SMOKE CONCERT

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 301, 17 September 1934, Page 10

SMOKE CONCERT

Combined Shipping Companies EMPIRE’S TRADE ROUTES In cheerful mood the combined shipping companies of Wellington held their annual smoke concert at the Town Hall Concert Chamber on Saturday night. It was a bright function well patronised by the shipping staffs, who had as their guests a number of prominent citizens. The concert was presided over by Mr. N. S. Falla, C.M.G. “I am not an advocate of war, and I would go a long way to prevent war,” said Mr. R. A. Wright, M.P., proposing the toast of “The Navy.” “But when I say that I recognise that every nation must defend itself. It is no use preaching peace to an aggressive country anxious to .increase its territory. Those good people who contend for peace at any price have an idea that we should disband the navy altogether. But we know too well by past history that any nation unable to defend Itself goes down. “There are people who say the navy is a provocative ageht. But it is not and has never been so, even in the days when there was sufficient naval strength to stand against any two other navies in the world. ■ Its power has never been abused. In those circumstances it is idle to say that the nayy is calculated to provoke war.’’ Replying to The toast, Captain E. G, Morris, R.N. (Retd.), Director of Naval Reserves, pointed out that the trade routes of the Empire extended over 86,000 miles,, and of them twothirds were vital. It was important that the navy should be strong enough to preserve the safety of those sea routes.

The toast of "The Mercantile Marine” was proposed by Dr. E. Kidson. Direcor of Meteorological Services, and 'replied to by Captain G. Knowles, who expressed his regret that so fine a training scheme as was provided by the Dartford in New Zealand should have been allowed to go out of existence. It would be a great thing if another ship like that could be obtained for training purposes.

Mr. T. R. Barrer, chairman of the Wellington Harbour Board, who proposed the toast of “The Shipping Companies,” deplored the extraordinary spread of nationalistic feelings in so many countries which was creating difficulties of great magnitude for the companies. Mr. W. Gregory, for the overseas companies, and Mr. J. W. Matthewson, for the local companies, responded to the toast. Other toasts drunk were “The Teams,” proposed by Mr. J. A. Wilson, who referred to the Rugby football match played between shipping company teams on Saturday afternoon, and “The Press,” proposed by Mr. F. A. Turner. The musical programme was arranged by Mr. H. E. Brusey,. HARBOUR BOARD SPORTS CLUB The second annual smoke concert of the Wellington Irlarbour Board Sports Club was held on Saturday night in Store X. The concert, which was attended by a considerable gathering, proved very successful. . . . Captain A. V. H. Monro occupied the chair, and proposed the King's health, which was accorded customary honours. The programme was more than usually entertaining. It included such unusual items as ventriloquism by Mr. C. H. Burridge, a selection on that unusual Old Testament instrument, the dulcimer, played by Mr. H. MacDonald, and a Highland fling by Mr. Donald Young, accompanied by Mr. G. McLennan on the bagpipes. These items were thoroughly enjoyed, as also were the songs by Mr. H. Tahiwi, Captain Campbell, Mr. K. Rigby, and Mr. J. Cathcart. The community songs were conducted by Mr. Rigby. The Rugby Shield was presented by Captain Monro to the winners, the Harbour Board Traffic Team, who had beaten head office in the final match on Saturday afternoon. The manager and the captain of the winning team (Mr. C. Adams and Mr. J. Hepburn) responded. Other toasts were “The Teams,” proposed by Mr. A. W. O. Travers; “Kindred Clubs,” proposed by Mr. N. A. Ingram and responded to by Mr. C. H. Bennett, of the Post Office; and “The Harbour Board.” proposed by Captain Monro and £o"which Mr. T. R. Barrer replied. Store X was appropriately decorated with international and code flags, and canvases of New Zealand life.