Peter Harrison was a popular and mischievous jazz presenter and announcer for ABC Radio Perth (historically 6WF) broadcasting from the old Adelaide Terrace studios and worked across Perth and Melbourne commercial and public radio from the 1950s through the 1980s. He compered hundreds of live shows in the 1950s, working with all the big jazz names in Perth and celebrities such as Rolf Harrison. Peter was the compere of popular radio broadcast “Jack Harrison and his Music.”
Around November 1970, Peter started appearing on stations including 6KY and continued presenting programs for the ABC (such as jazz and swing segments and Sportsview on Saturday afternoons).
Peter relocated to Melbourne in February 1972 where he joined 3XY, initially hosting the late-night shift before moving into a highly rated breakfast and morning slot that cemented his reputation for quick wit and a distinctive on-air voice. He also spent time on 3DB
He also played the double bass.
1946
In the scrapbooks of Jack Harrison, Peter begins appearing in 1948:
1948
Mirth and Music ARTISTS
Members of Dave Howard’s Mirth and Music Show met last week and extended best wishes to Miss Betty Bahen, one of its members, prior to her marriage to Mr. Geoff Hammond. On behalf of the troupe, Miss Nell Shortland-Jones presented Miss Bahen with a wedding gift. Those present were Miss Betty Whittaker, Miss Olwyn Thomas, Miss Rhoda Allen, Miss Sylvia Caporn, Mr. Ernest Paulasto, Mr. Fred Paulasto, Mr. Albert Chappelle, Mr. Harry Bluck, Mr. Dave Howard, Mr. Geoff Wilbur, Mr. Ralph Filmer, Mr. Bill Hendrie, Mr. Harold Malcolm, Mr. James Congdon, Mr. Jack Harrison, Mr. Billy Edwards and Mr. Harry Graham. Western Mail Thursday 9 December 1948 page 37
1949
On October 6 1949, Jack Harrison played the first performance in W.A. of the Artie Shaw Clarinet Concerto with the Jazz Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Nugent Haywood at the Capitol Theatre:
JAZZ SYMPHONY OF 1949 – CAPITOL THEATRE – THURSDAY, OCT. 6 1949 – (One Night Only).
1949’s BIGGEST MUSICAL SHOW
Surprise Exclusive Engagement of Australia’s Topline Film, Radio Actor and Producer Star of “Overlanders” Film, Founder and First Conductor of Perth Symphony Orchestra JOHN NUGENT HAYWARD Conducting
THE JAZZ SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA IN GERSHWIN’S “RHAPSODY IN BLUE”
Featuring LOUISE D’ARCY – A.B.C. Concerto SOLOIST.
HUGE LINE-UP OF THE STATE’S BEST PROFESSIONALS ! ! !
SAMMY SHARP‘S JAZZ SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA of 28 Leading Musicians.
ALBERT CHAPPELLE Dramatic Baritone in W.A.’s first presentation of the famous “SOLILOQUY” with Orchestra.
JACKIE HARRISON First Performance in W.A. of the thrilling ARTIE SHAW “CONCERTO FOR CLARINET” with Orchestra.
PHYLLIS FROST Sensational Blind B.B.C. Singer.
CLIFF ADAM and “NIDDY” ROBERTS hilarious Comedy Duo.
“SOPHISTICATED LADIES” STRING ENSEMBLE All-femme String ensemble heard with success over A.B.C.
PETER HARRISON Well-known Radio Personality and Announcer, also prominent “Old'” Jazz Authority.
HARRY BLUCK Producer who successfully directed the “Jazz Symphony of 1948”, “Jazz Jamboree,” “Battle of Bands” and other successes.
ADMISSION – 3/-, 4/-, 5/- (plus tax) – BOX PLAN AT NICHOLSONS. – BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.
The West Australian Friday 30 September 1949 page 37
Young Liberal Movement of Australia (W.A. Division) – Celebrate after the Elections
“Victory Ship “Emerald”
T.S.S. Emerald leaves Barrack St Jetty at 7.30pm. Friday December 16th 1949
Bring your own meat and cook it on our fires! Ship’s Orchestra: Jackie Harrison. Swing Skipper: Peter Harrison
Destination: Point Walter – Tickets: 3/6 available L.C.L. Office St George’s House – 115 St George’s Terrace, Perth
The West Australian, Tuesday December 13th 1949
1950
“JAZZ FANTASIA”
October 1 1950
The Young Australia League – will present Sammy Sharp and his orchestra of 25 in the third annual Jazz Fantasia at the Capitol Theatre on October 1. Supporting artists will include Louise D’Arcy, Jack Harrison, Betty Whittaker, Bryn Gifford, Phyllis Frost and Keith Hounslow. The compere will be Peter Harrison.
