SCHOOL CONCERT.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 74, 30 March 1901, Page 2

SCHOOL CONCERT.

The Theatre Royal was crowded to the doors last evening upon the occasion of the annual concert given by the Gisborne district school, and the enthusiastic manner in which each item was received showed how well the programme was appreciated. The headmaster, Mr Bull, announced at the commencement that no encores would be allowed, and this rule was observed throughout, although the audience several times tried to get the performers upon the stage a second tune. A feature of the concert was the singing of the girls, and the choruses given by them during': the evening were well received. The young ladies were tastefully attired in white, with colored sashes, and were seated on a platform to the left of the stage, malting a very pretty picture. The pieces given by them included “ The Cuckoo,” “ Happy Days,” “ Sweet and Low,” “ Sleighing Song,” “Fairy Revels,” “Golden Hail-,” “ The Fairie Ship,” “ The Fairies,” “Childhood’s Days,” “Dip the Oar,” “Who killed Cock Robin,” and each number was pleasingly rendered. Master P. Adair contributed in no small measure towards the success of the evening, his song “ The boy’s return ” and recitation “ Corporal Muggins,” being cleveroly given. The action recitation, “ The little chick,” by Misses M. Moore, D. Bull, D. Fraser, V. Warren, G. Cumming, I. Sweet, and I. Nisbett,' was an excellent item that' met with a storm of applause, the young ladies going through their performance in a very creditable manner. The action songs “ The joiners ” and “The animated alphabet ” by the infant classes, were equally well received, the children being heartily applauded for their efforts. Miss Gertie Poswillo sang “ Baby and I,” in a manner that won for her the favorable opinion of the audience, and she certainly deserved the rounds of applause, which she received. She has a very nice voice, and sang w-ith a fair amount of confidence. The second part opened with a pleasing dialogue entitled “ A Quiet Cup of Tea,” by Misses Maisie Cussen, Ellen Matthews, Daisy Hansen, and Adeline Black. “ The Silkworm,” sung by Misses Myrtle Moore and Dorothy Bull, invoked considerable applause, as also did the debate “ Good Manners,” which was cleverly performed. Miss Maisie Cussen gave an excellent rendering of “ Let i«e kiss him for his Mother,” and Mr R. Warren sang with good effect “ The King’s Own.” The most amusing item on the programme was the chorus “ Ten Little Niggers,” by Masters A. Dixon, G. Sceats, Ivan Tansley, Roy Tansley, “Tug” Wyllic, Eric Skeet, N. Bull, A. File, Bloomfield, and H. Sawyer. This was productive of much applause, and sent everyone home in the best of spirits. The concert concluded with the “ New Zealand National Anthem.” Miss F. Adams presided at the piano during the evening. A good deal of.credit is due to Bliss Blathieson (schoolmistress), Blr Bull (headmaster), and to other members of the teaching staff for the manner in which the children were instructed, and it must have been particularly gratifying to them to see such a crowded attendance. During the interval His Worship the Blayor presented Bliss Dorothy Cbrisp, the dux of the school, with the gold medal given by the Poverty Bay Caledonian Society,' and in doing so spoke in terms of the highest praise of the aotion of‘ the Society in each year giving a prize for competition amongst children attending the public schools. Bliss Chrisp was warmly applauded as she came forward to receive the medal. The members of the Committee were present, and lent valuable aid in seating the audience. Prior to the commencement of the concert the City Band played a number of lively airs outside the hall. It is expected that nearly £SO will be raised as a result of the concert, and as the expenses are not likely to be very heavy, a goodly sum should accrue to the school fund.