* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand e-zine
* www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #159
Date: 23rd February 2003
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 Flicking Fingers Down Under
3. Dave Crivello - Illness
4. Mini Convention - Wanganui
5. Welcome From The Seas Of China
6. Visiting South Africa
7. Starlight Children's Foundation
8. Love Of Magic Opens Many Doors
9. Calling All Friends Of Jon Zealando
10. International Magic Yellow Pages Update
11. The Amazing ‘Orchante’ Saga - Page 147
12. Magic New Zealand e-zine archives
13. Subscription Management

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

This years Teddy Bears Picnic in Auckland attracted a crowd of
approximately 45,000 entertainers on stage were Wayne Rogers (The
Amazing Chicane), Ronald McDonald, Mica the Clown and Alan Watson
assisted by Michele, Melanie and Aleshia.  Strolling performers
Jonathan Acorn, Thomas (Ping Pong) and Mark Felton (Jiggles).

----------------------------------
URGENT message to New Zealand and Australian magicians: 
Refer Item 10

Wittus Witt from Germany, Editor of the Yellow Pages has sent me the
complete list of all New Zealand and Australian magicians and clubs
who are featured.

Quite a number require updating - eg phone numbers, fax and e-mail
details.  If your magic club does not appear in the following list
please forward your details URGENTLY onto Wittus. 

e-mail: abc@wittuswitt.de

Wittus has produced an excellent resource for the magic community
and Magic New Zealand is very supportive of this wonderful
publication.

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

------------------------------------
2. The Flicking Fingers Down Under
-------------------------------------
Message from Sean Taylor (Aust)

April 19th-20th Zenith Theatre, Chatswood

The biggest magic convention event ever to hit our shores is now
just 2 months away!

Thomas Fraps, The Head Finger has just sent me a detailed breakdown
of the programme and boy it looks FANTASTIC. The mix of stand-up
comedy magic, close-up magic, mentalism and down right good fun is
staggering. It has been suggested by some (who don't know!) that
this is all difficult stuff you'd never do. They are very very
wrong. This is a unique weekend which is not to be missed by
magicians of all levels.

The eight fingers confirmed attending are Pit Hartling, Rainer
Pfeiffer, Gaston, Nicolai Frederick, Helge Thun, Manuel Muerte, Ben
Profane and Thomas Fraps. The weekend will feature five 90 minute
individual lectures, The award winning 8 man FISM lecture, a full
close-up show, a full evening stage show, and a Comedy MagicSports
improve show. In addition, the attendees will split into three
groups on Sunday to attend unique two hour workshops of their choice
in cards, coins, acting and presentation etc.

All eight are multi award winning magicians (The fingers hold a
total of 9 FISM world championship awards). Each is an International
star in his own right but to get them to come together like this is
a unique event. The Fingers each speak perfect English and in fact
we will be the first to see and purchase their brand new 2 hour
English DVD scheduled for release at our event. For more finger info
check out www.diefertigenfinger.com

If you have not booked, there is still time and plenty of space in
Australia's most exciting new magic venue, the Zenith theatre. The
weekend costs just $200 for all events! There is an additional
dinner for $40. Guests are welcome at the Public show on Saturday
night. $20 for show only or $60 with dinner. Contact us now!
Taylorsmagicshop@aol.com

-------------------------------------
3. Dave Crivello - Illness
-------------------------------------
Message from Maria Ibanez (US)

Saturday, February 22, 2003 -- just received word that Dave
Crivello, long time registrar for the Florida Magicians Association,
Officer of the FMA, and all around good guy is ill.

I've spoken with Dave by phone and while the preliminary reports are
that he had a mild stroke, he sounds optimistic and strong. Word as
of this moment, 6:30 p.m. is that the medical team is checking some
weakness in the heart, a new problem as Dave has always had not just
a great heart full of love for everyone and magic, but a strong one
as well.

Please keep Dave in your thoughts and prayers and if anyone wishes
to contact him, I have a phone number both for the hospital and to
his room directly.

