TRAFALGAR DAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15746, 22 October 1914, Page 7

TRAFALGAR DAY.

OBSERVANCE IN AUCKLAND.

NAVY LEAGUE GATHERING.

A large display of bunting was made in Auckland yesterday on the occasion of the 109 th anniversary of the battle of Trafalgar. There was no demonstration, during the day, but a " Trafalgar Night " was held under the auspices of the Auckland branch of the Navy League at the Lyric Picture Theatre. All the availa.ble seating space was occupied. Among those who were present at the gathering were: — The Mayor and Mayoress, Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Parr; Mr. J. H. Gunson, chairman of the Harbour Board; Colonel C. T. Major, D.5.0., officer commanding the Auckland militarydistrict; Colonel G. W. S. Patterson, Coast Defence commander; Lieutenant-Colonel W. H. Hazard, officer commanding Auckland Garrison Artillery; Mr. W. A. Beddoe, Canadian Trade Commissioner; and the various Consuls.

Prior to the opening of the cinematographic portion ol the programme, scouts carrying the respective flags of the allies marched from the rear of the hall to the stage, the orchestra playing in turn the National Anthems of Belgium, France, Russia, Japan and Great Britain. The audience stood throughout this part of the programme, joined heartuy in the various anthems, and cheered each flag lustily. At the call of the Mayor, three cheers were given for the allies as a whole and three more cheers for the Motherland-

lhe pictures screened were particularly appropriate, and included many war films. Two of the most interesting films were those showing the Germans entering Brussels, and the ruins of Termonde after the German bombardment." The former film included an excellent series of views of the Kaiser's men in the field, while the latter picture showed plainly the desolation spread by the heavy German artillery. Immense enthusiasm was aroused by the military pictures from England, which included views of wounded soldiers returning from the front, and of Lord Roberts reviewing Kitchener's new army. Good pictures of the New Zealand expeditionary force were also shown, while the programme concluded with a fine selection taken at recent naval manoeuvres. During the evening Mr. F. J. Burke sang the " Tommies'" marching song, "It's a Long Way to Tipperary." He was warmly encored. Owine to the very large number of tickets sold, the programme will be repeated this evening for the benefit of those people unable to gain admission last night. IN MEMORY OF TRAFALGAR. VETERANS' .DINNER. The spirit of Trafalgar Day was manifested at the annual dinner of the Royal Naval and Royal Marino Association, held in the Strand Cafe last night. About 25 persons were present, 18 of them veterans, 1 whose ages averaged 61 years. The oldest I member present was Mr. Joe Pridmore, who is 88 and still working; two " boys " prese it were aged 40 and 41 years. The most interesting veteran of all was Mr. Rowley Hill, who proudly recalled the days when ho fought with Garibaldi, and who carried no fewer than 11 medals. Th 3 chiir was taken by Mr. Tom Allen, and seated with him were Mr. Dick Craven, the host of theovenirg, Mr. G. H. Powley, Mr. W. B. Ley land, and Mr. W. H. Glibbo rv. secretary of the association. After the loyal toast and the National Anthem, the toast list was proceeded with. In proposing the toast, " The Navy and Army, embracing the whole of the Forces, Sea and Land," Mr. W. B. Leyland said that he was supposed to be on the sick iist. but that in spite of indisposition he could rot refrain from being with them that right. (Applause.) He thought it would be a piece of impudence on his part to talk to them of the navy, but he wanted to say that, from his observations at Plymouth Hoe during King George V.'s coronation, the traditions and efficiency of the navv were being maintained, and more than maintained. As an illustration of this he told them that for years past the destroyers and submarines of the navy had been engaged on a war footinghad been thrashing through the Channel with lights out all the vear round. British destroyers and submarines had not yet had a chance, but when their chance came they would do wonderful thing*. (Applause.) Mr G. H. Powley asked those present to drink " To the memory of the immortal Lord Nelson, and the gallant heroes, British and French, who fought at Trafalgar." He said that that day wreaths from New Zealand had been placed at the foot of Nelson's statue in London, and Nelson's name would never be forgotten while Britishers remained Britishers. iApplause.) A naval battle between England and Germany was pending, and when it was fought he thought it would be, every bit as successful and glorious to Britain as was Trafalgar. (Loud applause.) Other toasts honoured during the evening were ''Our Host," "Absent Members," and " Assisting Friends."

An appropriate musical programme was rendered.