The West Australian Tuesday 19 September 1950 page 12
A BLITZ IN MUSIC WILL FOLLOW THE BAND
The Young Australia League band will march through the city as a prelude to Perth’s third Jazz Fantasia at the Capitol Theatre on Sunday, October 1. Sammy Sharp and his Jazz Symphony Orchestra, with many supporting artists will provide the programme at the theatre. One of the featured works will be a performance of London Fantasia, with pianist Louise Darcy as soloist. It is a musical story of the spirit of London during the blitz. Other artists will include clarinettist Jackie Harrison; a State finalist in the concerto and vocal competition this year, Phyllis Frost; a blind singer who has been featured with Claude Brampton’s All Blind Orchestra in- London; and Betty Whittaker, star of the Repertory Club’s Maritza. The show will be’produced by Sammy Sharp and compered by Peter Harrison and Terry Scanlon.
The Daily News Thursday 21 September 1950 page 12
CAPITOL THEATRE – Sunday, October 1st 1950 – Y.A.L. Presents – “JAZZ FANTASIA”
With SAMMY SHARP and his 25-piece Jazz Symphony Orchestra.
Comperes; TERRY SCANLAN, compere Ice Follies (by courtesy David N. Martin, Mgr. Dr. Tiv. Circuit Aust. Pty. Ltd.); PETER HARRISON (by courtesy A.B.C.).
Guest Artists Include- LOUISE D’ARCY. Soloist of “London Fantasia”: Jack Harrison in Artie Shaw”Clarinet Concerto” and Betty Whittaker, Bryn Gifford, Phyllis Prost, Jimmy Beeson.
SAMMY SHARP will be featured in Harry James’s arrangement of “Concerto for Trumpet.” Prices 5/ 4/ 3/ plus tax. Box plan at Nicholsons.
The West Australian Wednesday 27 September 1950 page 37
1950 Jazz Jamboree
BANDLEADERS. Applications are invited from all Bandleaders who wish their bands to participate in the JAZZ JAMBOREE OF 1950 on OCTOBER 29. Application Forms and particulars are available from MUSICIANS’ BENEVOLENT FUND Secretary, Union Office, 33 Barrack-st. Applications close 1 p.m., August 31, 1950. HARRY BLUCK. Hon. Organiser.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Monday 21 August 1950, page 28
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Saturday 28 October 1950, page 7
THE BIGGEST DANCE BAND SHOW of the YEAR — ALL YOUR FAVORITES
JAZZ JAMBOREE of 1950 – CAPITOL THEATRE – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29th
NINE OF THE STATE’S LEADING DANCE BANDS
Bill Kirkham’s Embassy Band
Ken Murdoch’s Ensemble
Ron Jenkins Band
Peter Clinch Boptette
Merv Rowston’s Band
Colin Hicks and His Musk
Wayne Hendrick’s Modernaires
Norm Wrightson’s Band
Harry Bluck’s Music in the Modern Manner
ALL YOUR SWING, JAZZ AND BEBOP FAVORITES
500 Unreserved Seats on Sale at Doer
GFOFF MANION and PETER HARRISON Comperes
JAZZ MUSIC: Nine dance bands combined to present the “Jazz Jamboree of 1950” in the Capitol Theatre on Sunday night to raise money for the W.A. Musician’s Benevolent Fund. Every seat was filled and the audience had an op portunity of comparing different styles. Warm applause greeted special efforts by the bands or their vocalists. The programme was produced by Harry Bluck and the comperes were Geoff Manion and Peter Harrison.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 – 1954), Tuesday 31 October 1950, page 9
1951
On 20th July 1951 Jack’s ensemble auditioned at 2.30pm in A.B.C. Studio 1 by Ewart Chapple, Manager for Western Australia. “Jack Harrison and His Music” broadcast regularly for nine years on A.B.C. Radio 6WN up until 1960. The A.B.C. provided a 1 ¼ hour rehearsal followed immediately by a 1 ¼ hour pre-recording during the week (often Wednesday afternoons) and live broadcasts occurred Sunday evenings, usually 6 – 6.30pm. Jack was required to provide 27 minutes of music which were introduced by an A.B.C. presenter (often Peter Harrison – no relative) making a total of half an hour. Twenty seven minutes of new music was about 10 musical numbers that had to be new, arranged for the specific ensemble, parts copied by hand, practised and rehearsed before they got to the ABC. In 1959 Jack received a total of £42 for the above. Jack’s father William did many of the arrangements.
