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ANTICIPATING YULETIDE

BRILLIANT OPEN-AIR GATHERING. Glorious summer weather prevailed for the Christmas dinner which was held at Trentham Camp yesterday afternoon. The soldiers were the guests of the citizens of New Zealand cities and towns, the Mayors of whicli had co-operated with the Mayor and Mayoress of Wellington (Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Luke), and left the direction of the functitwj in their hands. Mr. and Mrs. Luke were both present, as were the Hon. J. Allen, Minister of Defence, Colonel C. M. Gibbon, Chief of Staff, the Camp Commandant, Lieu-tenant-Colonel H. R. Potter, _ Camp Adjutant Captain W. M. Bell, Lieutenant Colonel Andrews, P.M.0., and other officers. Among the civilians present wero, Mr. C. M. Luke, Mr. \V. H. Morton (City Engineer),' and Mr. 13. C. Brownell.

The tables, to tlie number of eightyfive, were set in the corner of the racecourse nearest to camp headquarters. Early_ in the forenoon an army of ladies in summer attire arrived on the ground, and began the work of decoratingtho tables, shelling peas, and j)rcEaring the salads and other delicacies, a the meantime a bullock was being roasted on the neighbouring parade grounds, while a steam lorry, belonging to the AVellington Meat Export Co., was supplying steam to several tanks, which wero lilled with Christmas puddings. Throughout the <3ay these preparations went forward, and by the time the trfiops came off parade the tables presented a bright and inviting appearance. The tables being arranged in rows across tho_ race track, an unusual effect was given where the course curved away in tho shadow of the trees, i

The arrangements for seating 4300 men wero carried out perfectly. _ The men were paraded on the Engineers' training ground, and marched in in squads of thirty. 1 There were three streams of khaki moving out from the trees. Each, squad was in charge of an officer, who was given a chip bearing the number of the tablb at which his men were to seat themselves. A quartermaster took the chip, glanced at the number,_ and led the way to tho table. In this way, in a very few minutes, the whole of the troops were seated. The influx of the khaki seemed to make the colour scheme stronger, and threw into relief the brighter shades. As soon as all were in their places, tho Camp Band played the Doxolojjy. Then the men fell to, and kept tne willing helpers busy for a time._ Mess orderlies assisted by carrying the food from the place where it was being apportioned out. After the generous 'helpings of roast beef and lamb, with potatoes and green peas, there were huge helpings of puddings, followed by dessert, when cigarettes and tobacco were, given out. During the meal the band played many fine selections.

By that time there was laughter and a buzz of conversation' all along the sweep of the tables. Suddenly a bugle sounded, and tho troops came to attention. Then, the Camp Commandant eSlecl for three cheers for the ladies. These were given with tremendous power. ; The band played the National Anthem, a bugle sounded the "Dismiss," and the Christmas dinner at Trentham was over offioially. But men still lingered. Some waited upon those who had justed waited on them. llero_ and there separate tables were cheering their hosts individually : and collectively. And on all sides expressions of genuine satisfaction were heard. '

The whole work of organising and supplying the hugs gathering was oar-, ried out by Captain Boon, acting camp quartermaster, .who worked tirelcsaly to meet the heavy calls made upon him.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DOM19161220.2.51

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2956, 20 December 1916, Page 6

Word count
Tapeke kupu
594

XMAS AT TRENTHAM Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2956, 20 December 1916, Page 6

XMAS AT TRENTHAM Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2956, 20 December 1916, Page 6

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