NAVAL CONCERT

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 146, 10 September 1927, Page 9

NAVAL CONCERT

H.M.S. DIOMEDE ENTERTAINS Last evening the ship's company of H.M.S. Diomede gave a grand variety entertainment in the Harbour Board shed. Devonport. The shed was gaily decorated with bunting and coloured lights and was hardly recognisable as the old galvanised iron shed of the dockyard. The evening opened with community singing conducted by Mr. Haynes, R.N. The pieces rendered were the old favourites “Land of Hope and Glory,” “Always,” and “Sailor’s Sweetheart.” At the conclusion of the singing the ship’s band played an overture, after which the individual items commenced. Following a selection of songs and dances by various members of the company an exhibition of club and knife swinging was given by Master-at-Arms Joyce. Then the boys of the ship gave their turn, a wonderful display of cutlass drill. Their precision was beautiful to watch as they went through the cuts, guards, points and general practise of the drill. Another very interesting performance was given by Petty Officer Hillind, Able Seaman White and Marine Jarvis. The display consisted of gymnastics, chair tricks and reflected great credit on those responsible for the physical training of the Xavy, for the performers had reached a stage of physical perfection that would be very hard to outdo. One of the best exhibitions of the evening was that of the use of the sword bayonet by a party of the Royal Marines. Petty Officer Hillind and Sergeant Howard. R.M., put on a fencing bout, using sabre, foil and epee. The evening concluded with a Maori haka and an operatic finale by the ship's company, followed by “God Save the King.” The concert was largely attended by officers and men of the division, their friends and members of the Navy League. The concert was under the management of Lieutenant Fothergill. R.X.