MILITARY CONCERT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 37, 13 October 1915, Page 5

MILITARY CONCERT.

VERY SUCCESSFUL AFFAIR, Tlie Town Hall was filled in every part last evening when a concert with the object of raising funds for Sick and Wounded Soldiers was successfully carried out. As a member of the Ladies’ Patriotic Committee, Mrs C. Gray long felt that there was room for a special effort of her own in the direction of swelling the committee’s funds, and with commendable precision and energy, the movement was sot going. With the valuable assistance of her husband. Lieutenant Gray, all the arrangements were completed very satisfactorily, everyone approached being most enthusiastic over' the matter. Success was practically assured owing to the carrying out a proposal to present prizes to those cadets who disposed of the largest number of tickets for the concert. Mrs Gray and Lieutenant Gray, and indeed all who were connected with the concert are to be congratulated on last night’s function.

The variety of the entertainment was well thought out. The musical programme was greatly appreciated, while Mr Foley’s turn specially earned great applause. The opening selection by the Rogers’ Orchestra was excellent. Their performance of the Anthems of the Allies was effectively enhanced hy the display of the Allied flags. The flags were made hy Mrs and Miss A. Rogers'. The orchestral parts were specially arranged, by Mr C. H. Rogers. The hand-shadows hy Mr Fred Foley were exceedingly clover, the antics of the various characters causing considerable amusement. Mr Douglas gave a spirited rendering of “When Empire Calls.”

, Comedy iis presented by Mr Frank Hanford is always seed for laughter and last evening this popular artist scored as heavily as ever. “Made in Britain” was easily his best effort. Mr Hale sang “Soldiers of the King,” the audience taking up th e chorus. Mr Malone sang the “Toreador’s song” from Carmen, for which he was encored. Mr Martin kept the house in ripples of laughter with several clever comic songs. Mr .Dunlop sang “A Perfect Hay” soulfully, the item being assisted by a violin obligato by Mr B. Cottier. This item was enthusiastically encored, the opinion being expressed that it was the gem of the evening. Captain Howarth’s recited a patriotic poem telling of the rally of the colonies to the Empire. Lieutenant Gray sang “The Sleeping Camp” and had to make a second appearance.

After the musical programme His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. W. Boon) presented the prizes for the ticketselling. The prizes and the winners were as follows: —First Prize, Lee Enfield rifle, presented by Lieutenant Gray, (Cadet A. Chard); second, Cheque £1 Is, presented by Captain Reeve* (G. Harkness); third, fountain pen, presented by Mrs C. Gray (G. Collins); fourth, silver mounted pocket hook, presented by Lieutenant Gray (I). Cameron).

Mr W. P. Kirkwood, honorary recruiting officer, Stratford District, in a short, well-directed speech, stated that 1,000 men were required to enlist before the 16th of the month. Stratford’s quota was one hundred and the men after passing the medical test would go into camp early in November. The call for such a large number of men was no doubt due to the ruptured condition of the Balkan States. The war in the Balkan States was more serious than one anticipated, and it calls for every effort on the part of young New Zealanders. Now that the men know they go into camp immediately, recruits should offer themselves more readily. In the past, on account of having to wait so long before being drafted into a camp, many young men had left New Zealand and enlisted in Australia so they could get into camp without delay. One could not estimate how many New Zealanders had enlistd in the Commonwealth, and the first intimation one had of them enlisting was reading their names 'in' the casualty lists. Taranaki in the past had sot the example for recruiting, and now the district did not want to loose that distinction. A s to the duration of the war, said Mr Kirkwood, no man could tell. At the beginning of the war Lord Kitchener said it would last three years, but that was the minimum rather than the - maximum time. If the war lasted another two years New Zealand would have a continuous stream of men leaving her shores. Often in the streets one heard of many men not enlisting, but he (.the speaker) looked upon such men as reserves. If the w'orst happened every ablebodied man would have to go, and it was a noble action to lose one’s life fighting for his King and Countiy. The men who were staying at home had good reasons mo doubt for not enlisting; some had family ties and others could not pass the medical test. Men between the age of 20 and 10 years who had not enlisted, should enlist. The Defence Department did not want young hoys under age; there would be plenty of time for them yet. It was absurd to think that if the Allies captured one hill they were on the road to Berlin. The speaker said married men had a responsibility, hut if they could make provision for their wives and families, they should enlist also. The men going into camp at the present time were agreeably surprised at the new life they were forced to lead. In conclusion, Mr Kirkwood said that recruiting meetings were being organised for the country districts as thought necessary, and he was sure the urgent call to arms would he answered .—Applause.

At the conclusion of the performance, Mr A. AY. Budge proposed a hearty vote of thanks to all who had assisted in any way. Seconded by Mr ,T. B. H:ine, and carried by acclamation. After the audience had dispersed, the Senior Cadets and Territorials were entertained at supper hy the lady workers. The large room at the rear of the stage represented modern tea rooms, and plates and “good things” absolutely covered the tallies. Tea and cakes were handed around hy a bevy of young ladies, and at the conclusion, all the boy s joined in singing “For they are Jolly Good Fellows.” Many of the younger lads considered supper the main attraction of the evening, and did full justice to the excellent “feed,” as they termed it.