Majestic Cinemas
Horton Street and Clarence Street,
Port Macquarrie,
NSW
2444
Horton Street and Clarence Street,
Port Macquarrie,
NSW
2444
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Port Macquarie News and Hastings River Advocate (NSW : 1882 - 1950), Friday 17 February 1950, page 2
Historical Relic Preserved —
INNES PIANO AT RITZ THEATRE
It is pleasing to note that an effort is being made to secure some of the many valuable pieces of furniture associated with early Port Macquarie, placing them on public view. There are many historical pieces stowed away in any old place, and in many instances it would only be a matter of finding a suitable “home” for such to induce owners to part with them. Mr. Peter Hatsatouris, of the Ritz Theatre, is to be complimented
on making a start in the right direction for the preservation of historical assets by being instrumental in securing the Harpsichord ( a forerunner of the piano ) , which was in the Innes home at Lake Innes during the residence of the late Major Innes and his family from 1832 to 1857.
Mention is made of the Harpsichord in the family diary of March, 1847, during the visit of Governor Fitzroy and his suite. The Governor stayed at the Lake homestead for one month. It is also interesting to note ‘ that the diary refers to the fact that “the ( then ) new dance called the Polka was imported and imparted by Lady Mary Fitzroy during their stay .” Mr. Hatsatouris secured this valuable relic from the Fischer family , at whose home it had been stored in a shed for the past 25 years. The accompanying photograph the work of Andre M. Studios, shows the harpsichord in its present “rejuvenated” condition. The work of restoring the instrument was carried out by Mr. J. Keena, who overhauled the veneer and wood work, whilst Mr. Keith Hennessey ( Sydney , and brother of Mr. Jack Hennessey ) spent a fortnight on the French polishing, and between them they have succeeded in restoring the old instrument to a thing of beauty . Mr. Hatsatouris has the harpsichord on display in the foyer of the Ritz Theatre, where it will have a permanent home, together with any other historical “finds” of a similar nature which he can secure. —
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This harpsichord was still in the theatre during the 1970s. It had probably seen better days as it was easily accessible to hoards of kids attending matinees on the weekends. I wonder what happened to it?
It was located in the foyer area on the first floor just before the stairs that took you to the dress circle. Look how good the pattern is in the carpet in the picture.