CHRISTMAS DAY ON AN OCEAN LINER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2074, 28 December 1907, Page 4

CHRISTMAS DAY ON AN OCEAN LINER.

R.Ai.S. “ICNIC” AT GISBORNE.

(From our Special Correspondent.) Ouo of the unfortunate circumstances connected with sen-faring iit'o is that only too often one is at soa, or in a foreign port when everyone Jikos to bo at homo with their people, at the great festival of Christinas. Aithough so far from homo tho members of tho victualling department of tho above vessel determined to keep Christmas Day in tho best possible ctjie. Tovvunis attaining that end a great measure of success was duo to ljio chief steward Cur S. Siddans) who placed one of the Joining Irialis at tile disposal of tho concert secretary, .Ur i'. Edwards. Air J. .Robinson (.second steward) most ably undertook tho musical directorship of tho concert which was a groat success, and rebooted the greatest credit on chose who had worked so hard for tho occasion. The proceedings were opened with an overture by the "lonic” Victualling Department String Band “Over tho Seas” followed by Mr I*. Fancourt who delighted his audience with “Flight of Ages,” and tor an oucoro gave "Dear Heart and later in tho evoning rendered “Would you Care.” Mr F.AV hilnoy was very humorous in “You had better puli down tho blind”- (encored), air O. Bonner sang “Sister” in good style. iMr. J. Robinson was encored for his rendering of “Somewhere” (companion song to “Would von care.”) Among others who contributed to the vocal part of tho entertainment woro Mr. G. Mills, “Always,” Mr E. Barker “Zuyder Zee,” Mr G. Springhall “Starlight”, “Molly I lovo you”, Mr H. Milliard “Cigarette”,'Air E. Watson- “A Jolly ■Sailor” Mr C. H. Preston “A Littio Boy called Taps”, Mr B. Hill (brother to tho famous Hamilton Hill) “Tho Banks of the Vabash.” Mr G. Johnson was recalled tor a lino rendering of “Tho Song of he Thrush,” -and gave “A Burglar’s Serenade” in excellent style. Mr R. Edwards sang “Just a littio rocking chair and 3-011.” No doubt tho honors of tho evening were carried off by Mr E. Hashagon who is not only tho possessor of a fine bass voico but what is equally important a good choice in tho selection of his songs; his rendering of “Big Beif ’ and “Tho River of Years” (both enthusiastically applauded and encored) only made one wish for more of the same kind. Tho instrumental part of the programme was well sustained by Mr E. Watson who proved himself to bo a most capable accompanist as well as an efficient soloist at t-lie pianoforte. Messrs J. -Potts and P. Edwards proved to their audience on the Banjo that good music can be obtained from the “Darkies’ friend.” Mr H. Woodley also manipulated tho mandoline in good style. Mr J. Newev’s phonograph selections were great!}- appreciated and one would have liked to have had each record over again, but owing to the length of the~i programme time would not permit. Air W. V. Willis recited tho old and new version of “The house that Jack built’” which was well received, and later in the evening great amusement in an original story on tho “Victualling Department” introducing the various members. The most unique turn of the evening was a display of step-dancing by Air P. Edwards who clearly proved during six exhibitions that men of southern England can hold their own against men of the north, the “Walton Road” step being especially good. Much amusement was' caused by cries o-f “more sand” during the performances. During tho evening toasts were drunk to the “King,” “Army and Navy,” “The Captain,” (J. O. Carter, R.N.R.), officers and engineers, Dr. AY. Dueton (surgeon), Mr J. Cummings (purser), Air T. Siddans (chief steward) also Air J. Robinson (second steward).” A most enjoyable evening was brought to a close by a grand musical medley especially arranged for the occasion by the band, followed by the “National Anthem.”