An Old Trouper Retires

After a half-century of show business, including 25 years as manager of the Majestic Theatre in Gisborne, Mr Will B. Keany made Ms final appearance on the "boards" at a recent gala function in the Majestic.

Organised by Mr C. H. Brittenden, manager of the Regent Theatre, with the fall co-operation of the Kerridge-Odeon organisation, the evening was quite an occasion. The Pipe Band played outside, the theatre was decorated, every seat was filled with Mr Keany's friends, and a top British picture, "The Yangtse Incident", was given its Australasian premiere.

But the highlight of the evening, in spite of all this competition, was "Bill" Keany's farewell speech. Spiced with reminiscences of theatre life, it began by expressing appreciation of the regard shown for him by Kerridge-Odeon and the public in general, and ended by reducing everybody present to a state of helpless hilarity.

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Mr Keany acknowledging compliments. Left to right, Mr Trevor Townsend, general manager of Kerridge-Odeon, Mr Brittenden, Mr Keany, and Mr V. Clouston, formerly of Gisborne, now exhibition manager for Kerridge–Odeon.

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Pipe Band playing outside theatre.

Typical of Mr Keany's recollections was one relating to his dealings with kiddies, with whom he invariably got along splendidly.

"However, one day I had to put out some boys who were making a nuisance of themselves. Coming into the foyer later, I found these words scrawled on the wall: 'Old man Keany is a bastard'.

Picture at below was taken as "old trouper" Bill waited for his audience to recover from this one.

But they were rolling in the aisles again when he added: "No need to let everybody know about it, was there?"

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Mr Townsend presenting Mr Keany with a cheque.

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Mr Keany with the new manager, Mr T. N. Worrall (formerly Regent, Hamilton)

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For the last time: Mr Keany on duty. as patrons arrive.

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With the staff: In front, Miss Pat Knowles, Miss Heather McDonald, Mr Keany, Mrs K. Nelson, Mrs Marion Hall. At rear, Mrs Marie Loogman, Mr W. White, Mrs (G. McFarlane, Mrs Kath Weatherley, Mrs E. Gousmett.