The Smoking Concert.
Page 20
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Friday evening the f ith, the last night on the road, was notable for the smoking concert which was given by "THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR." In spite of the fact that a largely-increased mileage had been done by all the competing cars, with a consequently greater strain upon those in charge of them, practically everyone in any way connected with the trials was able to be present at this interesting function, which lasted from 8.30 p.m. until something after midnight. The chair was taken by the Editor, Mr. E. Shrapnell Smith, and supporting him at the principal table were a number of the judges, officials and competitors, including : Mr. F. R. Calthrop, M.Inst.C.E., M.I.Mech.E., Colonel R. E. Crompton, C.B., R.E., Mr. II. Thomson Lyon, and Mr. F. C. A. Coventry ; Mr.
J. W. Orde and Captain C. Battine; Mr. F. Goodehild, Mr. H. G. Burford, Mr. R. Kerr Thomas, Mr. H. Niblett, Mr. Julian A. IIalford, Mr. T. C. Aveling, and Mr. W. Campbell Wilson. In addition to those following the trials, a number of gentlemen had come down from town, amongst them being Mr.' George Pollard (London Road Car Co., Ltd.), and Mr. Percy Frost Smith (Thomas Tilling, Ltd.), Mr. W. Godfrey Brewer, Mr. J. A. Jackson, and Captain H. R. Hayter were also amongst those present, 280 seats being occupied.
There was, altogether, a most representative gathering, and one that, to judge from the laughter and applause evoked by the many numbers in the ample programme presented, thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Mr.. Fr. G. Burford, the managing director of • Milnes-Daimler, Limited, gave two songs in splendid style, and others, contributed by Messrs. A. M. Rowland, H. W. Allingham, Sale, and George W. Watson, proved equally acceptable. The lighter part of the programme, in the shape of some of the numbers from the popular musical comedies, was sus tained by the Misses Lily Maxwell and
Muriel Harding, two bright young ladies imported specially from the Gaiety Theatre for the evening. Mr. H. S. Carr gave several splendid character songs, and Mr. T. C. Aveling sang " Bluebell " to a most vociferous accompaniment, from the entire audience, of a sound intended to represent the puffing of the exhaust of a certain heavy wagon in the trials. He was no less successful at the piano in a charming rendering of Albert Chevalier's song, " Yus." Mr. D. C. Mackenzie Hume contributed a conjuring entertainment, and Mr. Legh followed his song, " Our evening party," with a number of topical verses on the hu morous incidents of the trials. The piece de resistance of the evening was preceded by two presentations to Mr. Julian Orde, particulars of which will be found elsewhere in our issue. This pleasant duty over, the company sat down to enjoy what was described as " The side-slipping skid," entitled, " Let the judges decide." This was performed by a number of the more " Irresponsible observers '7 and others following the trials, who dignified themselves by the name of the " Absoballylutely Opera Company." The scene was laid at the" Oughtiobeboileci Club, 119, Ticklelily,'' and, although the scenic effects described on the programme were meagre in reality, much fun was provoked by the dialogue, as interpreted by several gentlemen posing as judges, and revelling in some characteristic clothing—to say nothing of one or two good attempts at caricature in facial " make-up." These judges of the evening were asked to decide upon several amusing claims alleged to have been made by firms rejoicing in the names of " Ouaker-Quire," " Venice Brothers," the " Unique " Company, the " Blooming-Maid " Company, etc.
In one case, the complaint was that, when a breakdown had occurred on the road, the observer had refused to stay Out on the roadside longer than three weeks : he had left the vehicle in a draught, and gone home in order to change his shirt, and get a shave. Arguments were led as to how long an observer should wear a shirt, and to what length his beard should he allowed to grow. The company was ordered tore-bush the observer throughout, and supply him with a new shirt,
" Venice Brothers " claimed that they were the first to make a worm turn, and that they were the originators of the phrase " It's a long Warm that has no turning." This case was adjourned for the attendance of Archimedes, the first expert on the subject.
Another claim was made that the " Blooming-Maid" paraffin wagon should have a special prize for appearance, but the judges decided that it should never have been entered in the trials, as it was obviously a converted pleasure-car Chassis.
The above are but a few of the points that went to make for the evening's hilarity—it would be impossible for us to reproduce the entire sketch, for more than one reason. Much of the success of this sketch must be attributed to the hard work and bright ideas of Mr. A. W. Windsor, who, in addition, rendered most valuable service in presiding at the piano. Messrs. Bernard Hopps, H. M. Wyatt, Rowland, Dresser, Vickers, and G. W. Watson were also instrumental in securing many laughs.
To Mr, E. McBride-Legh, the assistant Editor of " THE COMMERCIAL. MOTOR," is due the credit of arranging what has been styled on all hands " a great night."