GAS-LIGHTED SHIP

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 101, 23 January 1933, Page 8

GAS-LIGHTED SHIP

Early Wellington Episode

A BANDSMAN’S MEMORIES

Reminiscences of Anniversary Night, 1865, when the Wellington Artillery Band took part in an entertainment on a gas-lighted ship, are contained in a letter to “The Dominion” from Mr. W. F. Gordon, of New Plymouth. “A fine large ship, the Soukar, was lying at her berth at the Queen’s Wharf,” writes Mr. Gordon. “Her master, Captain Adams, hit upon the happy idea of doing something that night for the Seamen’s Orphanage. To that end he got into touch with the Artillery Band and suggested that we join forces, he to give the use of his ship, and we to supply the music. “The band made me secretary, and the patronage of the captain and officers of H.M.S. Rosario, Captain Pearce, of the Wellington Artillery Corps, his Worship the Mayor, and leading citizens was secured. “The function was a great success. My diary says: ‘The ship was lit up with gas, and everything went off well. Result :■ A good surplus for the orphanage.’ “Many of your readers of the present day will naturally wonder how the ship could be lit up with gas. But she was; and, if I remember correctly, it was Mr. Hayes, the plumber, who did the job. The pipe was run down the wharf and was joined up to the ship by tubing—the first job of the kind ever done in Wellington. “The Artillery Band was undoubtedly at. one time the best band in the city, and probably in the province, and was strong enough to form two efficient bands from its ranks. In those days the Oddfellows used to charter steamers to carry excursionists to Lowry Bay or Soames Island on Boxing Day, and they engaged the Artillery Band. On Boxing Day, 1874, the s.s. Stormbird and the Napier took about 1500 people to Soames Island, one portion of the band going in the Stormbird and the other playing on. the wharf till the Napier was a full ship, and then going over by her. “I look back to my five years’ active membership of the Wellington Artillery Band with pleasure, and often wonder how many of the 'Old Brigade’ are still on deck. To those who are and happen to read these lines I send the New Year’s greetings.”