---------------------------------
4. Mini Convention - Wanganui
----------------------------------
Message from Norm Twigge (NZ)

For the e-zine - - - The rumours have been circulating but the
official word is now out. Palmerston North Magic Circle is hosting a
day and a half Mini Convention in Wanganui on Queen's Birthday
weekend of this year , running Saturday morning 31 May to Sunday 1
June midday.

Lectures by N.Z’s Wayne Rogers on Stand-up magic and Pat-Trick from
Australia on Close - up magic. Competitions are Close-up and a 3
minute silk routine, and there will be workshops, sales tables and
all the usual fun of such an event. Registration fee is still being
formulated, and as soon as it is finalised registration forms and
programme will be available.

Contact the Secretary normtwigge@xtra.co.nz or 19 Hampden Street,
Palmerston North if interested.

---------------------------------
5. Welcome From The Seas Of China
----------------------------------
Message from Duck Cameron (Aust)

Veronika and I have extended our contract yet again with Star
Cruises, performing our 45 min. show 'Magica Gemini' and now will be
sailing between Hong Kong, Vietnam and Mainland China until at least
the middle of April.

In regards to the Copperfield DVD 'Illusions' search, requested by
Michael Krantis: contact me at duck@duckmagic.com with an address
and I will be happy to forward a copy, as every video store in China
and Hong Kong has this in stock.

--------------------------------
6. Visiting South Africa
----------------------------------
Message from Wolfgang Messelken (Germany)

a.) At April 17th and 18th this year I’m going to visit South
Africa, Kapstadt. I`m interested in meeting magicians and in
visiting dealers.

b.) On May 24th we will have a lecture with Martin Lewis and on 25th
the only Workshop with him during his Germany lecture tour.

c.) We do have a new forum for magicians. There we have an English
corner. Perhaps there is some interest in taking part at our forum.
It can be reached under http://www.magicmeetingpoint.de

d.) In July we will take part at FISM in Den Haag. We are
represented there with a booth.

All the best from Germany to the opposite side of this wonderful
world.

With magical regards

Manipulix

----------------------------------
7. Starlight Children's Foundation
----------------------------------
Message from Steven M Bye

Dear Fellow Magicians,

On Saturday 10th May 2003, the International Stars of Magic and
Celebrity Cricket Match will be held to raise funds for the
Starlight Children's Foundation. We are seeking help from Magicians
like yourself to either donate special items for auction or to
attend the day and participate in the celebrity match.

We are expecting 1,000s of people to attend with 30+ celebrities in
attendance and would like to invite you to be involved as a
celebrity guest. Our celebrity guests will receive support and
special thanks throughout the day and will be provided with
publicity Opportunities

This Charity event will be staged at the Telarah Bowling Club in
Maitland. Special events on the day include a Gala Celebrity
Luncheon, Grand final prizes, raffles, International Stars of Magic
Show, bands and over 20 Roving Entertainers. The evening
International Stars of Magic show is proud to present Martin St
James' The Worlds Greatest Hypnotist' and Australia's leading line
of Magicians including Tim Ellis and Sue-Anne Webster, and Matt
Hollywood with others to be confirmed.

We believe that with personalities like you in attendance a lot of
support will be attracted on the day. Our goal is to ensure the
event is a success in order to help raise much needed funds for the
Starlight Children's Foundation

We have already been donated items from such people like Lance
Burton and waiting to hear from others. We have set up a site on
eBay as well.

Please contact me for any further information for the event,
sponsorship opportunities and or availability. Your support is
greatly appreciated for such a worthy cause and we look forward to
creating ' A Little Bit of Magic' in the eyes of more and more
children this year.

NB All Accommodation and Transport is being provided

60 South Street,
Telarah NSW 2320
Ph (02) 49 323486
Mob: 0422 456 486
Email: internationalstarsofmagic@yahoo.com.au
Website: www.magicfunday.web-effects.net

----------------------------------
8. Love Of Magic Opens Many Doors
----------------------------------
Message from Nicholas Carifo

I have been fortunate to be the subject of several press pieces
published in the past couple of weeks, in the United States,
highlighting my magic career and acting endeavours. I thought your
readers might be interested in seeing them. They did a nice job.

