In 1917 there was plenty of entertainment for Daylesford residents, from dancing, card tournaments, picture shows, socials and musical excursions to special train trips.
From The Daylesford Advocate 5 January 1917:
QUEEN OF AGRICULTURE SOCIAL – On Thursday night, the 28th ult, a dance and euchre party was held on behalf of Miss Bolton, the Queen of Agriculture, in the Alpha Hall, when there was a splendid attendance. Miss Corrigan supplied excellent pianoforte music for the dancers and Mr E. Roberts was an efficient M.C.
During the evening, songs were rendered by Miss Cox and Mr Cox, visitors from Glenlyon, and Cr P.Egan of Eganstown.
In the card games Mrs McArthur won the ladies trophy, a box of handkerchiefs, and donated it to the funds. The gent’s trophy, a cigarette case, was won by Mr W. Earle, who gave it also to the funds. It was raffled and brought 25s.
An early Predecessor of The Phoenix Cinema?
AMUSEMENT TAX IN DAYLESFORD – In connection with the Amusement Tax, Daylesford Royal Pictures management have decided to bear the burden themselves instead of passing it on to the public. Their prices will be balcony seats, a shilling; back seats in the body of the hall ninepence; chairs, sixpence. The front seats in the body of the hall will be used for children at threepence each. It has been decided not to issue half rate tickets after the interval.
The management is arranging a series of “Triangle” programmes which will mean increased cost to them as only the highest class of pictures will be screened. They, however, rely upon the generous patronage from the public in response to their determination to cater on liberal lines for their entertainment.
Editor’s Note: The programs were probably delivered by Magic Lantern. The magic lantern or slide projector pictured was used to project glass slides on to a screen. The magic lantern was the chief visual entertainment for the public before the introduction of the moving picture and consequent cinema entertainment. (Information and image from https://victoriancollections.net.au/organisations/warrnambool-and-district-historical-society )
An Excursion.
TRENTHAM FALLS TO BE VISITED – The Daylesford Brass Band will play a programme of music at Trentham Falls on Sunday next at 3 o’clock. A collection in aid of the Daylesford Hospital will be taken up by the Miners’ Queen’s Committee.
A Special Train Trip
SPECIAL TRAIN – Tomorrow, Saturday, a special train will leave Melbourne at 9.10 a.m. for Daylesford which it will reach at 1.00 p.m. The return journey will be commenced at 6.50 p.m. All stations will be stopped at and the train will reach Melbourne at 9.57 p.m.
Another Social
QUEEN OF THE MINERS’ SOCIAL – On Thursday evening a euchre party and dance took place in the Alpha Hall in the interests of Miss Lynda Brown, the Queen of the Miners. Mr F. Roberts supervised the card games.
The lady’s trophy was won by Miss G. Lanyon and Mr T. Ryan carried off the one given for the gentlemen. Mr Gaggioni proved an efficient floor steward for the dancers and Miss Rowling supplied splendid pianoforte music.
