* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand e-zine
* www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #130
Date: Sunday 11th August 2002
Editor: Alan Watson
www.magician.co.nz
www.alan-watson.com
e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com
================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================
1. Editor’s Message
2. The World Alliance Of Magicians (WAM)
3. The Jay Marshall Roast
4. Jason Byrne - Performing Schedule
5. Wanting To Purchase Billiard Balls
6. The Inside Story - Chapter 2 - Mark Wilson
7. Correction To Bev's IBM Review
8. Just A Follow Up To Bev's Piece
9. 30th Birthday Celebrations
10. Bill Rex (Schotanus) - In Hospital In Spain
11. TAOM 2002 Convention - The Invisible Lodge
12. Auction Of Vintage Magic Tricks
13. Charles Gauci's Sept-Oct-Nov Lecture Tour
14. Magic On The Beach
15. Michel Clavello & Greco Lecture
16. I Need Some Info...?
17. Calling All Magi...A Garden In Ayr To Save..
18. The Orchante Saga #115
19. MagicNZ e-zine archives
20. Subscription Management

------------------------------------
1. Editor's Message
-------------------------------------
Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One

Shore City Magicians Club Night:
Michele and I gave a talk to the junior members on how to succeed
and professionalise their acts and gave some background on the
DRAGON Award event which took place at the S.A.M Convention in New
York in July. We also performed our total New Zealand act we
presented recently in the Close Up Gallery in the Magic Castle,
Hollywood in June.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* TWO NEWS FLASHES
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Message from Bert Lyster (Aust)

Just got a phone call from Gabrielle to say that Lance Burton’s
father passed away this week. Our sincere condolences to Lance and
his family at this time.

------------------------------------
Bob Driebeck, Of Holland Passed Away Last Week
Message from Jon Zealando (NZ)

I have just received a call from Gwen Driebeek in Australia, telling
me of the passing of her father, Bob Driebeek a well loved creative
magician from Holland.

This was sad news indeed as I have only just got back a few weeks
ago from a special trip to Australia just to session with him and
hopefully record some of his ideas on video. Gwen and her sister had
shouted him a trip to Australia celebrating his Eighth birthday and
it was hoped that he would make the Sydney convention.

Bob was still full of fun and as I remembered him at the Masterton
convention in New Zealand 1987. Where he met you, Alan, and gave you
with one of his unique creations. I did manage a little videoing but
as always the most creative times were late in the evening. Bert
Lyster and his sons (originally from Masterton) also made a journey
to catch up with this genius who has shared so many hours with all
the famous magicians to have come out of Holland - Fred Kaps,
Richard Ross, Ger Copper, Flip, Tommy Wonder and Scott the Magician
and Muriel.

For me personally he encouraged me to attend the FISM in Holland
paying for some of my expenses so that I could rub shoulders with
the big guns staying in the expensive hotel. He was looking forward
to the next FISM which is back in Holland in 2003. I gave Bob one of
my electronic flash wands, super thin, with the tap to flash etc.
and as I left wondered if it could end up as his" Broken Wand".
Being poly carbonate I hoped it would see him through to our next
possible meeting.

I am sure I have a psychic connection with him and his wonderful
sense of fun as my own watch stopped at the time that Gwen informed
me of his passing (and it’s a major - not just batteries needed). I
will write more about this amazing man, but in the meantime I hope
its" laughter in paradise" when he catches up with Frank Newmarch,
Kaps, Richard etc. Gwen is rushing back to Holland to help with all
the arrangements, my heart goes out to her, they were real mates
supporting each other through many trials. Here are the details for
those who may like to make contact. Communications to Gwen and
Silvia Driebeek

Phone: Holland for Silvia & Gwen Driebeek: 2522 33319

Funeral:
9.30am
Tuesday 20th August
Crematorium
Lelystad
Netherlands

Bart Whaley “Whos Who in Magic” listing for Bob Driebeek:
“Driebeek, Bob
(Holland: fl.1930s-50s) Invented Necktie Servante in late 1930s. Aka
"Aenigma". Early mentor of Fred Kaps. Tricks in Abra, etc”

----------------------------------------------------
Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line:
AW@Alan-Watson.com

----------------------------------
2. The World Alliance Of Magicians (WAM)
----------------------------------
Message from Timothy Drake (USA)