Best Wishes,
Nicholas Carifo
Los Angeles, California
www.ModernMagician.com

----------------------------
The Star, Feb 5, 2003
"LOVE OF MAGIC OPENS MANY DOORS..."
http://icdus.com/stories/story.asp?ID=4796

Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Jan 18, 2003
"EXTRA, EXTRA" (second story down)
http://www.post-gazette.com/tv/20030118tvnote0118fnp3.asp

Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Jan 29, 2003 Edition (no web link)
"MAGIC MAN: Conjures Himself a Career in the Entertainment World"

The Times, Jan 19, 2003
"Carifo Hangs Out Each Week With Drew"
http://www.timesonline.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=6745045&BRD=2305&PAG
=461&dep

----------------------------------
9. Calling All Friends Of Jon Zealando
----------------------------------
Message from Jon Zealando (NZ)

Legendary Kiwi Magician, Fakir, Ventriloquist, Escapologist,
lecturer, Flash Wand maker, Grandmaster of Magic medal recipient and
past President I.B.M. Ring 160.

Jon doing an around the world trip with his friend Jeff Parry who is
terminally ill (Jeff is not a magician but an enthusiast, especially
in cars, vintage, classic & rally driver etc. Jon would enjoy
catching up, sharing times, and club nights. etc...hasn't got the
time to correspond individually...here is his itinerary if he is
coming your way at a suitable time please send names and phone
numbers to e-mail jonzealando@clear.net.nz before the 5th of March.

Adelaide Australia.8th March till 29th march.
Bangkok 1st to the 10th April
London &UK 12th till 24th April
Athens.. Paris 25thApril till May the 4th.
New York 5th till 18th May
San Francisco 19th till 22nd.May
Los Angeles...Las Vegas 23rd May till June 1st.
Brisbane 3rd till 15th June....

Urgent response to jonzealando@clear.net.nz
or Phone 09 6364822 N.Z.

----------------------------------
10. International Magic Yellow Pages Update
----------------------------------
Message from Wittus Witt (Germany) abc@wittuswitt.de

Australia
THE W. G. ALMA CONJURING COLLECTION
State Library of Victoria
328 Swanston Street
VIC 3000
Melbourne
Tel.: 03-9669-9834
Fax:
Email:
Web: http://www.vicnet.net.au/vicnet/magic/alma.htm
Subject: Archive

Australia
Performing Arts Museum
Victorian Arts Centre
100 St. Kilda Road
VIC 3000
Melbourne
Tel.: 03-9281-8000
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Archive

Australia
State Library of New South Wales
The Robbins Collection of Stage Magic and Conjuring
Macquarie Street
NSW 2000
Sydney
Tel.: 02-230-1414
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Archive

Australia
The M Spot
David J. Brown
720 Burke Road
VIC 3124
Camberwell
Tel.: 613-9804 0720
Fax: 613-9804 0100
Email: abra@vitel.com.au
Web:
Subject: Balloons Tricks Illusions

Australia
Abracadabra Magic
David J. Brown
Basement Studio
1 Cookson St
Vic 3124
Camberwell
Tel.: 613-9804-0720
Fax: 613-9804-0100
Email: abra@vitel.com.aus
Web:
Subject: Books Illusions Tricks

Australia
IBM-Ring No.102 - Maurice Rooklyn - Sydney
Steve Pullan
25 Stewart Ave
NSW 2077
Harnsby,
Tel.: 612-9225-5387
Fax:
Email: steve@ccd.com.au
Web:
Subject: club

Australia
IBM-Ring No.148 - Garden City Ring - Adelaide
Deane LeCornu
31 Harcourt Ave Avenue
S.A. 5042
Clovelly Park
Tel.: 08-8276 9835
Fax:
Email: deane@adam.com.au
Web:
Subject: club

Australia
IBM-Ring No.84 - Charles Waller Ring - Victoria
Margaret Yates
PO Box 4506
VICTORIA 3134
Ringwood,
Tel.: +613-3-9397-7104
Fax:
Email: yates@join.net.au
Web:
Subject: club

