TROOPERS' "FREE AND EASY"

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2268, 30 September 1914, Page 6

TROOPERS' "FREE AND EASY"

SUCCESSFUL SMOKE CONCERT.

Thanks to the energy of the Mayor (Mr. 1 J. P. Luke), Mr. R. Fletcher (chairman of the Harbour Board), Mr. James Dykes, Captain Thorns, and others, a successful start was made last night with the entertainments that are to be given each evening for the men of the Expeditionary Force now in' Wellington. With fine expedition the Harbour Board's big "U" Shed has been provided with a roomy stage, seats sufficient' to accommodate over 21)00 men, and a piano (kindly lent by the Dresden Piano Co.). The stago has been lit with electric light, and handsomely decorated with bunting (under ■the direction of Yeoman of Signals Farmer of H.M.S. Psyche), and the JKcneral result is a splendid concert'hall. At short notice a capital programme was arranged yesterday afternoon, and was thoroughly enjoyed by several hundred troopers who attended. Among those present wore: Major-General Sir Alexander Godley, Messrs. J. P. Luke, and R. Fletcher. ' Major J. Hughes entertained the audience with some humorous stories. Mr. E. J. Hill sang splendidly a number of patriotic songs, and Captain Hale Munro obliged with, a rollick-

ling song of the sea. The cornet playing of Band-Sorgeant Osborne was an artistio treat, and the hope was expressed that he would bo heard again. Corporal Helm told some good stories, and Chaplain Taylor, also spun a good yarn. Mr. James Dykes contributed several comic, songs, which tickled tho troopers immensely, and songs'wore contributed by. Sergeant H. Richards, Captain Thorns, and Lieutenant Waite. Tho accompaniments were played by Mr. E. H. Watts. At the conclusion of the entertainment cheers were given for all those who hadbeen concerned in the arrangement of tho "Troopers' Vaudeville Theatre," and tho entertainment, and'the lusty singing of'the", National Anthem concluded a rattling-good show. It has 'been arranged that "free and easy" smoko concerts will be given every evening in "U" Shed, and it is proposed that the shed shall be made"hi bounds," in order that those who are not on leave will ho ablo'to participate in"the morry-making. Offers of programmes have already been received by Mr. J. Dykes (Telephone 999) from the Wellington Orphans' Club, the Savage Club, and tho Highland Society, and the picture-theatre jroprietors met yesterday and decided to give a free show nice a week whilst tho troopships are in port, on dates most convenient to the organisers. The various bands are to play in turn each evening.outside. "TJ" 'Sneddon, th r Wharf, and the entertainments will commence at 7.15 p.m. ■• All those people willing,to contribute to concert proKrammes are asked to communicate with Mr. Dykes. ■ No, charge is being madi r or admission. '