The World Alliance of Magicians (WAM) is once again gearing up to
mount a campaign against the latest series of FOX televisions magic
exposure (masked magician) shows. To help promote WAM and show
support for the battle against exposure we are creating a list of
WWW supporters on the WAM website. If you support our efforts we ask
that you visit the newly revamped website and click on the link to
WAM button. Please choose a WAM logo to place somewhere on your site
as a show of support, link it to www.magiciansalliance.com and email
the WAM webmaster with your websites name, the URL and the name of
the state and city you reside in. We will place a link to your site
on the WAM supporters page in return..If you are a member of any
magic orgs please let us know as well so we can place their logos by
your link.

If you know of others in the magic community who are not on the list
please encourage them visit the new website and consider linking to
it. A strong showing of support around the world ( we have 16
countries on the list ) may help in uniting magicians in the fight
against magic exposure.

---------------------------------
3. The Jay Marshall Roast
----------------------------------
Message from Sid Mayer for The Three Sheeters

Jay Marshall, internationally famous variety artist and Dean of the
American Society of Magicians, will be the victim of a celebrity
roast on Monday, November 18th, 2002. The current roster of roasters
includes such luminaries as Michael Finney, Johnny Thompson, Aye
Jaye, Penn Jillette and Max Maven. Videotape tributes are expected
from David Copperfield, Lance Burton and others.

The Jay Marshall Roast is being hosted by The Three Sheeters; a 38
year old entertainers club. It will be held at the White Eagle
Banquet Hall in the Chicago suburb of Niles, Illinois. A full course
dinner with choice of entrees is included in the ticket price. All
net proceeds will be donated to charity.

Tickets are available now and are limited. We expect a sell-out so
don't delay in contacting either Ralph Carnevale (Phone:
847-296-6163; Email: carnevale2@juno.com) or Chuck Gruberman (Phone:
708-798-2111; Email: chmagik@aol.com) for further information.

----------------------------------
4. Jason Byrne - Performing Schedule
----------------------------------
Message from Jason Byrne (US)

Current Performing Schedule:

August 13 - 24, The Comedy and Magic Club, Hermosa Beach, CA August
26 - September 1, Wizardz, Universal City Walk, Universal City, CA
September 3 - 8, The Magic Castle, Hollywood, CA September 18 - 29,
Vacation, Philadelphia/Detroit September 30 - October 7, Monte Carlo
Magic Festival, Monaco October 21 - 27, Wizardz, Universal City
Walk, Universal City, CA November 11 - December 8, Wizardz,
Universal City Walk, Universal City, CA January 18, Stars of Magic,
Los Angeles, CA

www.jasonbyrne.com
(818) 765-6717 tel/fax

----------------------------------
5. Wanting To Purchase Billiard Balls
----------------------------------
Message from Karl Daniel (NZ) pameladaniel@efs.co.nz

Wanting To Purchase Billiard Balls. If you can help please e-mail
the above address.

----------------------------------
6. The Inside Story - Chapter 2 - Mark Wilson
----------------------------------
Message from Mark Wilson (US)

Our very first television series was called TIME FOR MAGIC. The
format was simple. I was the magician, Nani was the beautiful
assistant. We had an announcer and an organist, who played ad lib
music throughout each show. TIME FOR MAGIC debuted in February,
1954, on WFAA-TV, the ABC station for the Dallas, Fort Worth Area.
It aired Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 5:45 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.

We had no idea how our show would be received by viewers, since no
one had ever seen a magic show like this before. And then the
ratings came into the station. TIME FOR MAGIC was a hit. Not only
were the ratings good, they were great! At the end of the first
year, ours was the highest rated weekday show in the Dallas, Fort
Worth market on the air before 6:00 P.M. We even outranked all the
network daytime shows including Howdy Doody, Dinah Shore and Perry
Como. Yes, magic, our kind of magic, did work on television.

During our second year on the air, it was time for the next step...
selling our series in additional markets. I drove to Waco, Texas and
presented the show to the owner of the local Dr. Pepper Bottling
Company. He had heard of the show’s exceptional rating in Dallas. He
also knew of the success of our first magic premium, a book of
thirteen magic tricks called SEALED SECRETS. On each weekly show I
would demonstrate a simple magic trick. To get the "Sealed Secrets"
booklet explaining the secrets to these tricks, viewers would send
in twelve Dr. Pepper bottlecaps. Dr. Pepper assumed response would
be minimal.

