“A NIGHT IN FRANCE”

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 29, 28 October 1933, Page 14

“A NIGHT IN FRANCE”

Island Bay R.S.A. Dance

The Masonic Hall, Island Bay, was filled to overflowing when the local branch of the R.S.A. held their first “Diggers’ Dance,” which represented a scene on active service. The fall-in was sounded by Bugler Chegwin at 8 p.m., when everyone was expected to be present. The orchestra, attired in tin hats and tunics, seated on the firestep of a'very realistic trench, played old-time waltzes. The Parade Dance caused much amusement. Everyone fell-in with .partners in two lints. This being repeated, ladles and gentlemen were marched to different partners each time. In the next novelty, the Furlough Dance, partners were sent on leave to Paris, London, Blackpool, etc., until the couple who had to return to the Front was awarded a prize by way of encouragement. In the War Zone Dance, partners were again dispatched to Palestine, Gallipoli, or France, to take part in the war dance. The Bomb Dance caused much excitement. Coloured bombs were released among the dancers. Adding to the scene were bomb effects by Messrs. Perry and Wixom An air raid was conducted by Mr. Perry, assisted by 3lessrs. Tait, Galleway, Wixon, Lyon, Anton, Trim, Gould, Hay, Glen, and Petersen. A brazier in the trench lighting the faces of diggers crouched over it, singing "Pick Up Your Troubles,” was disturbed by the alarm being given. The bomber appeared and was finally dispatched by a bombardment of antiaircraft guns and Allied planes, while the Diggers sang “Apres la Guerre.” The supper was given almost entirely by ladies of the district. The canteen, with Sister Collins in charge, dispensed ice cream and soft drinks. A wonderful spirit of camaraderie prevailed the whole evening, and the Island Bay branch and those chiefly responsible, including Mr. Trim, organiser of the entertainment committee, Colonel Lyon, who proved, a very capable M.C., Mr. S. Anton, Sister Collins, Sister Nufaur, Slesdames Trim, Glen, Ward, Dimmock, and Keogh, are to be congratulated on their second successful dance. Among those present were: —Colonel and Sirs. IHughes, Colonel and Mrs. Lyon, Major Kirby, Captain and Sirs. Martyn Roberts, Captain and Mrs. Kelleway, Sir. and Sirs. Trim, Sister Collins, Sister Dufaur, Mr. and Sirs. Anton, Sir. and Sirs. Gould, Mr. and Mrs. Tait, Sir. and Sirs Colley, Sir. and Mrs. Leslie, Mr. and. Mrs. Ward,' Mr. and AlrS. Griffiths, Sir. and Sirs. Crothers, Sir. and Mrs. Hay, Mr. and Sirs. Forbes, Sir. and Mrs. Footer, Sir. Perry, Sir. and Mrs. Wixon, Mrs. Footer, Mr. and Mrs. Glen, Sir. and Sirs. Irvine, Mr. and Sirs. Dimmock, Mr. and Sirs. Wheeler, Mr. and Sirs. Whyte, Sir. and Sirs. Bilderleck.