THE STORY OF THE WAR.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 561, 26 November 1915, Page 4

THE STORY OF THE WAR.

UNIQUE AND INTERESTINGENTERTAINMENT. An entertainment that was in every way unique and interesting was held in the Choral Hall last evening, and was given by the members of the Young Women's Christian Association. "The Story of the War" was, by means of it, presented to us in a more vivid and realistic manner than any yet encountered, for we had all the nations involved represented, and the leading events portrayed, by a group of girls who acted their parts with wonderful dignity and ability. Meantime, Mrs J. A Newell, under whose direction it was produced, told the story, partly in prose and partly in inspiring verse. The opening scene showed the nations assembled for the signing of the Treaty of Belgian Neutrality and Independence in 1839. Britain, Eussia, Germany, France, Austria, and Belgium were represented by girls in flowing classical robes, showing the ensign of each country, and crowned with shining helmets. To the swelling strains of the National Anthem of each country, each representative went forward to a table, on which lay the treaty, signing it with an old-fashioned quill pen. Mrs Newell, unseen in the wings, explained the proceeding. Then came the events which followed thick and fast after the assassination of the Archduke Ferdinand in June, 1914. Austria presented her ultimatum to Serbia, and then was ■ shown how Austria, supported by Germany, warred against Serbia, who was supported by Eussia and France. Followed quickly the attack on France by Germany, the intervention of Belgium, the appeal to Britain, that nation's response, and the unloosing of the dogs of war. An effective tableau, showing the picture of grief, in grey garments, brooding over Belgium, who is on her knees, was introduced, and the next represented the unconquerable soul of the land, purified by tribulatiou and tears.

Then came the rally of the colonial possessions around Britain, each bringing tribute'of love and loyalty, and England's answer. The curtain went down on the Sea Queen awake — For the freedom of Thy seas we strike, God give us victory! Pictures showing the moving of Turkey, the neutral nations, Italy joining the Allies, the attitude of America, the march of the Allies against Turkey, and South Africa crowned by victory, followed, and then came the fifth scene —the tragedy of Serbia, Bulgaria won over to the Austro-German Group, Greece's benevolent neutrality, and the Allies' help to Serbia. The final tableau showed the opposing groups of warring Powers, the appeal to Victory, and Peace, dove and olive branch in hand, with her face veiled. Mrs Newell meanwhile recited the immortal lines, beginning "Blow out, you bugles, owr the rich dead!" She .concluded witn "God defend the right"— Nations, on your knees to-night, Pray that God defend the right! The National Anthem, which concluded the performance, was a new thing to many in the audience, after the scenes which they had just witnessed. The dignity and impressiveness of each picture was truly something to marvel over, and another feature was

that each participant seemed to have , caught something of the spirit of the nation that she represented. There was not a single hitch or hesitancy from start to finish, the performance being most meritorious. Mrs Newell

and the members of the association are to be congratulated on its success.

Prior to the above, there was a picturesque precession through the hall, representative of the 670,000 girls of the association in 28 different countries. Four girls represented each country, dressed in the national costume of each, which made the procession a most spectacular thing. They processioned to the stage, and grouped themselves thereon, and sang "The Song of Many Countries," specially'composed for the occasion by Mrs A. Kaye, and set to music by Miss H. Packer. Later on, were shown, in a series of beautifullyarranged tableaux, the ideals " which the association seeks to develop —

purity, love, and peace; joy, liberty, and hope; justice, courage, and-sym-pathy; knowledge and faith. The final tableau was called "Love Surrounded," and showed all the ideals grouped together—all nationalities, all denominations, and all classes linked together with cords of love.

The programme was witnessed by a good audience, amongst them being the Mayor (Mr H. Holland) and Mrs Holland. The proceeds will be given to the Lady Liverpool Fund, in aid of the funds for winter comforts for our. soldiers. During the intervals members of the association raised further cash for the same object by the sale of flowers and sweets.

A number of bouquets were presented during the evening, Miss Owen, Mrs J. A. Newell, Mrs Kaye, a*nd Miss Broeklehurst being amongst the recipients.