It's Magic …

According to history, magic had its beginnings in the days of the Medes and the Persians. The name is derived from the Magi, a Median tribe set aside for the management of sacred rites and the preservation and propagation of traditional knowledge.

As years passed, doubtful characters misused these powers for evil intent, and a distinction was made between Black Magic and White Magic, or bad magic and good magic.

When "Photo News" was invited along to a session of the Gisborne Magicians Club recently, we went with some trepidation, remembering these significant variations in the occult. But at the end of the evening, we found our beliefs were still balanced, and the only magic we had seen was good magic --particularly good magic.

The Gisborne Club was formed about a year ago, and now has six members--Messrs S. Nigro, H. Dover, H. Weston, P. Hughes, M. Chamberlain and P. Tarrant--who meet every month for sessions.

On this page, to introduce the subject, Mr Nigro pulls the traditional white rabbit out of the hat.

Peter Hughes gives a demonstration of mind reading, with Nora Nicholls as his subject.

Harold Dover, in real life a dentist, demonstrates how "George" the dummy can be suspended in space by the power of levitation.

Hal Weston, radio announcer, showed us his variation of the Indian rope trick.

Michael Chamberlain, a student, confused our senses with the billiard ball trick.

Hal Weston's waterfall of cards caught by the high speed camera.

Peter Hughes (telephone mechanician) and Michael Chamberlain try out a card selection trick.

Hal watches with some concern while Michael shows, with table knife, how sword swallowing is done.

Then Hal goes one better and pulls a string of razor blades from his mouth.

At evening's end, "Basti" Nigro (garage manager) is persuaded to be subject for mass demonstration. All in good fun, he suffers hawing silk handkerchiefs and cigarettes pulled from his ears, ribbons from his hat, and white rabbits from his coat. Sixth member of the group, Peter Tarrant, was unable to attend. Flood waters kept him home.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 13 : July 28, 1955

It's Magic …