honey.' With some people it is necessary to serve it with a very hot mixture. Which ever way you take it, it is most efficacious." This last is undoubtedly a tribute to the Superintendent Mr Dineen and is a reflex of the prisoner's feelings towards their chief.