Australia
Australian Society of Magicians
c/o Graham Etherington
Box 5285 BB GPO
VIC 3001
Melbourne
Tel.: 03 9786 5481
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Clubs

Australia
Geelong Magic Club
Fitzgerald, Ray
19 Walpole Ave
VIC 3216
Belmont
Tel.: 052 434 002
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Clubs

Australia
Geniis Magical Society
c/o Steve Walker
31 Coolong St.
NSW 2154
Castle Hill
Tel.: 02-4655 6779
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Clubs

Australia
Magic Circle of Victoria
Don Crawford
P. O. Box 141
VIC 3150
Glen Waverley
Tel.: 03 - 9523 5540
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Clubs

Australia
Newcastle Society of Magicians
David Whitson
PO Box 412
NSW 2285
Cardiff
Tel.: 02-4954 0074
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Clubs

Australia
North Queensland Society of Magical Entertainers
Iain McDougall
PO Box 1376
QLD 4810
Townsville
Tel.: 077-724 588
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Clubs

Australia
Queensland Society of Magicians
Dave Lord
P. O. Box 124
QLD 4030
Lutwyche
Tel.:
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Clubs

Australia
S-A-M Assembly No. 116
Allan Sullivan
64 Bestic Street
2216
N S W
Tel.:
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Clubs

Australia
South Coast Australian Magicians Society
Cameron Biggart
1 Almond St
NSW 2571
Wilton
Tel.: 042-212 333
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Clubs

Australia
West Australian Society of Magicians
Tom Marshall
28A Dilkara Way
WA 6015
City Beach
Tel.:
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Clubs

Australia
Douglas Clark
10 Tanis St., Eight Mile Plains
QLD, 4113
Brisbane
Tel.:
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Collector

Australia
Barry Govan
P. O. Box 822
VIC 3337
Melton
Tel.: 03 9747 9313
Fax: 03 9747 0281
Email:
Web:
Subject: Collector

Australia
Kevin Harris
14 Bay-view Street
VIC 3016
Victoria
Tel.:
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Collector

Australia
Brian McCullagh
15/34 Minter Street
N.S.W. 2193
Canterbury
Tel.: 02-787-1629
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Collector

Australia
Roger Sanders
P.O. Box 333, (24 Barrow Street) Mt. Martha
3934
Victoria
Tel.: 03-5974-43 33
Fax: 03-5974-43 30
Email: rsanders@melbpc.org.au
Web:
Subject: Collector

Australia
John Smith
P.O.Box 907G
VIC 3001
Melbourne
Tel.:
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Collector

Australia
Margaret Yates
28 Hall Rd
VIC 3134
S. Warrandyte
Tel.: 03 9844 2444
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Collector

Australia
Kent Blackmore
8/33-35 Muriel St
N.S.W. 2077
Hornsby
Tel.: 02 476 5242
Fax:
Email: levante@mpx.com.au
Web:
Subject: Collector E-mail-addresses Webpage

Australia
Magic Wand Enterprises Pty. Ltd
Peter May
P.O.Box 7776
4217
G.C.M.C Bundall, Qld
Tel.: 0414-776-633
Fax: 07-5597-1434
Email:
Web:
Subject: Illusions

Australia
Steve Walker
31 Coolong St.
NSW 2154
Castle Hill
Tel.: 65 2 634 2208
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Magic Tours

Australia
Graham Etherington
Abracadabra Promotions
15 Longleaf St.
VIC 3200
Frankston
Tel.: 03 9786 5481
Fax: 03 97867951
Email: mrtricks@ozemail.com.au
Web: http://www.mrtricks.com.au/
Subject: Magic Tours Tricks

Australia
CHRISTMAS MAGIC JOURNAL
Brian McCullagh
P O Box 43
NSW 2193
Canterbury
Tel.:
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Periodical

Australia
Paul Bromfield
5 Cavendish Road
7009
Moonah, Tasmania
Tel.: 002-28-4449
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Second Hand

Australia
E. Gillard
1 Little Street
Georgetown, Tasmania
Tel.: 03-86 321 003
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Second Hand

Australia
A & R. Magic
Tony Ivens
18 Dryden Street
SA 5035
Blackforest
Tel.: 658 297-9851
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Tricks

