05 December 2012 - 0 Comments

“Once, a couple missed the boat because they were getting up to hanky-panky in the shrubbery...”

As organisers of next year’s Cabaret on Ruby Island prepare for the revival of last century’s historical functions, they are welcoming the memories of senior citizens around the region. A recent interview had Wanaka local Mrs Ruth Hunt recalling (among other things) naughty revellers, smuggled liquor and “pikelets and scones with fresh cream and jam being sold at the café”. It was Mrs Hunt’s father-in-law John Hunt who ran the ferry service to Ruby Island in the 1920s and 1930s, and was proprietor of the Cabaret.
 
On February 3rd 2013, it will be the Matakitaki Diner catering for patrons on Ruby Island. “We’re making an effort to keep food and beverages similar to the original events,” explains event manager Maegan Johnsen. Johnsen sees the Cabaret as “providing an opportunity for a great night out, as well as the chance to be a part of New Zealand history”..
 
Lake Wanaka SouNZ Incorporated, which is staging the resurrected Cabaret, was also contacted by Rex Weavers of Dunedin, who provided an old newspaper article detailing his late uncle’s involvement with the original cabaret. James Weavers, who was Launch Master at Lake Wanaka from 1923 until 1931, recalled kerosene ovens and ice buckets eventually being replaced by electric ovens and freezers, once Mr Hunt installed an electrical system. Mr Weavers also had recollections of the opening night of the Ruby Island Cabaret in 1928 where he saw “people dancing on the well-sprung floor…(and) hundreds of people milling around under the lights”[1] <#_ftn1> .   
 
With live ragtime and jazz music provided by Roseneath Centennial Ragtime Band and Bella Kalolo, organisers of the 2013 event are encouraging cabaret-goers to don attire befitting of the era on the night. They are currently working alongside Aspiring Helicopters to help transport the upright piano to the site.
 
Director Lynne Christie admits “it’s not hard for the imagination to be excited by the chance to combine history, live music, and people of all ages and backgrounds in the most blissful setting.” She adds that the crew have a feeling ancestors from the past parties may well be looking over them next February.
 
Tickets for Cabaret on Ruby go on sale Monday, December 10th, with all profits going to Ruby Island Trust. With numbers limited to 200 people, tickets are $200 each and include a return boat trip to and from the event on the day.
 
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http://cabaretonruby.co.nz/ 
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