Savage Club Jubilee

There was no question about the success of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Gisborne Savage Club held during Queen's Birthday weekend. The hundreds of members, including many visitors from kindred clubs in other parts of New Zealand, enjoyed a programme which went without a hitch and evoked the enthuslasm and admiration of all present.

A cocktail party in the Army Hall, and a concert in the War Memorial Hall, were highlights of the festivities.

Five members who attended the first korero of the club on June 19, 1913 were present. They were Messrs A. Williamson, F. Ball, Wrey Nolan, A. Cox and L. T. Burnard.

Visiting "top brass" who stepped forward to accept the challenge from the club's haka party. From left, John Hulse, Rangatira, Auckland Savage Club; Tom Watson, Wellington Savage Club past councillor; W. C. Shields, Timaru Savage Club Great Chief; Len Harrison, Dominion President Association of Kindred Clubs of N.Z.; C. E. Stevens, past Rangatira Manawatu Savage Club; H. E. Patchett, Timaru Savage Club ex-Great Chief; and J. J. McLean, Gisborne Chief Orphan.

Rangatira's entrance is traditionally connected in some way with his occupation. Here Rangatira Aubrey Harper is pushed into the hall in a wonderfully contrived bitzer Standard car thoughtfully provided by his offaiders.

At the concert, Eric Struvkett (Mount Maunganui) played the violin behind his left ear.

Mannequin parade, compered by a gorgeously gowned "Denise" Kohn, featured provocative models in seductive attire. From left, "Dianne" Kohn, "Nellie" Caughey, "Ina" McIldowie, "Selina" Burborough. "Wilhemina" Paku and "Hortense" Isaac.

Savages in disguise turned on realistic haka challenge. From left, front row, Wm. Paku, Bert Williams, Sam Burborough, Carl Houlahan, Dion Kohn, Ian McIldowie. Back row, Gordon Fraser, Keith Mullooly (obscured), Roy Green, Tuta Kainamu, Vince Stubbings (obscured), E. W. Johnson, Denis Kohn (leader).

Denis Kohn, tympani player in the orchestra conducted by his father, Wilf. Kohn, became "Denizzo Konski" to play the solo part in Offenbach's (?) "Symphony for Triangle", During the impressive rendering of this famous classic, he ate a banana, unpacked his bag, repacked it, and generally managed to fill in all the time except for that required for one solitary tap on the triangle.

Rangatira Harper is installed for the evening by past-Rangatira Ray Crosby.

Dominion President of Kindred Clubs, Len Harrison of Stratford, wore emblems of all New Zealand clubs.

Past-Rangatiras Noel Oldridge and Reg Watchman (who came from Dunedin for the celebrations) with fancy friend.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 108 : June 13, 1963

Savage Club Jubilee