HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1520, 12 June 1919, Page 34

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

A MOMENTOUS CHRONICLE. GERMAN NAVAL SURRENDER. “You boasted the Day, And you toasted the Day, And now the Day has come." That important event in the annals of history—the surrender of the German Naval Fleet to the might of the Allies —was presented pictorially at His Majesty’s Theatre on Saturday night before a very large and representative audience, which included the Mayor (Mr. J. H. Gunson) and Mrs. Gunson, the Allied Consuls, the presidents of the Navy and Victoria Leagues, and educational authorities. The film, which is shown under the direction of Messrs. J. and N. Tait, is a replica of the one that has been lodged in the British Museum as a historical record of the most stirring incident of the war. Prior to showing the actual surrender, the correct atmosphere is created by the screening of photographs of the King and Prince of Wales visiting the Grand Fleet, of Admiral Beatty, Lord Jellicoe, Admiral Tyrwhitt, Admiral Sturdee, and others, together with views of the squadrons. One is familiarised with the mystery ships cleared for action and the great engineering feat of ferrying trains, munitions and troops across the channel. Every phase of the surrender is depicted, and as the long lines of German war ships, cruisers, and submarines, shepherded by Admiral Beatty’s ships, steam slowly out of mists of the North Sea, to give themselves up to British sea power, spectators are thrilled anew at this mighty evidence of Britain’s naval magnitude. Close views of the monster battleships add to the intensity of interest, and as the British Lion pulls downs the German flag and hoists the Union Jack the audience were inspired with deeply fervent feelings, expressed in spontaneous applause. A sense of completeness was conveyed by the singing of Madame Marie Power, whose powerful, expressive voice rang out arrestingly in appropriate patriotic numbers. Elgar’s “Land of Hope and Glory” was given with rare feeling and artistry, the contralto also giving a stirring rendering of “Rule Britannia” and “The Grey North Sea,” in addition to encores that were insistently demanded. Mr. Kenneth Carlisle gave a dramatic recital of “The Day,” and made explanatory notes to the pictures in impressive manner. A special orchestra also lent colour to a graphic production.