The first broadcast of “Jack Harrison and His Music” was on September 1951 on 6WN.
1951 – JACK HARRISON’S SEXTET OPENS ON 6WN
On September 2 Jack Harrison’s Sextet opens on 6WN. The programme will probably consist of light classics, arranged modern ballads, and bright numbers of the samba, tarantella and bolero type. Last year Jack studied under the Sydney musician Clive Amadio and it is quite likely that Jack’s sessions will resemble the well-known Amadio Quintet. Jack reports that the members are James Drummond (violinist), Stephanie James (pianist) who recently returned from Europe, Kenneth Murdoch (saxophonist) John Mowson (bass) and his father, William Harrison (organ and vibes). Jack will play first clarinet and second saxophone. He will have a guest singer for each session. Kath Bass, Phyllis Blott and Elise Longwill would probably be the first three he says. Each number will be arranged for the sextet. Jack and his father are doing some of this work. Some work by an Eastern States arranger is available provided it is copied. Sister Jill is doing this in her spare time in Adelaide.
The Broadcaster Saturday August 18 1951 Vol. 18 No. 907.
1952
1953
CONDUCTOR IN THE GROOVE
Conductor-pianist Walter Susskind, currently in Perth to give a series of concerts and recitals, last Sunday evening deserted the concert platform to “getin the groove” with a group of Perth’s most ardent swing fans.
The maestro has always been tolerant of modern music – he has expressed admiration for works by Gershwin and Woody Herman. With this in mind a group of Perth’s young swing fans sent him an invitation to join them on Sunday evening at Geoff Forsaith’s home in Crawley, where they would beat out a few bars. Prominent in the group were the West Coast Dixielanders – who only a few nights before had been placed first in the 1953 Dance Band Contest – John Mowson and Jill and Jack Harrison, and ABC announcer and record wrangler Peter Harrison. The bars were being duly “beat” when the doorbell rang to announce a new arrival at the festivities, and to their delight the swingsters were being introduced a few moments later to Walter Susskind.
The evening which followed was a complete success. The guest of honour regaled the musicians with anecdotes on his experiences while travelling in America and on the Continent and the musicians in turn treated him to a selection of modern music which would have sent their fans green with envy.
And although he declined an invitation to take over the pianist’s seat for a few numbers, Walter Susskind left the impression that he would have been only too happy to have done so had it not been for the fact that there were serious things ahead for him on the morrow.
The Broadcaster Saturday August 1 1953 Vol. 20 No. 1009
On 5th September 1953 Marcia Chayter was bridesmaid for the wedding of her ABC typist friend Deirdre Schorer to ABC announcer Donald Sanders. ABC announcers Peter Harrison and John Treffrey attended, along with the ABC typist girls including Jeanette Earl and Mary Treffry.
A.B.C. announcer Don Sanders and his wife leave Christ Church, Claremont, after their wedding. The bride was formerly Deirdre Schorer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Schorer, of Dalkeith. Don is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Sanders of Adelaide.
On 14th December 1953, Peter attended the wedding of Jack Harrison and Marcia Chayter.
Nutty Cook, Jack Harrison, Peter Harrison and Ted Preston
1954
RON JENKINS – OLD HATS INSPIRED ‘MAD HATTER ‘ MUSIC VOGUE
A stack of old hats in his father’s men’s wear store started Ron Jenkins on the road to success in dance band-cum-comedy work. Discarded headgear gave Ron the idea of adding a novelty angle to his band. Later, he dug deeper into the pile of old clothes which had collected in the shop since its inception in 1910, and the idea for what so many dancegoers now know as typical Jenkins’ style was born. Ron always believed patrons want something more than straight music. Just how right he was is illustrated by the way dancers will stop and gather round the stand while Bon and the boys go through their crazy capers.