To the delight of Dr. Pepper (and Nani and I), thousands of
bottlecaps arrived at the television station each week. This spurred
the writing of "Sealed Secrets #2." Over a twenty-six week period,
more than one quarter million Dr. Pepper Bottle caps were received
from the greater Dallas market.

During the time between leaving SMU and selling the first local
series I married Nancy Louise Selma Arends, AKA Nani (rhymes with
Bonnie) Darnell. Although business was the farthest thing from my
mind, this was probably the best career move I ever made. Those few
months were the only time in my entire life when I had not been
making my income with magic. I had taken a job as a salesman for my
uncle, who owned a "decal" company. (Decals are those pieces of
paper with designs on them that you soak in water. Then you can
slide the design off onto a piece of glass or whatever.)

I knew that being a decal salesman was not my long range goal, and I
think my uncle knew too, but I needed a job. And it’s a good thing
too, because I’m pretty sure Nani’s mother would never have let her
marry a magician.

I always felt that Nani’s on-camera presence in the Allakazam shows
was a definite plus for our ratings. Over the years, many people who
were then our young viewers, who are now in their forties and
fifties, have told me that, although they liked the magic, the real
reason they watched was to see Nani. At a recent magician’s
convention, one of my fellow wizards asked me to thank Nani for
stimulating his then thirteen year old hormones, proving that the
Magic Land of Allakazam was not only entertaining, but educational
as well!

Over the next three years I sold our television show, now aired
thirty minutes once a week and called "The Mark Wilson Magic Club,"
in other cities. First in Waco, then San Antonio and then Houston.
At one time we were on-the-air in Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston
at the same time. Since this was before video tape recording was
available, we had to perform each show "live" with a different
announcer, director and organist in each city. We would perform the
show at KRLD, the CBS station in Dallas, then drive to San Antonio
and perform the show on KONO, then drive to Houston for the half
hour on KGUL and do it all over again. Now Nani and I were both as
busy as I had been in SMU. I was not sure this was the kind of
progress I wanted.

Please understand, making these sales was not easy. In Houston, we
were on the local CBS station at 5:00 P.M. on Sunday afternoon, a
more expensive television time-slot. To sell the show and pay for
the television time, I had to put together a combination of four
sponsors... Dr. Pepper, Imperial Sugar, Frito’s, and Nuehoff
Brothers Packing, selling each sponsor individually.

And those initial ratings in Dallas were not just some kind of
survey fluke. We were leading our time periods in all the cities.
And our show at 5:00 pm Sunday in Houston had about an equal number
of men, women and children viewers, proving that magic on television
appealed to the whole family.

Everything was going well for us in Texas in 1958 when we decided it
was time to move to the next step. I would attempt to sell the show
in Los Angeles.

Nani and I prepared everything. A written presentation, which
included our ratings successes, letters of praise from sponsors for
increasing their sales, photos of throngs of people attending our
personal appearances, and kinescopes of the show (this was still
before video tape), everything we could think of.

I flew to Los Angeles and checked into the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The
next day I started making the rounds, eventually calling on every
local television station. I couldn’t even get past the front desk. I
finally had a meeting with the program director of Channel 13, an
independent station with no network affiliation.

I wish I could remember the gentleman’s name, because he honestly
attempted to help me. He explained that just about everyone in LA
had an idea for a really great children’s television series, which
they were all attempting to sell. And there was already Engineer
Bill and Hobo Kelly and Romper Room... LA really didn’t need another
kid’s show. I should return to Dallas and continue my career there.
And, by the way, "Magic won’t work on television anyway. Viewers
will think your magic is done the same way they do those camera
tricks on I Dream of Jeannie."

Gees... here we go again. Was I going to have to educate the whole
world?

On my way back to the hotel I drove by Television City, the gigantic
CBS network production facility. Even though no one knew me in Los
Angeles, I was a big fish in Dallas and I was not about to go
through Television City on a guided tour like some out-of-town
tourist. I walked around the outside of the building wondering what
was inside. I could see some scenic pieces through the loading dock
entrance. I wanted to be there.

