SPORT IN THE NAVY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18710, 16 May 1924, Page 10

SPORT IN THE NAVY.

LEADERS OF SQUADRON.

ADMIRALS' ' RECREATIONS.

FORMER RECORD-BREAKER.

ATHLETE AND CONJURER.

Keen sportsmen command the Special Service Squadron and its distinctive units. Love of open-air sport and the fitness it maintains is as keen on the quarter-deck of the Hood and the Delhi, for example, as it is among all the different ratings. The recreation of Vice-Admiral Sir Frederick Laurence Field is now limited to golf, with a handicap from bogey of four. But he has pleasant memories ot sporting achievements in less arduous days and responsibilities. There was a time at the Isle of Wight College and in H.M.S. Britannia when the vice-admiral could, and did, break the Navy record as a sprinter over 100 yds. from the scratch mark, and also over that more gruelling distance, the quarter-mile. In those days he was also a splendid swimmer, an all-round athlete indeed, and, in the Borrovian phrase, " a proper man with his hands." • Later on, after much distinguished service, in which wounds as well as honours were won, a serious operation following a severe illness made imperative a choice of more moderate recreation. But Admiral Field is anything but a l™l<or-on in the realm of sport and entertainment. He can sing a good song, imitate, or certainly once could imitate, a famous London entertainer to the life, and with quickness of the, conjurer's hand deceive the sharpest eye. Since the distinguished admiral is only in his fifty-third year, and is as fit as the Hood, it will be a long time yet before the popular commander of the Special Service Squadron need take to bowls and emulate Drake on Plymouth Hoe. The recreations of Rear-Admiral the Hon. Sir Hubert Brand, in command of the Light Cruiser Squadron, are shooting, fishing, and golf. He will be 54 on May 20. Almost every branch of sport has its exponents and supporters among the captains, officers, and ships' companies of the Special Service Squadron, and all are proud of the fact that their love of pastimes has the ardent support of the " Old Man," who in his day could travel like a torpedo.

BRILLIANT EMPIRE BALL.

POWDER AND PATCHES.

TOWN HALL TRANSFORMED.

A scene of old-time beauty and charm was staged at the Town Hall last evening, when Their Excellencies, Lord and Lady Jellicoe, the admirals and* officers of the Squadron, were the guests of the Auckland Navy League and Victoria League at the Empire ball. In compliance with a special request, all the guests wore powder and patches, and the effect was novel and charming, incidentally demonstrating that white hair is one of the most effective of all settings for bright and youthful faces, as well as for those to whom, by virtue "8f their years, it rightfully belongs. Many of the men were in old-time Court dress, with snowy wigs and peruques, other wore ordinary evening dress with facings of blue and gold. The guests, numbering about 2000, were received by Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Napier, and Miss Mowbray, representing the Navy and Victoria Leagues. The most charming feature of a delightful evening was a minuet, danced in eight sets, wherein Auckland's prettiest maidens faced their gallant swains, and curtseyed with a grace and dignity that, recalled brave scenes of the days of long ago. To the haunting strains of the most famous of all minuet, tunes, the dancers tripped with leisurely grace; some of the ladies carried dainty posies, others fans „r great black ostrich plumes, „*.' painted ivory. The dresses were reminiscent of the days of "lavender and old lace," the colour scheme being arranged with unerring "perception of effective blending and contrast of tones. Against the background of the men's Court dress, worn with wigs and peruques, and daintily lace and frilled shirt-fronts, the delicate tones of the ladies' frocks, of uniform colouring in each individual set, stood out in charming relief. Some of the maidens wore large black satin hats, others the high-piled curls of the coiffure of the period. Each set had an individual charm and distinction of its own, and each went through the graceful evolutions of the'-dance with the precision that comes of careful rehearsal. Again and again, the storm of applause was answered by an encore ; then the dancers retired, and the modern dances held sway once more. To the beauty of the dance was added the charm of a setting of unique beauty. Those responsible for the decorations achieved an effect that won the admiration of all present. The stage was arranged as a drawing room, and at the back/ a most realistic Maori whare, decorated with handsome carvings. In the interior, in a glow of ruby light, sat a little Maori maiden, whose deft fingers were seen busily weaving a mat. Overhead were drooping nikau fronds, and interlacing greenery which gave a realistic bush-setting to the whare and its picturesque occupant. The hall was lit by clusters of coloured globes, glowing from behind long coloured streamers. ■ The central cbande-lier-chains were outlined in orange lights, and intertwined with greenery. Round the front of the gallery were festoons of mauve and gold lights, handsome nikau palms being set at intervals in the front of the gallery itself. The decorations at the entrance to the hall, and upper jrallery were of outstanding beauty, great clumps of flax, and nikau palms, being used with striking effect. Supper was served at intervals in the concert chamber, and in the ante-room downstairs, both being handsomely decorated for the occasion. Autumn tints of flame and brown were the feature of the decorations downstairs, scarlet salvia and maidenhair adding a touch of brilliant colour to the tables upstairs. The supper arrangements were particularly good, being carried through without any of the crowding that has marred so many functions of the kind.

Dancing was continued with vim after supper and until an early hour , this morning, an excellent dance programme being rendered by Gordon Eady's orchestra. A word of special commendation is due to all those associated with the organisation and management of the ball, which in every respect was an outstanding success, and one which must rank as *an outstanding feature of Fleet Week.