LORNE-STREET HALL ENTERTAINMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5637, 10 December 1879, Page 5

LORNE-STREET HALL ENTERTAINMENT.

RECOGNITION OF BRAVERY. Some time ago an accident, trom an explosion of gunpowder, happened on board the Naval Brigade pinnace while a practice was being held, and iD the course of it several members were very seriously burnt, and one who, iu his teror or agony, jumped overboard, was in the most heroic manner saved by Seaman Moorf, who jumpel over after him, aud kept him afloat unlil assistance arrived. At the entertainmentlast niaht, which was got up for the benefit of the sufferers by the explosion, we were glad to notice the various Volunteer Companies well represented. The Uobson Company w.js particularly noticeable, not only from their numerical attendance, but from the fact that they marched to tho hall in a body, headed by their band. The entertainment provided by Mr. Horace Dean and his company of negro minstrels was a really enjoyable one, thoroughly refined and amusing. The chair performance in the lirst part of the programme introduced a number of new songs an 1 new conundrums, and Mr. Fred. Rice, as Tambo, and Danny Bertie as Bones, kept the audience highly amused. Local subjects were introduced effectually. The comic songs from the corners had many admirers. The concluding scene, " Scenes from the Circus," although containing nothing novel, was biglily amusing. In the second part of the programme, amongst other incidents, Mr. Ddane sang, in an effective manner, the patriotic song, "TViiy rouse the British Lion ?" and ia answer to an encore he substituted the song, ■' You'll all hi wanted." Mr. J. Reid sang a ba=s solo, and was encored. He gave the standard bas3 sang, "The Sextoa," in a most effective manner and evoked the greatest applause. At thi3 Captain Leßoy, Lieutenant Chapman, and SubLieutenants Parker, and Smith stepped on the stage, accompanied by a man in seaman's dress, of the Brigade, who subsequently turned out to bi P. O. Moire. Captain Le Roy said that soon after the aecileat on baard the Naval Brigade pinnace, a meeting of the officers and potty-ollicers of the company was held for the pnrpoae of seeing what could be done to recognize the conduct of Sam an Moore. One thing was decided en, and that was that every number of the Brigade should subscribe, little or mnch, toward a medal for presentation to Seaman Moore, as a recognition of hisgalUnt conduct in jumping ovtrboard to save a comrade's life. But they did not wish that Seaman Moore should know anything about what was going on, so it was decided to keep the matter amongst the officers and petty officers for the present, knowing that if the matter were made known to the company generally, it would by some meina reach Seaman Moora. But a vacancy for a second-class petty officer occurred in the Brigade immediately after, and Seaman Moore was elected to fill it by the unanimous vote of the Brigade. On the night when he was so elected, when told he had been elected by the unanimous vote of the le to this rank—this man who did not fear to risk his life to rescue a comrade, could not come before his comrades to speak for himself, and had to depute another to thank the company in his stead. He did not expect, therefore, that he would address the present audience. On the medal which he was to present, it was stated, " Seaman " Moore, for that was his position then, and that was why the rank he now held was not included. Turning to P.O. Moore, Captain Le Roy said : "In the name of the Brigade, I have much pleasure in presenting to you this medal, in recognition of your gallantry and bravery. Its inscription is : " Presented by the Auckland Naval Brigade, for gallant conduct in rescuing a comrade. The obverse side bears the motto of the company. Those present cheered loudly, and the band played " The Red, White and Blue." P.O. Moore did not respond, and seemed glad to get away from what, to him, was quite an unexpected public appearance. The performance olo3ed with the well known farce, '-That Dog of Slocums." A dance, for which a large number remained, brought the performance to a close.