The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-06-08

toque with a large white osprey, sat close beside the band and insisted upon hitting the drum and smiting the vari- ous articles in the way of gopgs fry ing pans etc, upon the rack with the handle of her very wet umbr rella "It is beautiful" she said, and hit all the drums and other things again like child enjoying a game. She watched the dancing for a time, and then left the
 tent obviously very pleased with her visit.
 I was glad to see that the Queen Mother took such a kinly interest in this particular quartet of musicians, who are all men who have seen dis tinguished service in France. The pianist of the organization which calls itself "Stewarts Jazz band is Maj. Oliver Stewart, late R. A. F., who gained the military cross, the dis
 tinguished flying cross. and French decoration for bravery. With him, as drummer and special performer on the cymbals, frying pans, whistles and other instruments of torture in which Queen Alexandra took such an inter
 est, is another flying boy" Captain
 Moss, who has also received decora-
 tions for bravery. A couple of other of
 ficers play the banjoes, and the quartet
 is in great demand in London for all
 sorts of private dances. The organi- zation first came into being under Ma jor Stewards direction in those pip ing times of war" in 1916, which now adays seem so mercifully distant. These
 officers (and they are all really boys
 as far as age is concerned) used to play all sorts of ragtimes and fox
 trots behind the lines so that their brother officers could be cheered up
 whilst they were waiting for "orders" Now all four of them after fearful ex- periences and wounds that nearly "did
 them in,'' have been demobilized and are taking advantage of their experi-
 ence in France to give London still
 another sensation" in the direction of Jazz music.
 I feel that I have helped to make
 history in London, for recently I was
 one of party of a dozen well known
 women invited to lunch at one of the most famous club houses, namely that of the Savages, whose ''wigwam" is in
 Adelphi Terrace, which overlooks the
 Thames, the Houses of Parliament, the
 Embankment, Cleopatras Needle, and all the other famous landmarks of
 London that line it's ancient water
 way. The Savage club. up to the day which I mention, has been distinguish ed as one of the few clubs in London across whose threshold the foot of a woman guest has never strayed. But this is an age when records are prohei, ana pfeceuentS passed by, ana so Sir Herbert Morgan, one of the clubs most active members. took the amazingly revolutionary step of invit- ing ladies to luncheon within the sacred precincts of the club house Of course, there was good and sui ficient acuse for the presence of these intruders, and Sir Herbert and his fel- low Savages had to own up that they really could not do without feminine help in the organization of a big Savage" ball that they are arranging to take place at the Albert hall on the night of June 4, which will be Derby Day" The .Savages have only once pre- viously given ball. and that was in 1883, at the Albert hall, and which was also on Derby Day night. The 1919 Derby night ball, however, is going to be something of thrilling interest; not only will it be a Victory ball, but it will also be a celebration of the return of England's greatest classic race meeting to its own historic home on Epson Downs
 It is five years since a race meet ing has been held at Epson, and there fore the same time has elapsed, since
 the Derby has been run The Savage ball is to be costume" affair, and I believe it is suggested that every body shall go dressed in imitation of
 the characters portrayed in the famous
 Derby Day" picture, that Firth, the
 Royal Academician. painted about 50 years ago. Whether this idea will be adhered to, I do not know, but what ever happens, the ball is sure to be not only brilliant, but supremely inter- esting. am told that it is not at all unlikely that the King and Queen, the Prince of Wales and various other members of the royal family will honor the affair with their presence It seems
 
 likely to materhlize; for this season their majesties are to once more att tend the classic race meetings in state, as was their wont before the war.
 And talking of royalties, reminds me that, as I was coming along Charles street, Berkeley Square, the other day. I was cannoned into somewhat vio- lently by a pretty little lady in a pale grey tailor made gown, small white toque, and a pair of pretty blue eyes
 She said, q am so sorry" and smart looking man in khaki with the scarlet
 band of staff officer about his cap, saluted briskly and also apologized. It realized that they were Prince and Princess Arthur of Connaught out for stroll and evidenly so busily engaged
 in talking to each other that they did
 not look where they were going.
 Prince Arthur is an exceedingly at-
 tractive looking man. who manages to conceal his very definite lameness quite cleverly.