ICE-SKATING MARVEL

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21183, 2 November 1938, Page 10

ICE-SKATING MARVEL

JUDITH LINDSAY BECOMES IDOL Destined to become the Sonja Henie of Australia, little Judith Lindsay, who is only five years old, has become the idol of ice-skating fans in Australia. Judith’s meteoric rise to fame has some interest in Timaru, for her mother, who was formerly Miss Doris Moreton, resided here, while her father was for a time in business in Timaru. Six months ago Judith knew nothing about ice or ice-skating. But then she saw Sonja Henie on the screen, and that was the start of a career which may bring her fame and fortune. When she saw the famous skating star she exclaimed: “I can do that mummy. Buy me a pair of skates.” The smallest boots and skates ever made in Sydney were ordered for Judith, she was taken to the Ice Palais and away she went over the ice absolutely sure and fearless. After a month’s tuition in the intricacies of waltzing, mazurka jumps, spirals and spins, Judith had mastered what it takes the average skater years to learn.

Three or four times a week the tiny skater was to be seen at the Palais skimming over the ice at a furious pace or gracefully turning and gliding in perfect style. All movements are simple to her, and she has no greater admirer than the professional skater, Mr Max Smith, who regards Judith as the greatest find he has ever known. Both Mr and Mrs Smith tutor Judith. A cousin of Mrs Smith was at one time a teacher at the Timaru Main School.

Not only in the world of skating has Judith become popular, because for some considerable time she has been singing over the air from 2UW and 2CH on commercial recordings, while she is also a member of Uncle Tom’s Gang at 2SM. She has a phenomenal memory and can remember three page scripts for her recordings. She is too young to learn to read efficiently and so has to memorise all her scripts.