CATHEDRAL CARNIVAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23005, 7 October 1936, Page 6

CATHEDRAL CARNIVAL

VARIETY AT HIS MAJESTY'S OFFICIAL OPENING BY MAYOR The final stage of the carnival organised by the Roman Catholic community of Dunedin for the purpose of raising funds for the complete liquidation of the debt on St. Joseph's Cathedral was reached in His Majesty's Theatre last evening when the closing gala festival was opened by the Mayor (the Rev. E. T. Cox). The event, which will occupy the next 10 days, took the form of a combined bazaar and mardi gras, one of the principal features of which is an attractive variety and vaudeville entertainment provided by some of the best-known figures in local theatricals in Dunedin. The programme is delightfully balanced, and is distinguished by the despatch and expertness with which it is presented. During an interval in the entertainment last night the Mayor extended his good wishes for the successful conclusion of the carnival, and commended the worthy object for which it had been organised. He said that there was nothing conceived in the imagination of the architect and fashioned by the hand of the craftsman, either so beautiful in itself or so fraught with good, to the human race as the temple of God, be it the village chapel, the large town church, or the city cathedral. There was no public building upon which through the ages had been lavished such a wealth of adornment as the cathedral church. Massive nave and chancel, ornate pillar and Gothic arch had called forth the best that heart, brain, and hand could contrive through the centuries. In Europe to-day, in spite of the magnitude of modern buildings, the cathedral stood as the centre and heart of civic and national life—it was also the place of pilgrimage for worshippers and tourist alike. The greatest design, floor space, and beauty of adornment was that of San Pedro in Rome. The colossal scale of its proportions could be imagined when he said that, though constructed at the conclusion of the middle ages, when the wages of labourers were l£d per day, those of a mason 3d, and a master mason 4d, it took 150 years to build; it necessitated the employment of at least a dozen architects in succession, with all their retinue of draughtsmen and clerks. Nineteen Popes reigned during the period of erection, and it cost £10,000,000. Colonial cathedrals might seem poor and ill-equipped measured alongside the greatest temple in the world, but they served a very great purpose—to elevate the thought and life of the people, and find their value in the chastened and purified lives of the worshippers who regarded them as their church home. He would like to congratulate the diocese of Dunedin on the beautiful cathedral dedicated to St. Joseph. It was a matter of very great importance to the Church that so early in the history of this Erovince Catholics had as a church ome such a fine centre for worship. And he trusted that the carnival would achieve the end for which it had been organised—the extinction of the cathedral debt. VARIETY PROGRAMME The programme of entertainment, which was under the capable direction of Mr Harold Bain and Mr W. F. Sligo, was enthusiastically received by a delighted audience. Its varied character ensured the widest possible appeal, and the standard of performance throughout reflected great credit on the considerable company of amateurs who participated. Its features ranged from song andHance to clowning and conjuring and lightning sketches of a very amusing kind. The setting was a cabaret, and the opening number was orchestral music featuring the choruses "All Pull Together " and " Smile." Then followed "Everybody's Got to Wear a Smile," after which Mr Kevin Dun and two of his pupils, Miss Anderson and Mr J. Robinson, took part in two exhibition dances which were given to the accompaniment of a jazz band which appeared mysteriously from nowhere. Mr Dun and Miss Anderson danced the first number, and then Mr Robinson partnered Miss Anderson. Miss Tui Northey and Mr James Macfarlane appeared in two or three bright and jazzy song numbers, and a fine display of tap dancing,was given by Miss Joyce Rowlfey. Mr Harold Bain sang an Irish melody with engaging attractiveness, and Mr Alex. M'Dowell gave an excellent rendering of "Picking Cotton." There was also some very fine ballet work by a competent comEany of performers who gave an exibition of precision and rhythm that was distinctly impressive. A tap line ballet later by an augmented ballet was very effective. "It's Moments Like These " and " Justice," two humorous interludes, were well received, and there were rounds of enthusiastic applause for the work of the mystifying antics of Mr S. Rigg, who created a profound impression with a series of sleight-of-hand trjcks and. illusions which covered a much wider field than is usual in amateur performances of this kind. Mr Bert Nelson's balancing feats on his one-wheel cycle occasioned a lot of amusement. BAZAAR ATTRACTIONS The bazaar section of the carnival comprised a wide variety of attractions including well-stocked stalls of all kinds and an amusement section replete with almost every variety of game of skill and excitement, among which may be mentioned darts. Aunt Sallies, chocolate alleys, and the old soldiers' game of " House." The entertainment in this department was continuous, and last night kept a large crowd pleasantly absorbed for several hours. All are conducted in a manner which ensures a maximum of pleasure with no tedious waiting or delay, and frequent changes of diversion. The amusement hall is sure to be one of the most popular sections of the carnival during the coming week. The carnival will be continued nightly until October 16.