THE FLOWER QUEEN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1266, 17 June 1886, Page 2

THE FLOWER QUEEN.

The cantata “ The Flower Queen,*’ which has been In preparation by the children attending the Ashburton School for some time past, was presented last evening in St Stephen’s Schooltoom. There was a good attendance considering the threatening state of the weather, and the audience was a moat appreciative one. We have already given a detailed account of the argument of the piece, and it will bo unnecessary for ns to repeat it here. The opening chorus, “ We are the Flowers," went off in a style which guaranteed the excellence of the entertainment, and as the evening pro--1 grossed, the piece more than justified the anticipations which were formed at the opening. The chotnaes throughout were excellently given. The personification was as follows : Recluse, Miss Barrat; Rose, Miss M. Barrat; Crocus, Miss G. Steele ; Dahlia, Miss 0. Berg ; Japonlca, Mias Bean ; Sunflower, Miss Dick. Miss Barratt's singing was as usual enthusiastically received, and she had to respond to several encores. Several pieces fell to the share of Miss M.Barratt, as the Rose, and she appeared to especial advantage in the song "Filled Gratitude and Love” In the second part, and In a duet with her sister. Miss G. Steele sang very clearly and with admirable precision and expression, and the solo which fell to her was one of the treats of the evening. Mias 0. Berg, also, had only one solo aljoted her, and cdttsidoring her youth It received ample justice at her hands. MUs Bean sang very well, though evidently suffering from nervousness. Mias Dick rendered the music allotted to her In good style. The choruses, without exception, were excellently given, and many were encored. The accompaniI ments were given on the piano by Mr I Kneen, in his customary good style, and throughout the cantata was a most complete success. Great credit Is due to Mr Kneen for the high pitch of efficiency to which he has brought the children, for it Is evident he must have devoted much time and patience to the production of the cantata. We hope he will not rest upmi his laurels, but that we will soon again have the pleasure of listening to another such treat as was the rendition ol "Tha Flower Queen” given last evening.