THE CASINO
men may prefer blondes, there has never been any objection to a girl having more in her stocking than a shapely leg.
The Casino was run on lavish lines, expense being of little consideration in view of the golden harvest it gathered. Its large dance-room was provided with a stage, and was used for many purposes; travelling entertainers, local balls, concerts, etc. It is recorded that in 1867 church services were conducted therein.
In 1873 there visited Charleston a Dr. Carr, apparently an itinerant preacher, mesmerist, and phrenologist. He preached in the Methodist Church, and held an entertainment in the Casino for the benefit of the hospital, aided by Messrs. Arthur King, George Aldous, and Owen McArdle. It was not a financial success; Charlestonians did not desire to have their heads read by a stranger, especially in public. Yet, Vorley the photographer did this for his patrons, attaching a “phrenograph” to the portraits of such as desired one; and the Rev. Porteous in 1867 gave many lectures on the subject in the Methodist Church.
In 1867 there were Casinos at Hokitika, Greymouth, and Westport also. In Westport there were three, “all vying,” says Mr. R. C. Reid, “against one another in the strength of their musical bands, the number of the ballet dancers, and the shortness of their skirts.” The Casinos were the centre of night life, and not neglected in day-time—the forty-hour week was not then observed. The arrival of a party of new girls was an event, the coach being met by a welcoming crowd who gave them practically a civic reception.
THE INSTITUTE.
The Mechanics’ Institute and Public Library was upon Section 254 in Camp Street South. No official information regarding it is available. It filled the urgent need felt by the more sober-minded and the younger sections of the people for entertainment less audacious than that offered by the Casino and other concerns. Educationally its library and reading-room were a boon. The latter secured a wide range of the best overseas publications, while the former had well-stocked shelves catering for all tastes, from light fiction
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