COMFORTS' WEEK CAMPAIGN.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 October 1916, Page 4

COMFORTS' WEEK CAMPAIGN.

HELP BY THE CHILDREN'. Pukekura iPark was again the scene of a happy gathering yesterday afternoon, when the children of the town schools contributed an entertainment that had been arranged bv .the Comforts Week Committee. The drill exercises given by the Fitzroy and West End schools were creditable performances, and reflected the patience and skill that had been shown by the teachers. The precision and steadiness of the children as they responded smartly to +he quickly rapped out orders of the teachers was an interesting manifestation of trie value of discipline in training the young. The Central School children, each holding a red parasol, formed the emblem of the Red Cross and other figures. During the afternoon the Citizen's Junior Band, under the conductor, Mr. F. W. (!. MeLeod, rendered a. number of choice selections. Tlie band has shown much improvement since it was instituted three months ago, and_ the audience were spontaneous in their appreciation of its performance, Mrs. Weed's orchestra added to the enjoyment of the occasion by rendering a programme of selected music. Members of the Women's Patriotia Committee did good work at the various stalls, selling sweets and refreshments. Afternoon tea was dispensed near the main lake and under a marquee in the recreation grounds. EVENING PERFORMANCE. r .!ie fund organised by the Soldiers' Comforts Committee was further augmented last evening, when a concert was held in Pukekura Park. Much pleasure was given to tiie gathering by the performance of the Citizens' Band, which contributed the main portion of the programme. Many eulogistic remarks were made concerning the high standard maintainpd by the hand. Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Mnedonald, Mr. N. Bay. and a quartette con-prising- Messrs. F. Hooker, F. Reid. M. Day, and A. B. Mnedonald contributed a number of vocal items, which were enthusiastically received. As at the previous entertainment, members of the Women's Patriotic League did good work in selling sweeps and buttons. The proteeds for the day are expected to be afciml £SO.

The raffle for Sir. Barry's horse that ivar donated for the Soldiers' Comforts Week. Fund has been extended, by permis>:on of ti.e Minister of Internal Affairs, for a inuith.

The Mayoress desirer that all books nf the Women's Patriotic Gift Art Union be left at the depot not later than Monday next, Octooer 30. The drawing will fake place on Wednesday, November 1. BILLIARD TOURNAMENT. The patriotic billiard tournament at the Criterion billiard parlours concluded last evening, when there was a large attendance to witness two well-fought games. In the semi-final, Bartlett (giving li.">) overhauled Christiansen, and beat him (in 200 up) by 14. after a good nil-round exhibition by bolth players. The final. A. Rflitlett, scr., v. H. J. Dodson, evoked keen interest. Bartlett had to give, bis opponent 80. and lagged behind until the final 50 was on the scorehoaid. Then he came with a run, and pressed hard, but. Dodson was left in a gooii position and ran out a winner by f. It was av. exciting finish to a wellconducted tourr.ament. Mr. Dodson immediately donated '£l, nr.d. the runner-up. Mr. Bai'tlett. his prize of £l, to the Comforts Week Funds, which well benefit to the extent of about £lO. Ko expenses have been innirred, everything being donated. FRIDAY. It is to-night that Waitara's Merry Mn.s.'cal Maoris make their debut to ii New Plymouth audience. The audience should be a 'big one, whilst the same can be safely said of the performance. There are twelve soloists, two dnettists. several massed items 'by the whole company, two poi dances and two hnkn>\ Some ten tamarlkis take part in the poi dances and the same number of warriors in the hakas. The real Maori items, needless to suy, are full cf the melody of the Maori and express their foelinas in th% way natural and pecn>

liar to the race. Without doubt they. will find srrcat favor with tho audience. The puKciiH. .;ougs that have been transposed jut,, Maori are also quaint, and will appeal to the many. The members of the company have laid themselves out to put on their very best. It might he mentioned that they are all dressed! in their own costumes, and the picture when tlie curtain rises will show them all seated on the stage in their mats mid piu pius, making rather a good set scene. They all remain throughout the performance, so that there is no dead look about the stage during any' part of it. Be sure and get in early for a good seat. The hall is large, bud the audience will be quite sufficient jtq' make room scarce. " THE HUSSARS AJO) COHANS', The Wanganui Hussars and Swanlc* ei'fl' Band will arrive by the mail train this evening. They will be in uniform,; and will be met at the station by the, Pierrots, Darktown Brigade, Railwayi men's Pierrots, and Boy. Scouts. A torchlight procession (Mr. F. C. J. Bell-' ringer as marshall) will be formed imi mediately, and will march to the Coronation Hall, where, in an interval in the concert proceedings, the visitors: will be welcomed to New Plymouth and] will have "the freedom of the City" conferred on them. This indulgence will also be conferred on the Pierrots and the Mock Court officials. The Coronation Hall should be crowded to the! doors to-night with people anxious to witness one of the most novel entertainments ever presented in the town. To-morrow.— Our Day, Your Day, Soli diers' Da} - . Are you ready? To-morrow is THE Day! The Great Day! Expected arrivals.— From Wanganui this evening, at S p.m. sharp, "Die lireatest -Beggars on Earth," and the Bwankers' Band. Unloadipg will commence to-morrow at 10 a.m. sharp. All freights and charges must be prepaid. Consignees—Comforts Week Committee.

In port.—The Happy Pierrots, Darktown Brigade, Boy Scouts, and several other "cadging vessels."

All the above will discharge (their duties) to-morrow, and sail at 10 p.m. A host of willing workers were employed yesterday afternoon and evening in wrapping up parcels for the great street sale to-morrow, and the publio can rely upon getting full value. Country men! Roll up, briny your wives and kiddies—and, incidentally, all four spare cash—to participate in the greatest day New Plymouth lias ever had. To-morrow will be a streak of) joy from daylight till long after datk. And it's all for our soldier bovs. '

Come and hear the <]uips and cranks, the merry songs, the screaming jests of. the Hussars and the Pierrots. And the Swankers' Hand will charm your eye, ii not your ear.

Fun galore! Amusement enough to mike you <ry! At the Mock Courts ■(Empire Theatre). Several sessions. Beware of Sergeant "Hoft'y" and hif\ dozen sturdy "John Hops!" A day o* riot and revelry. Nothing ever like itj before. ''The greatest beggars,"' together with their merry satellites, ars nut for coin. People, see that tkev pei it.

After to-night's performance. (Tie Mnytress (Mrs. Burgess) and the, Women's Patriotic Committee will entertain the Maori performers, on the stage at the Coronation Hall. Gifts of cakei ana other comestibles will be gladly received bv anv member of the conuuitt»o,