“OUR NAVY.”

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 377, 29 March 1902, Page 3

“OUR NAVY.”

Great interest has been aroused by the announcement that “ Our Navy ” will commence a short season of four nights at the Theatre Royal, on Monday next (Easter Monday), and following evenings. The Auckland Star says :—“ ‘ Our Navy ’ is a series of living pictures, depicting the caveer of a bluejacket from his entry on board the training ship, up to the time he is a competent A. 8., and extending through the naval manoeuvres. ■ The living pictures are really splendid—large and clear—the subjects are admirably chosen, and the description supplied by Mr L. B. Butler is really a model of what such descriptions should be. In addition to this, the mechanioal effects are managed on a most completo scale, sailors are heard marching on the decks, orders are given in the proper style, and ono feels as if one was really looking at the sceno itself. Pretty well the whole life of Jack is presented—Jack at work and at play, on shore and on ship, cleaning and coaling, working his guns, or getting shaved, dancing a hornpipe, or saying good-bye to his best girl. The animated sea piotures are the best ever been shown here, and no finer idea of the Navy could be obtained than that afforded by the sight of a long line of battleships rolling through the ocean swell. Even more absorbing were the pictures of the torpedo destroyers and torpodo boats. Perhaps the finest picture of the whole series was that of a torpedo gun boat rushing past and discharging three torpedoes in succession. That was a splendid picture, every detail being reproduced. One picture that excited much admiration depicted bluejackets going through gun drill on land, and the way in which the gun fell to pieces and was put together again must be seen to be appreciated. It is impossible in these limits to do full justice to the excellence of all tho pictures, but mention must be made of a few which were particularly fine : “ Shifting the Jibs,” “ Torpedo Explosions,” “ Tho King Presenting Medals,” “ Racing Round The Fleet,” “ Heaving tho Lead.” This last is said to be the finest living picture ever obtained. The humorous side of navy life is by no means neglected, and hearty was the laughter at scenes such as “ Walking the Greasy Pole,” “ Shaving,” and “ Dancing an Irish Jig.” Altogether ‘ Our Navy ’ is one of the most "interesting and instructive of enterta’inments, and is distinctly one to be seen and appreciated.” ; The box-plan will be opened this morn- [ ing at Miller’s. W 7 o can 1 safelylpredict a | record season for this splendid show.