HARBOUR BOARD STAFF'S CONCERT

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2472, 27 May 1915, Page 7

HARBOUR BOARD STAFF'S CONCERT

Tho exceptionally enjoyable and entirely successful entertainment organised o.v the staff of tho Wellington Harbour Board in aid of the National Fund for Wounded Soldiers, which" took place in "TJ" Shed last evening, reflected the greatest credit on the organisers. That tho shed, transformed for tho nonce by the judicious use of bunting aud scrim into a bright, concert and dance,,hall, seated some 2000 people, was gratifying to all concerned. Starting from different points ill the city, the Waterside Workers' Band, Jupp's Band, and the Wellington Pipe Band converged upon AVaterloo Quay at 740 p.m., by which time the seating accommodation was soverely taxed. The proceedings wero opened by Captain A. H. Munro (wharfinger), who expressed gratification aet the large attendance. Such was the encouragement given that it was intended to give another entertainmont after the Queen Carnival was over. Colonel A. W. Robin, C.8., who presided, expressed his feelings warmly on the splendid manner in which the people were helping tho country in evory way. He did not think it was out of place to express his appreciation and gratification at the way in which the Harbour Board and the Transport Board were working together ill connection with the receiving and the dispatch of transports, work that had up to the present been carried out without a hitch. Colonel Robin mentioned incidentally that in a very short time 140 wounded soldiers would bs returning to New Zealand. An excellent programme was submitted, and as it may be that "U" Shed will be sought after for the holding of similar entertainments, it was noted that the acoustics wero very good indeed. After a selection by the Waterside Workers' Band, Messrs. Culverwell and Mason sang the duet "Watchman, What of the Night?" very creditably. Mrs. J. "Woodward's musical soprano rang sweet and true in "April Morn," and Miss Betty Purdom gave bold expression to the topical verses "When the Boys Come Home" and "How Did You Fight and Why?" .-111 instrumental trio was played by 'Miss Belworthy and Messrs M'Donald and Logan, and a male quartet sang with taste "The Soldier's Farewell" and "The Wood-chuck." Tho "Barcarolle," of Offenbach, was very well sung as a duet by Misses R. and A, Segrief. To the piping of Pipe-Major W. Fraser, Miss Daisy M'Lellan executed a sword dance with grace and spirit, stirring up tho blood of tho many Scots present. Mr. G. Hood (accompanied by lyneside Lad, the champion bulldog of New Zealand, caparisoned in a Union Jack) sang the patriotic song "Soils of New Zealand" robustly, but was beaten all to picces in expression by his canine associate, who seemed lo appreciate tho symbolism he stood for. Mt. W. Bedell played a xylophone solo, and Miss Cara Denhard sang "Spring's tho Time for Love." At the conclusion of the concert, dancing was indulged iu upstairs for an hour or two, to music supplied by .Miss E. Hawthorne. Tim ioa-rooms and side-shows were additional attractions. Last year's birth-rate in England and Wales .was t]» jaivest ca record v .. .