Hide measures in the first system

My score has 3 "instruments" which are voices: Soprano, MezzoSoprano and alto.
The mzs is not required until later in the score, at page 3.
I used this: Style->General->Check the "Hide empty staves" checkbox, which worked perfectly for the first 2 pages EXCEPT the first system, (that is, the first 4 bars on page 1) where the empty measures didn't hide.

My next option was to select those 4 measures, right click > Measure Properties, and uncheck Visible.
That made them disappear but now I have a large gap between the first stave (Soprano) and the third stave (Alto) in the first system (i.e. the first 4 bars).

I tried using the Staff Space Up/Down function but to no avail. (using Version 2.2.1).
Help!
Thanks!
LLOYD S