GYMNASTIC CARNIVAL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 254, 27 October 1938, Page 8

GYMNASTIC CARNIVAL

WANGANUI Y.M.C.A. ATTRACTIVE PROGRAMME PRESENTED A large audience at the Opera House last night were treated to one of the most spectacular and entertaining displays ever staged in Wanganui, when more than 240 trained performers took part In the annual Y.M.C.A. gymnastic carnival. In addition to physical demonstrations and novelty items, the programme included plaintive Maori melodies, action songs and poi dances by the Putiki Maori Choir and party, songs by Mrs. H. Hulme, L.R.S.M., and attractive orchestral numbers. Graceful wands and free exercises by the Y.M.C.A. senior ladies provided a fitting opening to the carnival programme, following which the primary girls’ class presented delightful folk dancing items. The tiny tots received a hearty ovation when they demonstrated how exercises could be combined with play. A class of six girls representing the Denlair class then took the applause with a bright presentation of pyramids on the horse. The thorough and beneficial training the Y.M.C.A. affords was further demonstrated by the easy grace with which complicated exercises were executed by the primary girls' class. The first novelty item of the evening was given by the Intermediate boys and was named lighted wands. Each boy had a row with green and red lights attached to each end. The stage was plunged into darkness and the performers, swinging the wands in unison, transformed the stage into a colourful assemblage of flickering lights. Another series of popular: items were pyramids on forms by! the Denlair junior class, tumbling by I the Wanganui juniors and admirablyexecuted maze marching by the senior ladies. The second novelty item; took the form of statuary poses by the senior men. Dusted with white powder and beautiful physical specimens, the men were an unusual," impressive sight. Exercises for keeping fit, by the senior ladies, spectacular rings and. parallel bars exhibitions by the senior men, ball-drill by the secondary girls, pyramids by the secondary boys and girls and also an informal class by the boys, exercises with clubs with coloured streamers by the senior ladies, and amazing acrobatics by two young children, with a grand final series of pyramids by the senior ladies and men, completed the attractive programme.

In thanking those present for their interest, on behalf of the directors of the Y.M.C.A., the Mayor, Mr. W. J. Rogers, eulogised the’ work done by the Y.M.C.A. throughout the city, and appealed for their future support. By doing this, the people of Wanganui would be showing that they appreciated the Y.M.C.A.’s endeavour to cater for the young life.