Australia
Abracadabra Magic Supplies
Mal Holmes
22 Allora Street
QLD 4133
Waterford West
Tel.: +61 - 7- 805 1160
Fax: +61 - 7- 805 1160
Email:
Web:
Subject: Tricks

Australia
Adelaide Magic Factory
3 Bransby Avenue
S.A. 5037
North Plympton
Tel.: 015-565116
Fax: 08-83712839
Email: adlmagic@bigpond.com
Web:
Subject: Tricks

Australia
Ben Harris Magic
PO Box 86
4013
Northgate
Tel.: 65 7 266-2223
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Tricks

Australia
Blueprint Magic
Barry Govan
P. O. Box 822
VIC 3337
Melton
Tel.: 03 9747 9313
Fax: 03 9747 0281
Email:
Web:
Subject: Tricks

Australia
Boomerang Magic
P. O. Box 16
N.S.W. 2154
Castle Hill
Tel.:
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Tricks

Australia
Dave Lord's Magic Works
Dave Lord
P. O. Box 124
QLD 4030
Lutwyche
Tel.: 07-3862 2848
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Tricks

Australia
DeLarno's Magic Centre
Alfred Hayes
P.O. Box 190
N.S.W. 2049
Petersham, Sydney
Tel.: 65 2 569-1318
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Tricks

Australia
The Fair Dinkum Magic Company
John Dachs
145 Riverside Ave. MS 538
QLD 4306
Barellan Pt.
Tel.:
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Tricks

Australia
Hey Presto Magic Shop
Shop P34
Imperial Arcade
83-85 Pitt Street
2000
Sydney, NSW
Tel.: 02-9232-7663
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Tricks

Australia
Magic Unlimited
Tim Ellis and Sue-Anne Webster
3/114 Bent Street
Victoria 3070
Northcote
Tel.: 03-9486 4445
Fax: 03-9486 4040
Email: katzkin@ozemail.com
Web: http://www.MagicUnlimited.com
Subject: Tricks

Australia
New Magic Times
New Magic Pty Ltd
7 Dene Avenue, Malvern East,
3145
Victoria, Australia
Tel.: +613 9885 5888
Fax: +613 9886 9111
Email: sales@newmagic.com.au
Web: http://www.newmagic.com.au:8080/contact.htm
Subject: Tricks

Australia
Taylor's Magic Shop - Shop 1
The Interchange
Sean & Diana Taylor
432 Victoria Ave
NSW 2067
Chatswood
Tel.: 612-9411-6233
Fax: 612-9419-8585
Email: staylor@enternet.com.au
Web:
Subject: Tricks Collector

Australia
Mountain Magic Mail Order Co.
P. O. Box 337
NSW 2550
Bega
Tel.: 02-6492-2940
Fax: 02-6492-2940
Email: boyddp@acr.net.au
Web:
Subject: Tricks E-mail-addresses

Australia
Bernard's Magic Shop
KristinaAustralia's Oldest Magic Shop!
Kristina
211 Elizabeth Street
VIC 3000
Melbourne
Tel.: 03-9670 9270
Fax: 03-9600 4545
Email: info@bernardsmagic.com.au
Web: www.bernardsmagic.com.au
Subject: Tricks Video E-mail-addresses Webpage

New Zealand
Shad Rutherford
69 Vagues Road
Northcote, Christchurch
Tel.: 03-352-3150
Fax: 03-352-3125
Email: shad@entertainer.co.nz
Web: www.entertainer.co.nz
Subject: Balloons

New Zealand
IBM-Ring No.160 - Auckland Ring - Auckland
Tony Wilson
14 Roadley Ave
Auckland
Pakuranga
Tel.: 64-9-5769581
Fax:
Email: twilson@xtra.co.nz
Web:
Subject: club

New Zealand
Bay of Plenty Magic Circle
John Martin
Matamata Road
Tirau
Tel.: 0800-624-424 or 07-883 1928
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Clubs

New Zealand
Brotherhood of Auckland Magicians
Graham Bennett
1 O'Neils Road
Takapuna, Auckland
Tel.: 09-486-1253
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Clubs

