GARRISON HALL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2634, 16 October 1909, Page 5

GARRISON HALL.

MILITARY AND GYMNASTIC DISPLAY.

Close on 700 people assembled in the Garrison Hall last night on the occasion of the combined gymnastic and military display given by the members of the Gisborne Rifles, Defence Cadets, and Y.M.C.A. gymnasium. The programme was a varied one and fe.«ch separate item, whether by the gymnasts or volunteers was performed with great precision and in many instances most artistically, reflecting great credit upon the instructors. A most interesting item was a three-round exhibition of wrestling between N. Bloomfield (Sst 21bs) Y.M.C.A., and A. H. Westwood (9st 41bs) Fire Brigade. After a good contest, Bloomfield displaying the greater amount of skill, succeeded in obtaining two falls out of three. Mr Grimshaw refereed the contest. Other novel items were ball punching, also physical drill, a cycle maze, and singlestick exercises by members of the Gisborne Rifles, and they were very heartily applauded. The gymnastic items included wand drill, vaulting horse, Roman rings, parallel bars, and horizontal bar. Both senior and junior members participated, and for the most part went through the various exercises in a finished manner, considering the short time that the gymnasium has been in existence. A blindfold boxing bout created great amusement, and roars of merriment greeted the antics of two ludicrously attired clowns of the knockabout order. During the evening the City Band rendered an enjoyable programme of music and several of the drill items were performed to piano accompaniment by Mr Wootton. Scrgt. McLoughlin led the volunteers in their displays while the gymnasts were led by Messrs Knibb, Watts, Goldsmith and Kissling. Great disappointment was felt at the non-ap-pearance of the Maoris to perform the promised haka, but it is promised that they will be in attendance to-night. The following is the complete programme: Grand March—All performers; Running Maze—Y.M.C.A. (leader G. It. Knibb); Physical Drill —Gisborne Rifles; Wand Exercises —Y.M.C.A. (leader, G. It. Knibb); Vaulting Horse and March —Y.M.C.A. Juniors (leader, W. Watts); Parallel Bars and Pyramids—Y.M.C.A. (leader, G. It. Knibb);'Wrestling Match (Catch-as-Catch-Can) —N. Bloomfield, (Y.M.C.A.), A. H. Westwood (Fire Brigade); Exhibition of Ball Punching— E. Young and A. E. Bain; Roman Rings —Y.M.C.A. (leader, W. Watts); Cycle Maze —Gisborne Rifles and Cadets ; Horizontal Bars —Y.M.C.A. (leader, C. Goldsmith); Singlesticks —Gisborne Rifles ; Vaulting Horse—Y.M.C.A. (leader, J. C. E. Kissling). A complete change of programme of an even more interesting nature is promised for to-night. It comprises a number of novelties, including bayonet drill and tumbling, and there will also be a tug-of-war between the Y.M.C.A. and the Volunteers. The performance is to start at 8 p.m. and a large attendance of the public is anticipated.