My room was on the south side of the hotel. The day was smog free...
one of those, “on a clear day you could see Catalina,” days... which
I could. I looked out at the big city, I was not discouraged, I was
angry. “You’re not going to get me. I’ll get you. I’ll do it the
same way I did with the local show, I’ll sell it to a national
sponsor... and while I’m at it, I’ll sell it as a network show.”
Next time, “How to Sell a Network Series.”

Happy Magic!
Mark
www.markwilsonmagic.com

----------------------------------
7. Correction To Bev's IBM Review
----------------------------------
Message from Dale Salwak (US)

One tiny factual correction to Bev's IBM review. There was no mix-up
regarding the Sat night MC. I'd invited Milt Larsen to do that back
in October, but we chose to keep it a surprise--thus the question
mark in the program.

----------------------------------
8. Just A Follow Up To Bev's Piece
----------------------------------
Message from Joan Caesar (Canada)

Derek Selinger from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada won the People's
Choice Award at the IBM.

The Canadian Association of Magicians
Box 41, Elora, ON. N0B 1S0
519-846-2605
www.camofficialwebsite.homestead.com/HOMEPAGE.html

----------------------------------
9. 30th Birthday Celebrations
----------------------------------
Message from J Brown - Southland Magic Circle (NZ)

The Southland Magic Circle is holding a special weekend get-together
with the Otago Magic Circle in Invercargill over Labour Weekend, to
celebrate its thirtieth birthday.

A full weekend programme including a Public Show is being planned
and if anyone is interested, they can email us at
magicpair@clear.net.nz for a programme and registration form.

----------------------------------
10. Bill Rex (Schotanus) - In Hospital In Spain
----------------------------------
Message from Mandy Davis (UK)

I am sure many of you who have visited European conventions have
come across Bill Rex (Schotanus).

He is currently in hospital in Spain after having a heart attack.
During this coming week he will be having an angiogram to determine
whether of not he will have a by-pass.

His contact address at present is:

Room 239
Has (Hospital) Carlos
Malaga
Spain

He would love to hear from you.

----------------------------------
11. TAOM 2002 Convention - The Invisible Lodge
----------------------------------
Message from J.K.Miller – (US)

The TAOM 2002 Convention is coming up in Fort Worth, Texas, August
30 thru September 2nd. Sunday Morning, 7:00am The Invisible Lodge
will hold its annual stated meeting for all members and eligible
members at a Continental Breakfast. You won't want to miss this get
together with election of Officers and other important business. For
additional information: J.K.Miller, rel9lim@aol.com

----------------------------------
12. Auction Of Vintage Magic Tricks
----------------------------------
Message from Steve Hunt (UK)

Just to let you know about an auction of vintage magic tricks, books
etc, and also circus items, ventriloquists doll, Punch & Judy
puppets, rare circus books and more, this Sunday August 11th at the
Playbox Theatre, Warwick. The catalogue with many colour pictures is
online at www.aamag.co.uk

We hope to have another auction early in 2003, please contact us if
you have items for sale.

----------------------------------
13. Charles Gauci's Sept-Oct-Nov Lecture Tour
----------------------------------
Message from Charles Gauci's (Aust)

September IBM Ring Town/State
4 188 Melbourne   Florida
10 175 Tampa Bay    //
11 150 Ft Lauderdale  //

13-15 Spotlight Convention Pennsylvania
16 9 Atlanta Georgia
17 112 Chattanooga Tennessee
19 37 Nashville            //
23 103 Norfolk Virginia
25 180 Richmond  //
29 222 Roanoke   //
30 320 Staunton    //

1 October 179 Baltimore Maryland
2 94 Hagerstown   //
3 74 Syracuse NY
7 12 Buffalo NY
8 79 Birmingham NY
9 Magical Arts Center NY
10 113 Lyndhurst NJ

17-20 Club Magico Conv. Venice Italy
25-27 Zauberkongress Zurich Switzerland
31-3 AFAP Conv. Nancy France

----------------------------------
14. Magic On The Beach
----------------------------------
Message from Seth Ossinsky

International Brotherhood of Magicians
Syd Bergson Ring 45 · Miami, Florida

Presents the 8th Annual

Magic on the Beach
November 1, 2 & 3, 2002

Featuring:
James Dimmare
Rene Lavand · John Carney · Falkenstein & Willard
Master Manipulator from Argentina: Roberto Mansilla
Japan's: Shoot Ogawa
Rocky Mountain Magic: Doc Eason
Visual Magic: David Evangelista
Balloon Sculpture Champion: Patrick Brown

Special Guest: Senor Fantasio
More TBA!

