THE “DIGGERS."

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3337, 15 November 1919, Page 4

TH E “DIGGERS."

On Friday next at the Town Hall The “Diggers,” who are nuw tnuxing the Dominion undrzr the rlil--action of

Messrs Hanna and Fazna, will give the public an opportunity of seeing one of those splendid entertainment combinations to Whose -,efforts our men abroad are so much indebted. In the modern stress and strain of warfare a lighter relief was soon recognised as essential, and divisional concert parties proved as big an aid to the troops as did companies of machine-guns. l:larl_v in the big game in France, a divi.sional concert party was put on a prOP-'? footing, the men being especially put apart for the purpose, and every possible facility given them to put; on good shows. The first entertainments under war conditions were givefi in February, 1915, when the New Zealand Infantry Brigade were engaged in defending the canal zone from the Turks.. Battalion‘ camp-fire concerts were held, which culminated in 9. really fine entertainment tendered to the English: and French residents at Isnzailia. In the Canterbury Battalion several concerts were organised in Canterbury Rest Gully under almostwunique conditions. The Turkish tl'enche:s closely’ adjoined, a light was out of the question, and the officer commanding always prefaced the opening by an injunction that any man bit. during an" item must not disturb it (by any outcry. The first concert was, however, disturbed by a machine-gun racket, deliberately started by the Turks. Not to be outdone, the T'ul'};'_s the following evening brought a band into their reserve trenches, but memories of the previous _ CVcr:ing’.<_: entertainment were spoilt, the melody being badly punctuated by bomb as-« companiment. The ’ box plan‘, isat Pratt & Co., Booksellers,-. next. ‘R’al:eman’s Hotel. a l .