H.M.S. WALLAROO.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume LIII, Issue 2769, 24 April 1903, Page 2

H.M.S. WALLAROO.

The ship left her anchorage for torpedo practise on Tuesday, and the usual exercises, practised in the harbour, have been going on.

On Wednesday afternoon a cricket match was played on the Recreation Ground, which resulted in a win for the townspeople by two runs. For the ship, Lieut. Rideout, Mr Davenport and Seaman Kice did very good work. Mr Robinson captained the shore team, which included Messrs Glynan, Munro, Shadbolt (3), S. Lelievre, H. W, Piper, Cropp, T. Masefield and Clarkson.

On Wednesday night an entertainment was given by members of the crew the funds being devoted to the Fire Brigade. The body of the Oddfellows' Hall wa« well filled, the net door money being £12 2s 6d. Before the concert commenced Mr Ingram, Superintendent of the Fire Brigade, on beha f of himself and and his fellow volunteers, thanked the audience most heartily for their patronage that evening. He said the sailors were very getierous indeed to give the entertainment, and the Fire Brigade was under*great obligation to them. The concert opened with a violin and piano duet by Misses Mitchell and Lelievre, and during the evening Miss Mitchell vamped for all the |songs. Whatever the song was, Miss Mitchell managed to follow the singers and put them at ease. A great deal of the success of the concert was clue to her continual help. The first part ot the programme consisted of comic and serious songs, a hornpipe, a mouth organ and banjo duet, and gun drill. Of the serious songs, "Jenny Bell" was the one which went with the greatest swing, the chorus ringing out from all sides. That favourite old

comic song « Where Did You Get that ] Hat," was sung with good spirit and style. The gun drill was very interesting, but the children were frightened when the guns were pointed at the audience, and one child gave a cry of (error whenever this man<T".ivre was executed. The gun drill was encored most heartily by all the audience, as indeed, was nearly every item of the programme. The second part of the concert opened with another display of gun drill. « Little Teddy Brown of Margate " was well sung. This performer, who appeared to be able to twist his body in any direction, kept the audience much amused by his contortions. The old duet "The Upper Ten and Lower Five," was given very heartily, the singers appearing in costume. At the conclusion of the performance the troupe came on to the stage to sing " Good Night," and the concert ended with the National Anthem. Thanks are due to H.M.S. Wallaroo crew for giving Akaroa such anenteitainment, and we are glad to hear that at the same time the local Fire Biigade has been materially helped on its way.

Last night Capfc. Noel and his officers gave a dance to their friends in the Oddfellows' Hall. The room was most tastefully decorated and an exceedingly pleasant evening was spent. The ship steams for Lyttelton this morning, and residents will regret her very pleasant stay here has terminated