*Magic Contest Grand Prize:
Free registration and hotel room to the FMA Convention 2003.
Plus Cash awards.
*Grand prize may be withheld at the Judges discretion.

Registration Fees: Magician (Adult) $75.00 · Spouse: $50.00
Juniors: (17 & under) $50.00. Day Pass: $40.00 per day.
(Order now, fees increase $10.00 at the door)
Register online:
www.ring45.com

or mail check, (made out to IBM Ring 45, Inc.), to Convention 2002 ·
P.O. Box 960206 · Miami, Florida 33296
Cancellation Policy: If we receive a written cancellation before
October 15, 2002 you will receive a refund less a $10.00 per person,
administration fee.

Special Hotel Room Rate ONLY $79.00 per night
Ramada Plaza Marco Polo Beach Resort
19201 Collins Ave. · Miami Beach, FL 33160 (305) 932-2233

Tentative Schedule of Events

Friday November 1, 2002
2:30 - 5:00 pm Registration Opens Compass Foyer
2:30 - 6:30 pm Dealers Open Compass Room
5:00 - 6:30 pm Welcome Party Compass Room
6:30 - 7:30 pm Lecture - David Evangelista Persian Room
8:00 - 9:00 pm Close-up Show Persian Room

Featuring:
Doc Eason
Shoot Ogawa
John Carney
9:00 - 10:00 pm Lecture -Fantasio Persian Room
10:00 - 11:00 pm Contestants meeting Persian Room
10:00 - 12:00 am Dealers Open Compass Room
11:00 am - ????? Lecture-John Carney Persian Room

Saturday November 2, 2002
8:30 - 9:00 am Contestants Sign - In International Room
9:00 - 11:00 am Contest International Room
9:00 - 11:00 am Registration Open Compass Foyer
9:00 - 11:00 am Dealers Open Compass Room
10:00 - 11:00 am Lecture-Glen Falkenstein Persian Room
11:00 - 2:00 pm Spouse Event "Bingo" Compass Room
11:00 - 2:00 pm Junior Event: Sid Marcus Jade Room
1:00 - 2:00 pm Lecture-Shoot Ogawa International Room
2:30 - 3:30 pm Lecture- Doc Eason Thirst & Ten Lounge
3:30 - 7:00 pm Dealers Open Compass Room
3:30- ????? Optional Carney Workshop Jade Room
8:15 - 10:00 pm Stage Show featuring Persian Room
Robert Mansilla
Falkenstein & Willard
Shoot Ogawa
John Carney
James Dimmare

10:00 - 12:00 am Dealers Open Compass Room
11:00 pm - ???? Lecture- Patrick Brown International Room

Sunday November 3 2002
9:00 - 11:00 am Dealers Open Compass Room
9:00 - 10:00 am Contestant Critique Jade Room
9:00 - 10:00 am Balloon Contest International Room
10:00 - 11:30 pm Show/Lecture- Rene Lavand Persian Room
1:00 - 2:30 pm Variety Show Featuring Persian Room
MC: Timm Metivier
David Evangelista
Contest Winner
Special Guest: Senor FANTASIO

-----------------------------------------
And Also don’t forget On September 21, 2002 in Daytona Beach,
Florida a very large Magic Fleamarket and Magic Auction. put on by
IBM Ring 251

www.funmrmagic.com/flemarket2002.htm

----------------------------------
15. Michel Clavello & Greco Lecture
----------------------------------
Message from Michael Canick

WHEN: Thursday, September 5, 2002 7:00 p.m. (about two hours total).

WHERE: At our store: 200 East 82nd Street, #3B New York, NY 10028

FEE: $25 in advance; $30 at the door; $20 for Book Club members
(includes refreshments)

WHAT: Michel Clavello & Greco (owners of the Vernet magic company)
will give a rare presentation. Michel will lecture on "The Invisible
Hand" and Greco will give his hand shadow demonstration.

