CAMP FIRE CONCERT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1671, 6 February 1917, Page 2

CAMP FIRE CONCERT.

Members of the N.Z. Medical Corps from Awapuni Camp gave their camp tire concert in the Coronation Town Hall on Saturday night to a bumper house. Prior to the concert the men paraded Main Street, headed by their pipe band. After singing the National Anthem, the Mayor (Mr Alf. Fraser) extended a cordial welcome to the officers and men in a comprehensive speech, touching upon the important branch they represented in the Army’s operations. He hoped their effort that evening to supplement •funds for (he camp orchestra would meet with the success anticipated. He also mentioned that it was his intention to extend a welcome to the officers and men on their arrival in Foxton on Friday evening, but owing to Ids absence from Foxton lie was unable to do so.

Tiie performers wore grouped around a camp lire on the stage during the llrst half of the programme. Sergt.-Major Baivlmm officiated as stage manager, and kept things moving merrily. The programme afforded the audience an opportunity •of hearing and seeing some really lirst-class talent, and that they were well {(leased was evinced by the demand for encores. The pipe band opened with a spirited overtun 1 , then followed the rollicking song, “Here we are Again," Sergt,Major Chapman taking the solo work. “The Deathless Army” was nicely interpreted by Pte. Bastion. Pte. Burton caused considerable amusement as a mimic of birds and animals. Pte. Brough's cornet, solo “Tiie Dost Chord, 1 ’ was a masterful performance. A comic sketch, “All Sing," by Sergt.-Major Beaconsall, was highly amusing and cleverly performed. Pte. Parker sang in good voice, “The Heart of the City." Sergt.-Major Bnrelmm sang in good style a rollicking Song “A oolloomooloo,” assisted in (lie chorus by the company. Pte. ()’- Carroll's dancing was very good, and the audience seemed bent on tiring him out. Sergt. Chapman's comic song and chorus (in elm racier), “Michigan," was a great success. Lauee-Corp. .Johnston gave a nice interpretation of the song “Mountain Dovers.” Sergt.-Major Chapman created a merry few minutes with his rendering of “I was Standing at the Corner of the Street" (in comic attire). Pte. Brough was again successful with Ids second cornet solo “Tim Rosary.” Pie. ProherPs elocutionary effort was much appreciated. The comic song “Somebody’s Baby Boy," by Sergt. Chapman, created another big laugh. Pte. Foote scored a big success for Ids vocal item “My Beloved Queen.” “Up from Somerset" was another of Pte. Bastion’s enjoyable contributions. At a suitable juncture, Major •D B. Dudley, Camp Commandant, thanked the Mayor for his kindly welcome, and the audience for their attendance. He also thanked Mrs Davey and the other district ladies for hospitality to the troops while on the route march; the “Herald," Racing Club, Club secretary, and caretaker, Air Knewstuh, and others who had rendered gratuitous and invaluable services during the Corps' visit to Foxton. The Corps were subsequently entertained at supper by the Foxton womenfolk, and a pleasant time was spent in ibis connection. Officers and men were profuse in their thanks for the kindly hospitality bestowed.

A special word of praise was given to Lieut. Nimmo for organising (he concert.

The takings amounted to nearly £4O.