New Zealand
Canterbury Society of Magicians
Bryan Whittington
Secretary
78 Northcote Road
Papanui, Christchurch
Tel.: 03-3106433
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Clubs

New Zealand
Hawkes Bay Magicians Society
Deryck Olsen
Secretary
1A Cameron Terrace
Napier
Tel.: 06 - 8356257
Fax:
Email: bmreid@xtra.co.nz.
Web:
Subject: Clubs

New Zealand
Hutt Valley Magicians Society
Michael Woolf
P. O. Box 38046
Wellington Mail Centre
Tel.: 04-5870045
Fax:
Email: michaelw@ihug.co.nz
Web:
Subject: Clubs

New Zealand
New Zealand Society of Magicians
Malcom Solverman
Box 27494 MT Roskill
Auckland
Tel.:
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Clubs

New Zealand
Northland Magic Circle
Noel Dyer
31 Te Anau Place
Whangarei
Tel.: 435-0287
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Clubs

New Zealand
The Otago Magic Circle
David Harris
President
117 Cockwell Str. Brockville
Dunedin
Tel.: 487 8554
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Clubs

New Zealand
Palmerston North Magic Circle
Norm Twigge
Secretary
19 Hampden St.
Palmerston North
Tel.: 06-357-8232
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Clubs

New Zealand
Southland Magic Circle
Ivan Hannah
P.O.Box 1594
Invercargill
Tel.: 03 - 2183-447
Fax: 03 - 2183-447
Email:
Web:
Subject: Clubs

New Zealand
Waikato Magic Circle
Theo De Leeuw
Secretary
17 Cedar park Road
Hamilton
Tel.: 07-8560102
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Clubs

New Zealand
Michael Woolf
P. O. Box 38046
Wellington Mail Centre
Tel.: 64-4 587 0045
Fax: 64-4 587 0042
Email: michaelw@ihug.co.nz
Web:
Subject: Collector

New Zealand
Magicana
New Zealand's Magic Magazine
Michael Woolf
P. O. Box 38046
Wellington Mail Centre
Tel.: 64-4 587 0045
Fax: 64-4 587 0042
Email: magicana@xtra.co.nz
Web: www.magicana.co.nz
Subject: Periodicals

New Zealand
Castle of Magic Shop
706 A Columbo Str.
Christchurch
Tel.: 03 - 379-4468
Fax: 03 - 377 5835
Email:
Web:
Subject: Tricks

New Zealand
Nigel Kennedy's
Magic Emporium
P. O. Box 3516
6001
Wellington
Tel.: 04-471-0733
Fax: 04-471-0733
Email:
Web:
Subject: Tricks

New Zealand
David Taylor Magic
David Taylor
Murray Craig
P.O. Box 1286
Dunedin
Tel.: 3 - 4544-799
Fax: 3 - 4544-799
Email:
Web:
Subject: Tricks

New Zealand
Jim Reilly
20 Sunvale Place
3001
Tauranga
Tel.: 07-577 9574
Fax:
Email:
Web:
Subject: Tricks collector




--
Wittus Witt
Haus Vogelsang
Postfach 130749
D-47759 Krefeld
Germany

Tel.: +49-2151-711670
Fax: +49-2151-712225

e-mail: abc@wittuswitt.de
web: www.wittuswitt.de

---------------------------------
11. The Amazing ‘Orchante’ Saga – Page 147
----------------------------------
Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi)

The list of hotels where we entertained with our shows for years,
and made our living throughout New Zealand, continues. We were never
stuck for a free bed and meals, so long as we could ‘Play Magic’
etc. for a reasonable fee!

The Kinloch Nite Club, which was situated within the Trans Hotel,
Queenstown, was run by Brian Swainson, who had his own band there.
Brian was originally with the ‘Shaddracks’ Show Band, together with
Big Abe Phillips; they were established at the now defunct Mayfair
Hotel in Hastings. The Gladstone Hotel, Fairlie: The Sheraton Motor
Hotel, Dunedin: The Golden Central Hotel, Alexandria: The Maheno
Hotel, Maheno (south of Oamaru): The Oamaru Licensing Trust.

