BLUEJACKETS' ESTERIAIX- , HI EXT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2848, 14 October 1908, Page 69

BLUEJACKETS' ESTER IA IX- , HI EXT.

The funds of the Pert Chalmers Eras , Band and Mechanics' Institute were eubeiantially augmented as the result of th« vaiiety entertainment provided by th<\ variety co;npany of H.M/s>. Encounter, which took placo in the local Foresters' Hall on Thursday evening. The hall was draped with bunting, and in graceful acknowledgment of tEc kindly senimentrt inspired by the recent visit to Auckland of the American fleet, the Stars and Stripes united its folds with those of the Union, Jack, thus symbolising most happily the sentiments of the two nations, whilst the Siamese national flag formed a most picturesque and effective background. The chair was occupied by the Mayo:*; (Mr John Mill), who explained the objector of the entertainment, and in a few wellchosen remarks thanked the performers' very heartily for their prompt response in aid of two very deseving local institutions. : The entertainment was opened with the( overture, "El Capitan," 'delightfully, played), by the ship's band, , comprising piano.,., violins, mandolins, and banjos, under thej leadership of Mr * Duguid; ,Club-awing-ing, with considerable variations with ou;Jasa, tomahawks, and knives, "was given bv\ Mr W. -Hunter, A.8., whose skill in this direction was something above the average. Mr W. Verral, telegraphist, gave a violin* selection from "The Bohemian Girl.'* which afforded manifest pleasure to al',and subsequently assisted Messrs J^ Willis, S.H.B* and A. Brooke. M.A.A.. in a mandoline and banjo trio, which* proved a most enjoyable item. Mr «T. Lsbell scored a decided succ-e-s with a. sailors' Tiornipipe, and iho vcral iteir.i contributed by Me- r, T. Klioc'o. I, S-. A. Bro tke, M A.A., S. Thorpe, J. Asplw

9.0., W. Holt, A.8., T. Flynn, A.8., R, Thompson, P-0., J. Asplet, P. 0., made-up a varied and most enjoyable programme, which concluded with a comic «duet by Messrs Howland and Roache, evoked roars of laughter and 6ent everybody home in gleeful mood. Mr J. Canty ably fulfilled the duties of stage manager, and Mr Duguid, as musical conductor, contributed largely towards tho general success of the entertainment, for which Mr Elwyn Woodcock played the accompaniments with rare skill and sym.pathetic touch.