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[Page 56]
Friday 11 February 1916
A clear fine day with a very pleasant cool breeze.
Parades held as usual, but in the morning, with the orderly's help I did most of the packing. During the day we passed several vessels going in both directions: in the morning a large boat going in the same direction was in sight, &: it took us until 6 o'c in the evening to overhaul &: pass her. She was quite close &: proved to be the French mail steamer "Athos" plying between Marseilles &: China. She seemed to be carrying a few troops, probably French reservists.
In the evening the prizes donated by the passengers for the various competitions were presented. A sum of £45 was subscribed for prizes by the passengers, in addition to the £30 given for gramophones, games etc early in the voyage.
After dinner the Steward's Concert was given on the well deck where the troops &: passengers could see, &: proved to be simply splendid. It lasted 2½ hours, there being 6 items before &: 6 after the interval, including one or two comedy sketches in addition to songs etc. as a climax a "Foo-Foo Band" of abt 20 members very variously &: curiously arrayed &: supplied with instruments (?) caused roars of laughter.
A collection in aid of the fund for supplying tobacco to our soldiers &: sailors was taken up at the interval &: realised £:30, the major part, of course, coming from the passengers. I don't think the men will ever forget the entertainment. During it there was no motion at all perceptible. A clear starry night again.
Ship's run 344 miles.