BUDDING NICOLAS

Evening Star, Issue 23702, 9 October 1940, Page 3

BUDDING NICOLAS

WHERE HANDS DECEIVE THE EYE OTAGO HAS A MAGICAL SOCIETY 41 It’s fun to be fooled,” is the motto of a select band of Ounedinites, mem* bars of a most unique society, the southernmost of its kind in the world. They form the Otago Magical Society j one off eight foundation members of the International Alliance of Magicians. In January, 1939, life membership was conferred on the famed Nicola the Great Budding Nicolas, they carried off the principal honours at the Cen-, tennial Exhibition against other New; Zealand competitors, although the society was formed only as recently as 1937 . Unpretentious in their endeavours to amuse themselves and-others, they ara yet satisfied that no society in the world has bettei facilities for the practice of magic than ■ their. own—a fascinating; array of apparatus that aids them ra giving effect to the spirit of their mottov Fun without funds is magic beyond their scope, so once in a while thejj demonstrate their repertoire of illusion at “ invitation ” nights, and to tbm eighth of these the * Star ’ went last night, prepared for anything from hats and rabbits to the ultimate,, in. the Indian rope trick. ' ; r One of the first impressions was tbalf the club room in Manse street was all l that was claimed of it—that it was one of the finest in the world. Small it was, yet containing all that was necessary to represent a miniature theatfeAutographed signatures of famous magicians, including Chang and the celebrated film star Chester Morris, graced the walls, while the stage itself was like that of a theatre in a small way Backstage, there was barely room for all the paraphernalia of that magicians, but it sufficed, for two houys of magical entertainment that, besides “ fooling ” the audience, was fully up to the standard of most professional performances on the same lines. Swallowing needles, mjnd reading, card tricks disappearing objects, production of innumerable cigarettes—all these and dozens of other illusions in the infinite variety of magic were presented without a dull moment. ' Conceived in the mind of Mr T. R* Thomson (president), who has been in; constant touch with magic and magicians for 38 years, the society now has 11 town members, four country, lour, honorary, and one life member (Nicola). As befits the mystery of the art, there is a strictly-observed initiation cere- ' mony, and one of high standard. Anions the. privileged “ inner circle ” (practising) members are Messrs T. R. Tj Beveridge. J M‘Corkingdale. H. Hobson J M’Farlane. and T. 11. Thomson, Sixty persons can be accommodated ia the club room, which is complete with, Mghting effects, a sound system, and the customary drapings. to the Old English Fayre ” on October 19 will see members of the Otago Magical Society demonstrating their art.