A PICNIC DE LUXE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1550, 8 January 1920, Page 36

A PICNIC DE LUXE.

MERRY MUSICAL MUMMERSThe J. C. Williamson Musical Comedy Company had a day out on Sunday,' when the firm entertained them at a picnic to Cowes Bay, Waiheke, on the s.s. Waiotahi. Mr. John Farrell, manager, was responsible for organising the gathering, and a merry party, from producer and principals to mechanicians,, made a trip which will long remain as one of the most pleasant memories of their many visits ,to Auckland. The journey was enlivened by the good graces of the orchestra, who mustered to a man, and in a line , with the happy fellowship that exists amongst the company, contributed generously to the enjoyment of all, their catchy melodies from popular musical comedies inciting the others to tread the joyous measure, in latest jazz. An appetising dinner and tea were served on the boat, the arrangements being admirable, and reflecting the greatest credit, on the ship’s staff. On arrival at Waiheke a unique incident occurred. One of the members of the company—Miss Floie Allan, who plays the telephone girl in “Going Up”—having missed the boat, was given the option of a flight in one of the Walsh Bros.’ seaplanes by a well-known young Aucklander, and ready for adventure the attractive lady gladly embraced the opportunity. And .as the Waiotahi hied to the wharf, it. was accompanied overhead by the; whirr of the airship, which,; after' skilful evolutions, skimmed along the water and gracefully made its landing on the beach to the astonishment of all the Waihekians. who had hurriedly left their first dinner course to be in time for the sensational event. As Miss Allan, in all her youthful charms, stepped out, She was given a rousing round of cheers from the boat and beach. “A lovely sensation,’ ’was her description of the novel experience. Then came the landing of the Waiotahi’s gladsome passengers, so the natives of Cowes Bay had an unusual diversion for their otherwise peaceful Sabbath. It wasn’t long before most of the company were into their bathing suits revelling in a dip in the briny, and those who didn’t swim, fished and got their reward. Miss Cecil Bradley was the Isaak Walton heroine of the day with a 4ft. kawai in her catch, and it took some delicate manoeuvring to - safeguard it from envious beholders on the. homeward trip! Orchestral selections- again gave a fillip to proceedings, the performers getting a big rally for their unselfishness. Hearty cheers were given for Mr. John Farrell for organising the picnic, and for Mrs. Farrell, and “For They are Jolly Good Fellows” was lustily sung. On the return to the city Mr. Harry Burcher called for cheers for the popular skip, Captain Wilson, which were responded to with great vigour, and . the . unfailing kindness of the crew, who had done everything possible for the enjoyment of all, was also given acknowledgement from a highly-appreciative party. .

Mr. Field Fisher, who makes such a hit in “Going Up” as the ponderous mechanic, does not really carry so much adipose as one might be inclined to fancy. He met with a nasty jar one night from a friend who came to greet him in his dressingroom during the performance. “Great Scott,” said the friend, “you have put on flesh.” “So the camouflage must have been fairly successful,” says Mr. Fisher, in relating the incident. This very useful and ultra-happy looking comedian, by the way, came out to J. C. Williamson for a six months’ engagement and stayed six years, and has now signed up for another contract.