SOLDIERS AND SAILORS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17275, 26 September 1919, Page 8

SOLDIERS AND SAILORS.

DANCE FOR BLUEJACKETS.

RETURNED MEN'S FUNCTION.

BRIGHT SCENE IN TOWN HALL.

The Town Hall was filled to its utmost capacity last night, when the ball tendered to petty officers and men of the battle-cruiser New Zealand by tjie Auckland Returned Soldiers' Association was held. The function was purely a military and naval affair, no male civilians being admitted. The bluejackets and marines attended in large numbers, and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The interior of the hall was hung with the decorations that had been erected for the garrison officers' ball on the previous night, and the scene presented by the hundreds of dancers, the veiled lights, and the beauty of the decorations, was an inspiring one. For the first dances the floor was closely filled. The sailors evidently favoured the old-fashioned waltz, as almost every bluejacket present was to be seen dancing to some favourite old waltz tune.

The spectacle of the dancers in the lancers, although more subdued than the scintillating colours and scarlet and gold of the officers' ball, was a pretty one. A great number of local returned men wore their uniforms, although many were attired in conventional evening dress, and the bright-coloured dresses of the ladies, the scarlet and deep blue of the marines' uniform*, with here and there the sombre black or khaki, formed a brilliant spectacle. The old-world dances were the most popular. "Jack" prefers a waltz or velela to a foxtrot or an American onestep, and he showed his delight in the evergreen mazurka and schottische. Encores were given to every dance, and it was a very happy party that broke up shortly after midnight. There were many New Zealand returned officers present, including several who had been at the previous night's function, and all pronounced the Returned Soldiers' Association's ball a success. The supper arrangements were excellent, a buffet being situated in the cupperroom, which was transformed into a woodland bower by the beautiful nikau palms and ferns. An enjoyable dance was given by the Flying Angel Mission to Seamen, to some of the men from the New Zealand, and officers and engineers of the Home vessels, at Birkenhead, on Wednesday evening. The vistors were welcomed by Mr. Arthur P. Cowie, missioner to seamen. CONGEST BY SHIP'S COMPANY.

PERFORMANCE THIS EVENING.

A promenade concert will be given this evening by the " ship's company" of the New Zealand in the clubroom on the Queen's Wharf. A small charge is being made for admission, and the proceeds will be given to naval and mercantile charities.

VISIT TO ROTORUA.

DEPARTURE THIS MORNING.

PARTY OF 35 OFFICERS.

Admiral of, the Fleet Lord Jellicoe and Lady Jellicott, accompanied by 35 members of the admiral's staff and officers of the New, Zealand, will leave for Rotorua by train at 9.15 this morning. The party will return to Auckland next Wednesdav. The following are the fixtures lor the entertainment of the officers who are not going to Rotorua and of the petty officers and men of the New Zealand: — To-dat. Trap-shooting for officers, arranged by Auckland Gun Club. Rugby football match, Petty Officers and Men, H.M.S. New Zealand v. Tramways team. 8 p.m.—Smoke concert for petty officers and men in Town Hall. Invitation to attend Auckland Kennel Club's annual show. To-moebow. Morning and afternoon.—Avondale races, with lunch for officers by the Racing Club, and for the men by Citizens' Committee. 3 p.m. —Association football match, H.M.S. New Zealand v. Auckland, at Domain; Rugby match, Auckland v. Bay of Plenty, at Eden Park. 8 p.m.—Smoke concert for officers by Orphans' Club, in Masonic Hall, Belgium Street; Kennel Club's show again open. Concert in clubroom on Queen's Wharf. Sunday. Evening.—Sacred concert in clubroom on Queen's Wharf. Monday, September 29.

I Noon.— to petty officers and men ! in clubroom. 2 p.m.—Motor-cycle ride for petty officers. 8 p.m.—Boxing tournament in Town | Hall. ! Tuesday, September 30. Noon.—Lunch to petty officers and men in clubroom. 8 p.m.—Smoke concert in Town Hall. Wednesday, October 1. Admiral and party return from Rotorua. Morning and afternoon.Avondale races. Invitation to officers to attend bowling green at Onehunga. 8 p.m.—Swimming carnival at tepid baths. Concert at clubroom. Thursday, October 2. 10 a.m.—Presentations at Onehunga to Admiral and Lady Jellicoe of souvenirs made from the timber of the wrecked H.M.S. Orpheus. 1 p.m.—Lunch to the admiral by Navy League. 3 p.m.—Sports gathering for officers and men at Domain, including Rugby and Association football matches, H.M.S. New Zealand v. Auckland. Evening.—Northern Club ball; special entertainment for petty officers and men in clubroom on wharf.

Friday, October 3. Departure of H.M.S. New Zealand