THE WINDSOR RINK.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XX, Issue 1115, 24 August 1911, Page 16

THE WINDSOR RINK.

THE GEISHA CARNIVAL. A peep into the Windsor Rink last Wednesday would have made one fancy he or she had been transported to the East, for a miniature Japan was presented. The hall was converted into a veritable bower of cherry blooms, its delicate colouring being enhanced by myriads of yari-coloured bulbs and lanterns. Special scenery had been painted for the occasion, lights being cleverly manipulated to heighten the realism, while a pagoda gave a finishing touch to the proceedings. The skaters in handsome Japanese dress, provided, with the other effects, a spectacular scene that could not be eclipsed for picturesqueness, and Mr. E. C. McEwan, the energetic manager, by whom all arrangements were made, was warmly complimented on the success of his achievement. Artistic souvenirs in dainty little fans and Japanese programmes were presented to patrons. During the evening several novelties were introduced, comprising a lantern and chrysanthemum march, while a dawn effect was carried out admirably. Mr. N. L- Baird was responsible for the scenery, Mr. H. Crocker for the marches, and Mr. C. A. Crosher for electrical effects, these gentlemen deserving a special tribute of praise. Several competitions were held, the prize winners being as follow: —Lady’s prettiest dress, Miss Gibbins; gentleman’s prettiest dress, Mr. Bindon; best sustained character, lady, Miss Lang; best sustained character, gentleman, Mr. McHellam; best couple (dress and skating), Mr. Hibbs and Miss Russell; most graceful skater, lady, Miss Vaiden; most graceful skater, gentleman, Mr. O’ram; tandem team, Misses Russell. Lang and Mr. C. McEwan. On Saturday afternoon a biograph picture will be taken of the skaters.

“Music should speak in an eloquent tongue. Yet it must be simple and straightforward if it is to be appreciated by all classes. When music gives pleasure it is understood in the best sense. An ounce of melody is of more value than a ton of mysticism. There is no charm in music without understanding and enjoyment. I have no sympathy with the argument that music needs any motherly fostering to give it a hold on the people. My chief object is to do that which I feel I am able best to do. Art is the perfection, the ease, with which one does things, whether it is courting a girl or leading a band. Life wouldn’t mean much to me without comedy, even in music.” —Sousa