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stowaway. The regimental band, conducted by Sergt. W. T. Hocking,
assisted at these functions. Endeavours had been made to form this
before leaving Blackboy Hill, but time permitted of little being done
beyond collecting a certain number of instruments. Once on the ship all
men who could play were invited to attend practice. Thus a nucleus was
formed. By the time that Suez was reached good progress had been made
and the band was in a promising condition. In Egypt, however, and later
in France, bands were not encouraged--having to be more or less shelved.
In 1917 their true value began to be understood, and every facility was
given to form and maintain such organisations.

For the individual of certain tastes other diversions existed beyond
attendance at concerts and athletic competitions. Card games were
played--"bridge" being the first favourite, but "poker" also having a
large following. Gambling was forbidden by the regulations.
Nevertheless, the usual veteran of other wars was found on board who was
prepared to initiate all who were tempted into _some_ of the mysteries
of "banker" or "crown and anchor." This individual, however, met
discouragement from the ship's police who, whenever opportunity offered,
seized and confiscated his plant. "Two-up" and "House" were not then so
popular as they became a few months later.

For mascots, the friends of the Battalion had sent on board two or three
of the ring-necked parakeets, generally known as "Twenty-eights." These
were made pets of during the voyage, but had either died or escaped
before its end.

An Australian Imperial Force Canteen was established on board. This
supplied pipes, tobacco, cigarettes, sweets, non-alcoholic drinks, and a
variety of other odds and ends, which could be purchased. The ship was
"dry"--that is, no spirits, wines, or beer were supposed to be available
to other than the ship's crew. This arrangement was in accordance with
the policy of the Australian Government and obtained on all sea
transports. Whilst the usual stimulant was thus missed by many who were
accustomed to it, on the whole the system in force did more good than
harm and was a considerable aid to the preservation of order and
comfort. So far as could be observed, the rule was strictly adhered to
on the "Ascanius"; nevertheless, the Commanding Officer, during his
morning inspections of the ship, was more than once heard to comment on
the absorbent capacity of the crew, as evidenc