CHRISTMAS DINNER FOR OUR SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2326, 7 December 1914, Page 2

CHRISTMAS DINNER FOR OUR SOLDIERS

UNIQUE FESTIVAL 'AT TRENTHAM. A Christmas dinner, held three weeks before Christmas Day, and in the open air beside a military encampment, is unique in- our festivals. At Trentham on Saturday 2000-men of the first Now Zealand reinforcements contingent were given their Christmas dinner, a most happy and interesting event for them to look back upon. The idea of the citizens to give the soldiers a Christmas dinner before they left .these shores only originated about a week ago, and met with- enthusiastic support. Gifts came from all parts of Wellington, and the province, l as far as Wanganui and Napier. These included poultry, sucking pigs, lambs, hams, ana' roastg, sacks of green peas and i fresh vegetables, and fruit and delicacies, not to mention hundreds of plum puddings, without winch no Christmas repast would be complete. Early in the morning ! a band' of lady helpers, headed by the Mayoress of Wellington (Mrs. J. P. Luke) arrived at the camp to organise the feast, rhe camp cooks lent willing aid, and all the roasts, sucking pig,-poultry, etc., were cooked in the ■ camp ovens, the ladies, about 50 in number, had a busy time in making- fruit salads, and other danties, while about 100 soldiers assisted m setting up the tables. These were ranged in tho 'open air, in five groups, each close to the section cook ft> r it was found impossible to have tho 2000 men sit down together. Just before one o'clock the, order for dinner was given, and soon the long lines were crowded with soldiers. His Excellency the Governor jthe Earl of Liverpool) and the Countess of Liverpool arrived just then, accompanied by the Hon., P. M. B. Fisher (Minister of Customs), Colonel Robin,qCommandant of the New Zealand Defence Forces Major Potter, Camp Commandant, and others, walked from table to table, and showed a lively interest, in! the festival. When all had feasted to repletion there still remained staoks of cakes, hams, and\ other delicacies, and the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) assisted in distributing these to the men'for. future consumption. The men gave three hearty cheers for the thoughtful donors, who had succeeded in providing a very pleasant time for tho soldiers. The afternoon was devoted to military sports, which took place on the Trentham racecourse. In addition to the various • athletic events, a display in bayonet fighting, with the Ml bayonet equipment, was given, also exhibitions by the mounted men, senior cadetß, etc.