The Invisible Hand is special kind of Hold Out (based on Jack
Miller's idea), that Michel & Greco have been working on since 1979. 
One of the features that has garnered it rave reviews is that it allow 
you to take off your coat at any moment! The Vernet boys have 
devised new moves and have created more than 50 effects for close up, 
parlor and stage using ropes, balls, bills, cards, rising cards, fire, silks etc.

Arthur Emerson, on the TAOM web page, has this to say about The
Invisible Hand:
"This unbelievable presentation was the talk of SAM-New Orleans.
Michel's ability to perform a great many and varied effects with one
gimmick is just that - unbelievable. But he made a believer out of
me and he will do the same for you."

In addition, attendees are in for a special treat when they see
Greco - one of the world's leading practitioners - demonstrate & 
discuss hismastery of shadowgraphy, the art of making hand shadows

As usual, refreshments will be served and attendees will have the
opportunity to purchase The Invisible Hand Set: (book, device & some
attachments) as well as Vernet's Phantom Deck, not to mention our
magic books.

Please contact us if you need more information or to make
reservations.

Phone: (212) 585-2990
E-Mail: canick@panix.com
Website: www.canick.com

----------------------------------
16. I Need Some Info...?
----------------------------------
Message from Adrian Smith (South Africa) adrian3@freemail.absa.co.za

I’m looking for any ideas on marketing tips for Children's Birthday
Parties (promotional ideas , give away's , novelties , pictures, business
cards etc....)

----------------------------------
17. Calling All Magi...A Garden In Ayr To Save..
----------------------------------
Message from Ben Robinson (US)

Copy this letter, or write one or your own...

August 3, 2002

Mr. Ronald Sheed
ronald.sheed@southayrshire.gov.uk
Director of Environment
Land & Property
South Ayrshire Council
Burns House
Burns Statue Square
AyrKAZ Scotland

Dear Mr. Sheed:

I am writing to express my concern over potential action that would
disrupt the location of the John Ramsay Garden in Ayr, Scotland.

Mr Sheed, I am a conjuror. A full time, pull rabbit out of a hat
legerdemainist. I live in New York City. There are only about 500
such practitioners worldwide.

We take our craft very seriously, and we respect our history as an
art, and that is why we have been able to move forward as an art.

One such practitioner was John Ramsay. Eloquent, handsome and
amazingly talented, Mr. Ramsay set the trend for many magicians in
the UK and in the world. I remember reading his books as a kid. I
have planned all my life to get to Ayr and see this garden. It is
one of the many pilgrimages magicians are apt to make.

It would be a very sad day in all of our lives if one of our brother
’s achievements (the garden dedicated to him) were smashed aside to
make room for some beer hall. Yes, beer does have its place, but
really, at the price of honoring a man's life achievement? I ask you
sir, were a garden dedicated to you for what you have done with your
time on Earth, how would your mates and relatives feel were it
ploughed over, removed, relocated, discarded or trampled on?

The move you consider is a risky one. I implore you to reconsider
your actions immediately.

Sincerely,

Ben Robinson
www.illusiongenius.com

----------------------------------
18. The Orchante Saga #116
----------------------------------
Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi)

Trevor King – Q S M – ‘The Amazing Mr Rooklyn’ & other various
hypnotists

Trevor did two New Zealand tours with ‘Dormia’. She drew good
crowds. The first half of the show featured CHRISTINE – ‘The Lady
With The Million Dollar Mind! She worked with her husband Jimmy
Vaughan, doing a mind reading act using a code system that must have
taken years to perfect – very, very fast! Unfortunately, Jimmy had a
drink problem. He would ‘hit the booze’ and go missing from the show
for 4 days! They had performed their act all over Europe and at the
London Palladium, finishing up working in a tent in sideshows and
carnivals all over N. Z. All the years I’ve known them, I will swear
that, no matter what the weather, or time of day or night - the suit
that Jimmy always wore, WAS THE SAME SUIT! It must have been made of
the same indestructible material as ‘Superman’s’ costume! Burns
Scandrett will back me up on that, I’m sure, and he knows them far
better than I do.