The Twizel Inn (previously Pukaki Inn).We last worked there on
January 25th 1974 - 29 years ago! Reading the back of the dinner
menu (I do collect the strangest things e.g. swizzle sticks -
hundreds of ‘em) it states that: ‘Twizel is the fastest growing town
in New Zealand, and has been established as the headquarters for the
massive Upper Waitaki Hydro-electric Scheme. This involves the
construction of 15 miles of canals, 3 dams and 4 powerhouses. The
project is expected to take from 15 to 20 years to complete’.
Considering that I am writing this episode, on this day of Wed. 19th
February, 2003, the job should have been finished at least 9 years
ago; now that doesn’t sound nearly as bad as - 29 years ago!

The Wanaka Hotel, Wanaka. A little bit of history; Breathtaking
Wanaka, a major tourist spot, was originally called ‘Pembroke’,
until 1940. Pembroke was the family name of the British Colonial
Secretary when the first arrivals - mainly sheepmen (who were
commonly called ‘runholders’), moved into the area around 1858.
Wanaka has a particularly early Spring, a high percentage of sunny
days and a low annual rainfall of 25 inches. This, and the abundant
sporting and scenic attractions, account for it being a favoured
tourist and holiday area.

Lake Wanaka, which is 35 miles long and known to be a 1000ft deep in
parts, abounds in salmon as well as brown and rainbow trout. I've
had the pleasure of pulling a fish or two from out of that lake. For
me, that was one of the ‘perks’ of being an entertainer touring
around New Zealand; buying your fishing licences and stopping off at
alluring (excuse the pun, lure - get it?) fishing spots, on any one
of the magnificent rivers or lakes, most with spectacular views, on
both the North and South Islands, to try your luck for an hour or …?
Te Anau, another major tourist destination and gateway to Fiordland,
is south east of Queenstown ( yet another top tourist attraction),
was another favoured fishing spot.

The DB (Dominion Breweries) Criterion Hotel, Blenheim: The DB
Westport Hotel, Westport: The DB Sandridge Hotel, Christchurch. In
fact, we worked a string of Dominion Breweries Hotels, when we were
engaged by Richard H., who was the first and last (he only survived
about a year) newly appointed ‘Entertainments Director’ for the
brewery. He sure took his ‘job’ seriously, to the extent that
throughout the entertainment industry he was given the title of -
GOD!

Hitler, would have been more appropriate, he certainly acted like he
was, and he had absolutely no respect for entertainers, be they
artistes, bands or singers, and because he had so much ‘power’, he
would screw everybody’s fees right down (if they wanted to work the
DB circuit on a regular basis), to basic actors equity and musician
union rates, which were/are pitiful - nobody worked at those rates.
As far as Mr Richard Hxxxxn was concerned, All Entertainers were the
lowest of the low, and should be paid accordingly. Whenever his name
was mentioned, a middle name was always inserted, none of them very
complimentary -‘Arsehole’, was probably the kindest of them all! His
eventual departure from the hotel entertainment scene was akin to
opening a door to let a bad smell out; ‘GOD’ had gone!

So many hotels - it’s becoming a huge task trying to list them all,
so I’ll finish with just a few more then draw a close on my
reminiscent, nostalgic memory trip; there’s The Solway Park Hotel in
Masterton: The Cabana Hotel in Napier: The Riverside Tavern in
Wanganui: The Empire Hotel in Otorohanga: The Caravel in Rotorua:
The Te Rapa Motor Hotel in Hamilton, and The Devon Motor Lodge in
New Plymouth, and I’ll finish with the last place we worked in New
Zealand (I wrote about it back on page 144) prior to departing for
Fiji/ Australia: The Tudor Towers in Rotorua.

Next episode, the conclusion of the New Zealand section of my saga!

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12. Magic New Zealand e-zine archives
-------------------------------------
Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to:
www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html

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When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are
coded. Eg 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue
number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999)
Both the User Name and Password MUST be entered in lower case to
gain access.

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© Copyright 2003 Alan Watson