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Journal of the Nelson and Marlborough Historical Societies, Volume 2, Issue 6, 1995

The Entertainment Scene in Nelson

page 44

The Entertainment Scene in Nelson

At the turn of the century, Nelson appears to have been well served with a wide variety of entertainment, some local, some from other parts of New Zealand and still others from overseas.

A sample of entertainment offered in January 1906 gives some idea of this variety. The approach of the annual anniversary celebrations on February 1 probably increased the range for this month of the year.

Early in the month G.F. Naylor, former organist of both Nelson and Napier Cathedrals, gave an organ recital.

Local man F.N. Jones junior gave a concert in the Theatre Royal on 9 January, demonstrating the newly imported twentieth century phonograph the Magnophone, which was able to reproduce all kinds of music. To show this off to advantage he first gave performances from the older types of machines. Live musical items were also given, including the Nelson Citizen's Band which he was able to record and play back on his Magnophone. Other items on the machine were songs and instrumental solos. He attracted a large audience.

Professor Andrew came with his Magic Kettle, which could boil on ice and produced a number of wonders such as liquid air. With other artistes he practised the Vanishing Lady act, which was described in every detail except for how the Professor did it. The paper reported a marvellous evening but the Professor was sad that Nelson people did not "patronise him more liberally". Prices at three, two and one shillings appear to have been reasonable. In spite of this poor audience he came back for another night at the Druid's Hall and he also took his show to Motueka.

Masterton Band at Nelson Carnival, 1906. Tyree Studio Collection, Nelson Provincial Museum.

Masterton Band at Nelson Carnival, 1906. Tyree Studio Collection, Nelson Provincial Museum.

page 45

Another Professor was Professor Bate, who conducted a Wild West Show with bucking horses and wild steers to ride or lasso. His audience rushed in to his venue at the Botanical Gardens so that he was unable to cope and let them in free. This entertainment was offered every evening for a week at the end of January.

The Macmahon Brothers Dramatic Company offered a programme of three different plays; Saturday Night in London, Called Back and The Kelly Gang. Ned Kelly was presented as a romantic figure, both good and noble. This melodrama was described as a typically Australian play. Realism was attained by having a stage coach and four horses brought on stage. F.N. Jones provided the horses and this company had large audiences for their enjoyable performances.

In mid January the Citizen's Band gave a Sunday afternoon concert at the Botanical Reserve under bandmaster Mockler. At the end of the month the Nelson Carnival extended over several days, with bands being an important part of the event. At least ten other bands came to Nelson from such places as Temuka and Masterton. A Band Contest started on 31 January at the School of Music.

When the Carnival commenced on Saturday 27 January, the city was illuminated with Chinese lanterns and other decorations and people started to arrive by boat from Wellington, the West Coast and Marlborough. On Sunday more boats came from Wellington. These visitors included the band members and fire brigade members.

On Sunday the 28th of January there was a Church Parade in the morning at which the preacher touched on Nelson's history. Among those present were the Volunteers, the Fire Brigades and the Bands. In the afternoon the fire brigade men, about 150 in all, travelled through the Waimeas in twelve drays and eight other vehicles, ending with afternoon tea at Richmond.

On Monday the Fire Brigades started their Conference and had their banquet in the Drill Hall that evening. The Jockey Club had their race meeting and a lassoing exhibition was on at the Botanical Reserve. In the evening Pinero's Dandy Dick was on at the Theatre Royal and a Grand Maori entertainment was held at the Druid's Hall. These entertainers had come from the Croisilles and gave a programme including poi, haka and vocal items to a packed audience. There were swimming sports and the children had a Children's Carnival Sports at the Botanics. On Tuesday evening January 30 a Grand Pyrotechnic Display was held at the Trafalgar Park. This was put on by the Chinese residents, who charged one shilling entrance in aid of the Hospital. The Chinese committee was formed of five local businessmen.

On the 31st January there was a Torchlight and Decorated Car Procession in which horse vehicles and the manual fire engine participated.

After the council workers took down the decorations on 5 February the city returned to its normal ordinary appearance. In the following months entertainment went on, though not quite so lavishly. One interesting event in April was offered by Signor Zappaterra, when he exhibited living pictures with his Parisian Vitagraph Company at the Theatre Royal. Examples of these pictures were of a polo match, a ballet, boxing and performing dogs.

Sources: Colonist 6, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 29, 30, 31 January, 6 February, 11 April 1906.