Dormia, says Trevor, got too carried away with staging a ‘Scientific
Show’ to prove how good hypnosis is in the treatment of various
ailments, and forgetting that the audience where there to enjoy
themselves. After the show she would complain about the audience
laughing etc. so Trevor told her: “Look Dormia – if you want to get
mixed up in the medical side of hypnosis, hire the bloody Auckland
Concert Chamber… give away 400 Free tickets to Medical Students”….
“YOU are here to provide ENTERTAINMENT! As I say in MY Publicity; ‘A
RIOT OF LAUGHS’…. -‘IF THIS IS NOT THE FUNNIEST SHOW YOU’VE EVER
SEEN – YOUR LAUGHS WILL BE REFUNDED”!

Dormia has her own Hypnotherapies Clinic in Princess Street,.
Auckland and has been successfully practicing Medical Hypnosis for
over 22 years! (She is more than likely retired by now)

HYPNOTISTS: The first hypnotist to visit N.Z. was ‘CECCARELLI’ (date
unknown to this writer), ‘VAN LOEWE’ (N.Z hypnotist), he went to
Australia with George Tollerton. Van Loewe eventually to return to
N.Z., AND PACKED OUT! During the Fifties he teamed up for a tour
with: ‘THE AMAZING MR ROOKLYN’ (from Australia) Magician/Illusionist
(also a Hypnotist in his own right) – first half of the show was Van
Lowe with Maurie Rooklyn doing the second half. The poster reads:
FIRST TIME in NEW ZEALAND THEATRICAL HISTORY… 2 WORLD Famous
Personalities Together! The Amazing Mr ROOKLYN – MAGIC of the MINDS
and HANDS…. The Eminent VAN LOEWE – HIGHLIGHTS of HYPNOTISM.

The (late) Amazing Mr Rooklyn toured the world with his big illusion
show (often using a train to carry all his equipment and staff),
including N.Z. several times. He performed his own hypnotic show
during the first half of his stage show (When we were living in
Sydney Australia, Veronica and I became close friends with Maurie
and his wife Connie, he became like a father to me - I do miss him).

Maurie personally signed and gifted to me, a ‘LIMITED DELUXE EDITION
’ of his wonderful book - entitled: ‘SPHERICAL SORCERY &
RECOLLECTIONS OF A PRO’ - A treatise of Advanced Manipulations With
Billiards Balls and Memoirs Of A Magician’. In it, he describes in
great detail, his famous billiards ball routine complete with
photographs. Also in the book, as the title suggests, are many, many
stories gleaned from his many years at as a Professional,
International Magician and entertainer. One in particular, titled:
‘AMNESIA’, involves Van Loewe. This is the story, exactly as Maurie
wrote it.

“Sometime during the Fifties I toured New Zealand with a hypnotist
named Van Loewe. I worked one half the show - my billing read,
‘Magic of the Mind and Hands’ and Van Loewe was billed as a
hypnotist. It was opening night at the Grand Opera House,
Wellington. Van Lowe had hypnotised a number of people and left them
seated in semi-circle while he walked to a microphone at the
footlights. The house was packed. Addressing the audience, Lowe said
he would induce a state of amnesia in one of his subjects, so that
they would have a complete loss of memory”.

“Lowe walked back to his subjects, took the hand of a young lady,
and returned with her to the microphone. He then said to her, “You
will go into a state of amnesia. Your memory will go. I will count
to three and snap my fingers. You will then open your eyes, but you
will remember nothing”!

Page 117
When Loewe snapped his fingers, the young lady opened her eyes,
whereupon he asked her, “What is your name?” The girl replied, “I
don’t know”. Loewe then asked, “Where are you?” and again she
replied, “I don’t know”. Finally, he asked, “What are you doing
here?” and the reply was the same, “I don’t know”. Loewe then told
the girl to close her eyes and, turning to the microphone, told the
audience that he would now command the girl to open her eyes, and
that, immediately she did so, her memory would be completely
restored. At this, Loewe turned to the young lady and said, “I will
now count to three, and snap my fingers. You will then open your
eyes, and your memory will be restored”. Loewe counted to three,
snapped his fingers, and the young lady opened her eyes. Loewe
paused for a moment then asked, “What’s your name?” The girl
replied, “Elsie”. Loewe then asked, “Where are you? She replied, “At
the Grand Opera House”.

Van Loewe turned to the audience, smiled, and, turning back to the
young lady, enquired, “What are you doing here?” She replied, “I
CAME TO SEE MR ROOKLYN”. The audience roared with laughter, Van
Loewe did too.