The Jenkins’ humor is essentially a team effort. A title is first chosen, then all band members offer their suggestions for slapstick. Best ideas are pooled and a number is ready to split the dancers’ sides. A lot of comedy is impromptu, but for big shows the band gets together at Ron’s place — as some Melville residents know only too well— to rehearse. To back this fooling Ron has a huge store of varied clothes. Included in his ‘wardrobe’ are 50 hats, ranging from elegant bowlers’ to Yankee gob caps, 8 striped blazers of unknown vintage. parson’s coats, swallow-tailed coats, oilskins, and Indian blankets. He also has masks, spectacles, false noses, cheeks and such like by the hundreds, not to mention innumerable wigs both male and female. Compere of ‘Jazz at the Capitol’ Peter Harrison will probably say smoke bombs and crackers should be included in the list of the Jenkins’ equipment. While Harrison was talking before Jenkins’ act last Sunday a smoke bomb exploded behind him. Amid crackers and jumping jacks he was removed from the stage in a none-too-gentle manner. Before the smoke of the battle had cleared away the boys were on their stands beating out ‘Crazy Man ‘Crazy.’ ! It was!! Some think Ron’s car must have elastic sides, judging from the huge bundle of clothes of one sort or another which he; brings to engagements. When he opens the door out comes Ron, crazy clothes and all. The next half hour is usually spent sorting it out.
Comedy is only part of the Jenkins’ group. His musicians are ton class and can turn out: solid music. Group comprises Vince Cook (drums), Allan Cole (bass) and Austin Ray (piano), not to mention Ron Jenkins on sax and clarinet. When the outfit is increased to a quintet for bigger bookings Ray Reason (you should listen to Reason) adds his trumpet Nutty Cook, apart from his brilliant drumming, can certainly put over a vocal — particularly a semi-comedy type. Ron vouches for the fact that many of the ideas for his shows come from the Cook cranium. Pianist Austin Ray has built up a great local reputation with his keyboard work, and really enters into the spirit of things when the band goes mad. Allan Cole (bass), needs no Introduction. He used also to be with Colin Hicks. Ron Jenkins has based his band to some extent on the Fats Waller style. ‘Fats got terrific lift out of popular numbers for a small combination and we try to get something of the same effect,’ says Ron, summing up. He sticks mainly to popular numbers which please the majority. The drive the quartet gets is amazing. Ron Jenkins’ interest in dance music dates back to when he was 6. His parents used to take him to dance festivals and the like. Soon after, he started to practise on his father’s drum kit and then he switched to the sax. He started playing with his father at small dances and shows. His first big job was with Merv Rowston‘s Old Time Band at Government House. Later, he formed his own group. He has had more or less the same personnel in his outfit since the end of the war. The Jenkins’ Group will always be small and compact. Ron says he would never be able to put across his comedy with a big band. Things would get out of hand and it would be a shambles. He has a great admiration for the way Spike Jones can present the music be does with so many in the band, and thinks this would take a lot of practice. He doesn’t take ideas from Spike, however. During the ball season the Ron Jenkins’ Quartet or Quintet has a busy time. Apart from regular Saturday engagement at the Valray, Rockingham, he has also a number of week-night engagements. He has travelled as far north as Big Bell and as far south as Busselton to play at dances. One Australian he has a lot of time for is Bobby Limb. Both Bobby Limb and Ron Jenkins serve up a similar type of fooling. Now Ron intends to revive some of his favorites from a few years back. Among best numbers are ‘Down on the Farm,’ ‘I’m Nuts on Screwy Music’ (which naturally enough his one of his favorites) and ‘Don’t Bring Lulu.’ Current, numbers which have received a going over from the Jenkins’ group Include ‘Ugly Child,’ ‘Dear Ron (John), and ‘I See the Moon.’ Ron was in 2 minds whether to play ‘Dear Ron’ or ‘I See the Moon’ at the Capitol last Sunday. He settled for the latter as it was more topical. Applause almost brought the roof down. Looking to the future. Ron and the boys are very interested in the advent of TV in the West. A group, like theirs should do very in this medium. Band gets Just as much kick out of playing as you get from seeing and having fun.
The Mirror Saturday 3 July 1954 page 14
The George Watson Show:
1955
Compere of Jazz Jamboree:
1960
Dizzy Fingers on 10 clarinets
Versatile musician Jack Harrison recently made a recording playing ten parts on clarinet. Harrison, a member of the WA Symphony Orchestra, took 3 ½ hours to record a 2 ½ minute version of the appropriately named Dizzy Fingers.
Dizzy Fingers, Harrison’s third multiple recording, will be broadcast on Peter Harrison’s 6WN programme Saturday Roundabout this Saturday 19th March at about 8.15.
