GYMNASTIC CARNIVAL

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 28, 28 October 1919, Page 7

GYMNASTIC CARNIVAL

- SPLENDID Y.M.C.A. WORK.' No finer advertisement of the admirable work accomplished by the Y.M.C.A. in helping to' build up the physique of .the youth of Wellington could be conceived than that afforded tho big.'audience in the Grand Opora House last evening;'- The occasion was the association's gymnastic carnival in aid of its physical department; and the entertainment was in the nature .of a revelation, to those who'.were not hitherto intimate with the 1 Y.M.C.A.V gymnasium work. : , The programme was introduced in spectacular fashion by the grand march, in\which nearly 200 performers,- small boysyand girls and young men and women,. l all gracefully dressed, 'participated, and it afforded a good insight into tho improvement wrought in the physique of the .pupils. This was followed by a- • coniprehensivo programme comprising 20 events'; embracing all manner of. gymnastic exercises, and s.erving to indicate in a striking manner the. thoroughness and efficiency of tho course undergone.-', by membors of the class.' A. feature of tho evening wasi tho classical posing: by Messrs. W.. Tracey and F. W. Eawlinson, in which the superb physique of both men, especially that of Mr; Tracey,physical director of the Y.M.C.A., was brought'hbme to-the Running and free movements were carried out by a squad of the men pupils in most proficient style, as. was also inarching and free movements by tho lady members. Little boys and small girls .also figured to advantage in various movements and exorcises., some of which were of a very pretty and spectacular nature. Tho horizontal and .parallel bar work of the men and boys called for the highest commendation, and the club-swingine; and dumbbell drill of the ladies and the ballswinging of the girls were nko the subject; of much favourable comment. In connection with the girls', work the assistance lent by Miss Matis Gonnop was of a very skilful-order. The programme also included .fencing by the ladies and men, and > skipping by little girls. The whole performance spoke volumes for the able supervision of the physical director, Mr. Maurice Tracey, S.A.G.A. Tho orchestra was-under the direction of Mrs. M. Tracey, find its work contributed materially'-to the success of the evening. Mr. H. Parker proved himself to be a very capable stage manager.