When on duty he is in charge of guns in H. M. S. New Zealand, and when he is off duty he takes charge of the "movies", which are a pleasant relaxation for the men.
Prince George has just done what no other British prince has previously done — he has created a precedent by entering into a contract with a well-known film company for the hire of popular kinematograph pictures. The "movies" are sanctioned by the Board of Admiralty, and many of our finest battleships of the fleet have a kinematograph installation. The men like the "Charlie Chaplin" films, and some of the new ones selected by Prince George show the picture-actor in some of his best parts. In order to make a proper contract, the nominal sum of £5 a week is charged for the hire, and this fee will each week be forwarded by the film company to Sir Arthur Pearson’s fund for blinded soldiers. Two shows per week per vessel is the system in vogue — one display for officers and one for men. We are told that misdemeanor is punished by forbidding the culprit to attend the pictures and, as most of the men would turn into veritable saints sooner than miss their favourite diversion, the conduct of the ship’s company is maintained at a very high level.
• Accompanying the very severe clap of thunder which occurred shortly after 2 o’clock on Tuesday afternoon at Oamaru was a very curious phenomenon which was witnessed by four persons gathered in Mr W. H. Frith’s dining room. What they describe as having the appearance of a ball of molten metal, about three or four feet in diameter, suddenly burst with a terrific crash in front of a window. The explosion was exceedingly startling and the house (a stone building) shook with its force. An examination revealed absolutely no after effects, and it is supposed by the witnesses (one of whom was Mr W. Miller, late electrician to the Feilding township) that the phenomenon must have been formed of gaseous matter. Those present, especially Mrs Frith and Mrs Marsh, received a shock from which it took them some time to recover.
• Speaking of the lot of the consumptive soldier, the Hon. G. W. Russell remarked to a Christchurch Press representative on Wednesday evening that there was in Southland a space of some 40 or 50 acres which could be put to good use in the interests of such soldiers. Buildings of any sort, or administrative blocks, could be erected upon that area and there was room for many shelters. Moreover, the ladies of Southland were prepared, were the buildings established, to furnish them completely.
• The Mataura Ensign reports that what should serve as a warning to parents who have sons at the front has occurred in the case of Mr R. M’Bride, of Charlton, who has three sons at the front, and one proceeding thither. A cablegram was received by Mr M’Bride on October 23, ostensibly from one of his sons, stating: "Well. Expect to go on leave. Cable thirty B. N. Z., London.
"Knowing the nature of his son, and being sure that he was not in financial straits, Mr M’Bride did not accede to the request, and the wisdom of his action is proved by a letter received a few days ago from the son concerned, stating that he was recovering from his wounds in Brockenhurst Hospital, and that he did not need money. — ODT 25.11.1916.
• COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR WWW.OTAGOIMAGES.CO.NZ