ABC technician Garry Matthews played recordings at different speeds and superimposed them on a master tape to get the effect. The finished work was outstanding. One odd side-effect: when one recording of a clarinet was played back faster than is had been recorded it sounded like a piano accordion. Harrison’s first multi-recording involved ten instruments. They included saxophones, clarinets, a vibraphone, harmonica, piano and drums. An ABC spokesman said he believed that this was the first time in Australia and possibly the world that a multi recording had been made with clarinets only. The Sunday Times Mar 13 1960
1961
Jack and Marcia Harrison attended the wedding of Peter Harrison to Maureen Lorraine Rooke from Bridgetown.
1964
TELEVISION
JAZZ FROM HARRISONS
Jazz through the ages – from Dixieland through to the present day style of Miles Davis’ “So What” and Charlie Parker’s “Billy’s Bounce” – that’s in store for jazz fans who watch ABW-2 at 9.30pm on Tuesday December 1.
The programme entitles “It’s All Jazz” and compered by Peter Harrison, will feature the Jack Harrison Quintette with Harrison (pictured) on the clarinet and alto-saxophone, Bill Clowes on piano, David Ellis on bass and Bill Tattersall on drums and a guest trumpet player. The gradual change in jazz styles will be shown by the Quintet who will start the program with play “Alexander’s Rag Time Band to demonstrate Dixieland. Then on to the swing era dominated by Benny Goodman, and the Quintet will play “After You’re Gone” in the inimitable Goodman style. The bop era follows, then the post- 1947 cool era, with “Walkin’ Shoes”. Finally, the Quintet will bring viewers up to date with present day jazz styles. The half hour programme comes from the ABW-2 studios. TV Times November 25 1964
TELEVISION
JAZZ PLAYING 50 OVER 50 YEARS
Tuesday 1st Dec 1964
Dixieland, swing and be-bop is in store for viewers with an ear for jazz on ABW2 at 9.35pm on Tuesday. The programme, called “And All That Jazz” will show how the style of jazz playing has altered in the past 50 years, beginning with Dixieland Jazz. It then moves to the swing era dominated by Benny Goodman, then on to bop, cool and mainstream jazz. The concert will be compered by Peter Harrison with Perth’s top jazz band, the Jack Harrison Quintet. It consists of Jack Harrison (alto sax and clarinet) Billy Clowes (piano) David Ellis (bass) and Bill Tattersall (drums) and a guest trumpet player.
PETER HARRISON – Career & On-Air Style
Themed Music Nights: He hosted specialized evening music segments, famously presenting the jazz programs where he would meticulously detail every track, artist, recording year, and studio. [1, 2]
Station Antics: Known for his great sense of humour and camaraderie, he was infamous for playful pranks on nervous young announcers just starting their live shifts.
Broadcasting Legacy: He was a cherished personality during the golden era of local Perth radio before automation and networking changed the medium.
To the average person, the commercial announcers appeared more friendly, not as stern or stuffy as the ABC variety, though in reality, the ABC announcers were often the opposite in person. They needed to be well educated, knowledgeable and articulate to hold the position, yet these qualities were often combined with a quick wit and a mischievous sense of humour. This in an atmosphere of camaraderie which often led to pranks and no end of high jinks when off-air. For example: Roger Cook described the mischievous nature of Peter Harrison in his book, “More Dangerous Ground: The inside story of Britain’s Best Known Investigative Journalist”.
“Peter’s favourite targets were young announcers fresh out of training. Waiting until they had gone on air, he would ignore the red ‘On Air’ light outside the soundproofed studio and wander in, putting a reassuring finger to his lips to imply he was there purely in a monitoring capacity. The nervous reader would plough on, glancing up at Peter from time to time.
The next thing the victim would see was the stations most senior newscaster dropping his twills and underpants and lowering his buttocks down onto the grey metal wastepaper basket. He would stare fixedly at the now panic-stricken newsreader who would stutter, lose his place and generally wish for his mother to come and take him away.
Peter would then up the ante, and start to strain and grimace, producing barely-audible grunts. Nothing that the listener would ever hear, but loud enough for those in the studio to pick up.
The end result was usually near-hysteria and a newsreading performance that left the listener confused and often concerned for the health of the young broadcaster. The broadcaster, having gratefully handed over to the continuity announcer, would watch, slack-jawed, as Harrison pulled up his pants, did himself up and strode out of the room as if nothing had happened. Sometimes his victims would try to persuade themselves that nothing had happened, particularly when Peter greeted them later and nonchalantly gave them some small piece of advice about their performance.”
