HOME DEFENCE CONCERT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 44, 23 February 1915, Page 2

HOME DEFENCE CONCERT.

A FULL HOUSE. Tlie Town Hall was tilled to overflowing last night "on the occasion of the variety entertainment given under the auspices of the Stratford Home Defence Club. The numerous encores demanded by the audience expressed the satisfaction which the efforts of those taking part in the performance gave. The assaut d’armes for the championship of New Zealand proved a very interesting item, and was keenly contested by Lieutenant Gray and Sergt-Major Winiki, resulting in a win for the former by 5 points to 3. At the outset Winiki set the pace, but his lunges were too risky, and Gray’s careful guard gained him a well-earned victory. His Worship the Mayor, in presenting the medal to Lieutenant Gray, remarked that it was the first time the championship had been fought for. The umpires were Captain J. B. Hine and Lieutenant Wilson. A three-round exhibition boxing bout was.also fought between Gray and Winiki, in which the latter’s superior weight and reach cold. The School Drum and Fife Band made their first appearance, and created a very good impression. Their first selection was “Apple Blossom,’ and as an encore they gave “Primrose Polka.” These works were rendered in good style, and the band’s performance is a credit to its conductor, Mr A. O’Leary. Prior to the commencement of the entertainment, the Stratford Muni■ipal Band rendered selections before che hall. Their two items on the programme, a cornet solo by bandsman A. Thompson (“Cavaleria Rusticana”), uid a cornet solo by bandsman G. Ford (“Distant Voices”) were greatly appreciated. The two selections (“Sunny Sicily,” and “Cathedral Chimes”), given by the Egmont Orchestra, were particularly good, the latter being especially well rendered. In the unavoidable absence of Mr B. Malone, Mr G. Van Heck gave a violin solo (“Swing Song”), for which he received a great ovation. Mrs E. C. Robinson made a great hit with the ladies’ recruiting song, “Your King and Country Need You,” for her spirited rendering of which she was recalled, giving as an encore number “If My Dream Ship Came Home.” She also sang “Three Fisheers Went a-Sailing,” and on being again encored, sang “My Treasure.” Mrs C. Massey, who was in excellent voice, sang “Long, Long Ago” (with violin obligato by Mr G. Van Heck), and for an encore number “A Blessing,” also singing “The Storm.” Mr Ranford had the whole audience in peals of laughter with his recitation “The Irish (not Stratford) Fire Brigade,” and on receiving a double encore, gave'“The Story of a Tack” and “Woollooraoloo.” He also rendered in character “Studying the Doctor’s Orders” and “The Timvhistler.” Mr J. Wade, senr., gave a sword dance, Mr G. gangster being the piper. The club-swinging demonstration by Lieutenant Gray was very enjoyable. The demonstrations by the senior cadets and territorials were well carried out, and were greatly appreciated, the physical drill and fancy marching being particularly good. Other demonstrations given were sword and bayonet exercises (Senior Cadets and Territorials), and sword drill (Senior Cadets). The arduous duties of accompanist were excellently performed by Miss Agnes Robson.