LEISURE HOURS

Arawa Guerilla, Issue 11, 1 February 1943, Page 14

LEISURE HOURS

Entertainment for the New Year opened most auspiciously, giving promise that 1943 would be as fruitful in providing Tuesday night amusement as 1942.

The first concert, appropriately enough, was provided by our Maori friends. Last year they were always on call, and ready to oblige us with tuneful melodies and rousing hakas. It was very fitting, therefore, that they should set 'the ball rolling this year.

Their show on Tuesday, January 12, was on'e of the best yet. The poi numbers, as usual, were extremely popular, and the newer hands were extremely appreciative of the graceful rhythms The many popular songs sung both in English and in Maori were also most enthusiastically received. We look forward to many more happy evenings with these good people.

On Tuesday, the 19th, we were entertained by Mr. Garth and a concert party from the P.W.D. The snappy orchestra of seven pieces provided some first-class music, and popular solo items included Mr. H. Cater on the trombone, and Mr. Garth playing piano novelties. A bright tap-dancing duet by two little ladies went over big with the boys. They were dressed in battle-dress, and we recognised one of the uniforms as belonging to Corporal Bob Vincent by the beer-stains on the blouse.

The always-welcome Pte. Ray Opie sang in his usual good form although he seemed a trifle nervous on this occasion, and a rousing reception was given to Cpl. Hoskins, whose magnificent rendition of “Father O’Flynn” was the hit of the evening. It is to be hoped we hear a great deal more of his fine baritone voice.

The first Company concert was given by “A” Company on Tuesday, the 26th. This was a happy opening to what it is hoped will be a bright

series. There is a great variety of talent in camp now, and although some companies are better supplied than others,. past experience shows that we can count on most enjoyable shows from each section. Certainly “iA” Company’s effort was most enjoyable. As usual, the topical items were the most popular. “Swing P.T.,” a novel chorus number, and “Says the Major” were very well received. The latter which parodied a well-known camp personality was better received by nobody than the person himself! Pte. Brunsden made an excellent Major. Another hit was the “Subalterns’ Serenade” sung by the übiquitous Sgts. Reid and Roskruge. This snappy survey of the junior officers’ troubles was put across with polish and pep. Exceptionally popular was the work of Pte. Brian Gardner. This very talented soldier gave several brilliantly-executed numbers on the xylophone, assisted by Pte. Monty Howard on the guitar and Neville White on the double bass, and also, with the same support, manipulated the accordian smartly. Pte. Gardner is undoubtedly one of the best musicians we have had in this camp. Another well-received number was topical verses by the “Mountain Williams” which guyed ‘iA” Coy. personalities. Pte. Warren Stevens played a very pleasing violin solo, Sgt. Roskruge sang “The Two Grenadiers,” Don Patton gave us his attractive “Alligator Crawl,” Pte. Munro recited very well, and several sketches “From The Other Side,” “Home Trouble” and “La Plume de Ma Tante,” a “daring” French piece, were played. The show was well received by a packed hall. Despite the obvious rawness of some of the performers, the whole went very smoothly, and was a credit to Sgt. John Reid, who wrote most of it, and did the production, and to the members of “A” Coy. . As Captain Muir remarked, ‘That’ll keep ’em scratching their heads!”