Imprint: Book Guild Ltd
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
ISBN: 9781846241093
Publication Date: April 2007
https://watvhistory.com/2012/08/the-6wf-story-part-3-of-3/
Peter Harrison (bass) with Billy Clowes (accordion)
Further to Peter Harrison, Ian Stimson has kindly pointed to that ‘Harro’ played the double bass fiddle at a nite club directly in line with the Cottesloe surf lifesaving club. The Picture gardens were on the eastern side of that cabaret building.
“He was one of the Jazz Musos for the Jack Davey show held at the Cottesloe Civic centre. I can remember his group arriving in an open vintage car to play there followed by Jack Davey. This was recorded at 6IX, the whole programme.
“Then there was the famous incident coming back to 2pm Saturday afternoon when he marched into ABC studio one as the big White Hunter complete with Pith Helmet and shotgun. This gag cost him a 6 week suspension.
“I knew his brother at 25 squadron RAAF Base Pearce in my Nasho Days.”
Here are some Heritage Notes to put this into perspective….
The Lido Cabaret and The Lido Picture Gardens opened in 1936 and were important social centres for Cottesloe and other nearby western suburbs until c 1960.
According to Dr Peter Harries… In the 1960’s the Lido was the first cabaret club to feature a stripper and was run by Ron Jenkins, drummer Nutty Cooke, piano Jimmy Beeson and bass player Peter Harrison of ABC fame.
Earlier, the Ron Jenkins Band performed at the Palais de Danse on the Cottesloe beach front. This dance venue was in the Centenary Pavilion, that opened in 1929. The pavilion became the focus for beach activity at Cottesloe Beach until its demolition in 1982. Several restaurants were located within the pavilion. The top floor was a dance floor and in the 1940s and 1950s the ‘Palais de Dance’ was a popular venue for dancing and live music.
The Lido land was owned by F.D. North. It stretched down to the parade from his home. In 1913 a weatherboard building was erected and rented to Mrs McDonald who had a shop there. The Lido Cabaret and Picture Gardens were designed and built by Howard Bonner for the Hatfield family in 1936. Reference: “Cottesloe is Calling” Daily News Friday Dec 20 1935.
http://archive.is/D0k3a#selection-265.0-265.628
At the seaside suburb of Cottesloe, local residents and holidaymakers would spend the balmy summer nights at the new Lido Picture Garden constructed beneath tall pines near the Indian Ocean at the foot of Forrest Street. One of the most prestigous in the group, the Lido was built solely as an open air venue. It was designed by Howard Bonner in 1935 and adjoined the popular Lido Cabaret which operated until the 1960s as Perth’s favoured night club. The cinema catered for an audience of 550 and consisted of a 94ft x 92ft. walled garden space, and a proscenium with a vaguely Oriental motif.
http://inherit.stateheritage.wa.gov.au/…/85b9ef50-1682…
The picture gardens held 550 patrons. It was the third venue in the Cottesloe area operated by Lewis M. Hatfield. It was constructed in 1935 at the corner of Forrest St and Marine Parade, overlooking the ocean and behind the Lido Tea-rooms, which were later removed in pieces and relocated to Rockingham as a weekend cottage. The Lido Cabaret was then built on the corner in front of the gardens. The gardens was called a Chinese Gardens, because the construction had a chinese flavour. The gardens closed in 1960 and the Cabaret in 1966, after which the site was again used for a restaurant – the Mandarin, which was sold in 1996.
Sources: Max Bell, Perth – a cinema history, The Book Guild, Lewes, Sussex, p.59
Max Bell, ´Looking back’, Kino, no.41, September 1992, pp.16-17
Film Weekly Directory, 1948 – 9
Post Office Directory, 1936/7 – 1949
Post, 12-13 October 1996, p.6
West Australian, 1935 – 1960
http://www.ammpt.asn.au/cadoux-to-currambine/#cottesloe
The Lido Cabaret closed in 1966, after which the site was used for a restaurant, the Mandarin, which was sold in 1996, and became the La Tropicana Restaurant. When the La Tropicana Restaurant closed, it was converted into a restaurant/cafe/bakery called Il Lido (88 Marine Terrace) which opened in (2007 or 2008).
Il Lido Italian Canteen is an art-deco espresso bar and licensed restaurant that takes its name from the site’s heritage — it used to be the popular “Lido Cabaret”.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/watvhistory/posts/1178769302237261/