There is a great deal about my dear, late friend Maurie Rooklyn that
I wish to write. I will do so when I begin the TEN WONDERFUL YEARS
OF MY/OUR LIFE IN AUSTRALIA; but in the meantime, and for the
benefit of those who are unaware of this great Australian Magician,
here is an ABBREVIATED INTRODUCTION to his book, written by LEWIS
GANSON in 1973.

“In Britain, Maurice Rooklyn is best known for his superb
manipulative skill with billiards balls; in 1936 to 1939 he toured
our best variety theatres with his entertaining act in which his
‘Spherical Sorcery’ was featured. I first met him at the Portsmouth
Hippodrome (blitzed during the war), and spent most of that week in
his company. At that time he was preparing a book on billiards balls
manipulation and I was eager to secure the first copy. Photographs
had been taken and sheaves of notes written for what was to be: ‘The
Most Complete Work On The Subject Ever Produced’. He allowed me to
study everything to my heart's content, and publication was eagerly
awaited. With war imminent, it did not get to the printing stage,
but now, over 30 years later (Remember, this abbreviated intro’ was
written in 1973 - Tom), I am delighted that the book is to be
published. Since 1939, Maurice has revised and altered the text, new
photographs have been taken to augment those few saved from a fire
that destroyed most of the original manuscript, and the whole
project has been brought up to date. So now we have not only a
record of Maurice’s work and experience in the manipulation of
billiards balls, but also a volume which will become ‘The Standard
Book Of Reference’, on this branch of the art of ‘Manipulative 
Magic’.”

“At the International Brotherhood Of Magicians (British ring)
convention at Eastbourne in 1958, he topped the bill on the Gala
Show and his act was just as thrilling to see then, as it was
twenty - two years earlier. Maurice himself had not seemed to age
one bit and the act was as fresh and effective as ever. He has
visited this country several times since then, and appeared at many
of our conventions, so a new generation of magicians has been able
to appreciate the performance of this fine magician! After his
successful tour of Britain, Maurice Rooklyn returned to Australia,
and we next heard of him touring with a ‘LAVISH AND SPECTACULAR FULL
EVENING SHOW OF MAGIC’. He received excellent reviews and the show
was a financial success. Being a keen businessman, he sensed that
with the ever - increasing transportation costs, wages and the
decreasing number of theatres to play, the time had come to close
down the big show. Accordingly he went back to his manipulation act,
and that's the act we have seen in Britain.”

“Now, Maurice tells me he is living a rather quiet life and has
disposed of most of the show, but I guess those billiards balls are
carefully preserved. This book too will enable future generations of
magicians to appreciate the work of one of magic’s great
personalities - certainly a name which will live for ever, in ‘Magic
’s Hall of Fame’!”

POST SCRIPT

Bart Whaley “Whos Who in Magic” listing for Rooklyn, Maurice
"Maury", MIMC
CORRECT SPELLING IS:
“-‘MAURIE’ -
(Blackburn, England: 6 May 1905-22 Jul 1992) Inspired at age 4
seeing a magician. Moved to Australia at age 5. Learned at age 11
reading Hopkins' Magic, Stage Illusions. Pro illusionist &
manipulator since age 15 & with own show by 1928. In 1934 was shot
on 2 occasions doing Bullet Catch. Toured Britain 1936-40 with his
billiard-ball act. Thence returned home, touring a large illusion
show in Australia, Japan (1947), & New Zealand (1947 & 1949) until
1954. Always billed as "The Amazing Mr. Rooklyn".
Won 1958 FISM 1st prize in manip. 1974 AMA Performing Fellowship;
1984 AMA Masters Fellowship. A fall down stairs in 1987 rendered him
quadriplegic. 1991 SAM Hall of Fame.
Memoir is Spherical Sorcery and Recollections of a `Pro' (1973,
287pp).

Maurie died in 1992
Rooklyn, (Connie Maddison) "Konni"
(Sydney, Australia: 30 Sep 1928- ) Born Connie Maddison. In 1972
became assistant of Maurice Rooklyn, marrying him in 1980. Since
1974 when husband taught her she does own card manip act as "The
Queen of Hearts" & since 1980 also does childrens shows as "Konni
The Klown" with magic, rag pictures, & balloon sculpture.”

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