CAMP CONCERT

Arawa Guerilla, Issue 1, 1 April 1942, Page 2

CAMP CONCERT

A GREAT SUCCESS The camp concert held in the Y.M. tent on Wednesday evening- was a ilp.snorter and was attended by all the best people. Lady guests on arrival were greeted by loud cheers and officer escorts came in for much good natured banter from the , -boys. Lieutenant Maich was the big maestro and he and his band of performers had quite a hectic time but they succeeded in turning on a great show. A few minutes before the show was due to start the lights went out. After much scurrying for candles and making “temporary” arrangements the lights came on again, much to the relief of Mr. Maich whose hair by now was getting slightly ruffled. At 1959 hours Mr. Maich disappeared off the stage to return promptly at 2000 hours with his hair perfect (an officer to the last hair). The honoured guests now being seated the show was on and what a show. Two rollicking songs in which the audience joined, nearly lifted the old canvjis off the poles. During the singing of “Good Night Sergeant Major” Lieutenant Maich in the excitement of conducting the audience to even greater efforts, nearly jumped off tlje stage. (Bad luck, it would have made a good story). Then came “Roll Out the Barrel” and here the tent started to leak and caused.some of our lady guests to shift hurriedly. It is hoped that they did not think it was part of the show and that the drips were spots of rum. The P.T. staff next took the stage and all were dressed in piu.ius. They came on swinging and swaying in true Maori style, singing “Maori Battalion.” Sgt. Puki Green was a “oner” and was the eynesure of all- eyes. They received a big hand and came on again to a haka, in which redheaded Sergeant. Delamore proved a very active leader. Next was a hilarious sketch, in ‘ which ‘“Baby Took a Bow.” It was some baby, about 15 stone if it was a pound, while proceedings connected with the sketch were somewhat scandalous. (We are broadminded). Cpl. Dean then sang a couple of soothing songs after which he smiled prettily and gave way. to Pte., O’Connell who told us how we made asses of ourselves at weddings. The mouth organ round-up under the leadership of Pte. Frank Driffill, brought tears to the eyes of the more sentimental when they played “Irish Eyes and “My Bonny?’ ” Pte.* Hay arrived out of breath with a trumpet which he had evidently been polishing fight to the last minute and gave two fine solos. Our good padre was on the stage for the bull fight sketch in which tough men came to grief and the stage was strewn with various items of clothing. It remained for a discrepit short-sighted individual to conquer Ferdinand and clear the stage for Sgt. Bedggood who gave two highly appreciated pianoforte solos. His place was taken by Pte. Roskruge, the little man with the mighty voice who will probably be New Zealand’s Lawrence Tibbett one day.- He was given a big hand and as he went off, the melody boys came on to a candle light scene in Which they played and Frank Driffill had a few-things to say about Sgt.' Blows nose, Sgt. Mjr. Murray and the R.A.P. Next was the scream of the evening when the baby of a few scenes before, in. the shape of Cpl. Constant, by devious suggestions asked Mrs.

Brown “riot to have any more.” One officer during- this scene almost had to be asked t» leave for laughing so much. As a grand finale all joined in. the songs “There is a Boy Coming Home on Leave” (we know . . on Friday) and “God Defend New. Zealand.’” It was a splendid effort and all joined with Lieutenant-Colonel Wood, when aft. er his speech, he called for three cheers for Mr. Maich.and all the boys who had given such a splendid show at so short notice. . ' Bravo! bravo! , • ' P.S. Nearly forgot the accompanist. Unsung heroes these. Thank you Cpl. Taylor.