PLAYERS AT PLAY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3755, 2 March 1926, Page 26

PLAYERS AT PLAY.

SAMPLING EXHIBITION AMUSEMENTS. A happy party of musical comedy artists was entertained in the Amusements Park by the Exhibition directors on the 22nd, when the principal devices were thrown open for their benefit. They were the clever people who for the past few days had shown Dunedin how to “Leave It To Jane”—in fact, " Jane ” herself was one of the big party that arrived a little before mid-day and was met by the directors, the manager (Mr C. P. Hainsworth), the director of amusements (Mr Scott Colville), and several of the commissioners, who heartily enjoyed such a relief from the routine of the pavilions and courts. “ Me for the Dodgem cars,” said that breezy comedian, Athol Tier, as his long legs wound themselves into the narrow space of the little electric car. Hugh Steyne was not far -behind, while Mona Bailee and Reita Nugent rushed to the only Dodgem that- remained vacant. Soon the device was working at fullspeed—the girls of the baHet screamed their delight in chorus,- directors, commissioners, and artists cast restraint to the wind and yelled like schoolboys—the Dodgems were a great success, and the party had opened with a swing. It certainly continued with a swing, for after u little while there was a general’rush to the “Merry Mix-up/' where a bevy of pretty girls was whirled into happiness with even greater vim than they display behind the footlights Then came that thrill of thrills, the Scenic Railway. There are many who imagine that stage folk are blase, and it would have altered such on opinion had thoy been present. Up the sreep slope climbed the cars, and as the first corner was turned and the terrifying void yawned in front, tho shrieks of minglpd fear and delight drew hundreds of onlookers. Round and found in a mad rush the cars wont, until the whole of the party was sufficiently thrilled, dishevelled, and delighted, A visit to the Fun Factory provided an exciting few minutes, while mon and girls

hurled themselves down the slides and flew on to the mats in yelling laughing heaps. “The ‘Caterpillar’ is going,” said someone, and away ran the party with that dynamo of vivacious energy—“ Jane” (alias Miss Barlee), in the lead. Alas 1 the worthy Caterpillar proved too staid and safe for the huarious occupants, and they were goon on their way to “The Whip,” the last thrill on the long road through the joyland of the Exhibition. Off went the racing cars, and for many minutes the vocal efforts of the visitors vied with the rumble and roar of the novel device. All too sojn the gay party was over. The visitors shook hands with their hosts, and voted the morning a delightful one.