EMPIRE DAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 900, 26 May 1903, Page 2

EMPIRE DAY.

SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENT.

Tlie Theatre Royal was packed to tho doors last evening on tbo occasion of the entertainment promoted by the committee of the Gisborne school in honor of Empire Hay'. The Chairman of the School Committee (Mr J. W. Bright) presided, and briefly opened the proceedings, concluding by asking His Worship the Mayor to say a few words, Mr Townlcy expressed pleasure at seeing such a crowded and happy gathering. Ho was sure that tho children would remember tho lirst celebration of Empire Hay in Gisborne by tho gathering that evening. Such an entertainment as they would witness that evening could not havo been given a generation ago, as photographing had not reached such an advanced state. At tho

conclusion of the Muyor’s remarks the City Band played tho National Anthem. The entertainment consisted of vocal selections, exhibition of limelight views by Mr A. Thompson, and a number of gramaphonc items under tho supervision of Mr J. Adair. The audience was a most enthusiastic one, and each number was heartily applauded. 11 True as the Compass ” was sung in a spirited manner by Mr F. Toat, who was in good voice. Mr H. Hill sang “ Ora Pro Nobis ” in a ploasing manner. Later in the evening he gave 11 My Honolulu Queen,” meeting with a great reception. In response to an imperative encore he repeated tho last verse. Miss Faubert pleasingly rendered ” Auntie,” singing with much expression. Mr E. Mitchell made a good impression in his song “ Eomany Lass.” Ho possesses a fine tenor voice, and is a decided acquisition to local musical circles. “ Killarney ” was beautifully rendered by Miss Williams, the song being made very effective by a number of illustrated limelight views of Lake Killarney and its surroundings. Mr A. Zachariah made a decided hit in bis comic item “ Where I’m Lodging Now,” and being encored he responded with “ Oompah,” which greatly pleased tho juvenile portion of the audience, who were not slow in showing their appreciation. The limelight views throughout were of a highly attractive order. Thoy included New Zealand bush scenes, views of various patriotic demonstrations held in 3isborne and elsewhere, nautical pictures, South African views, and a few comic scenes. The lantern was manipulated by Mr A. Thomson, the pictures

ju.cv.i_t KJJ JTi. AUUUJOUUj DJ-IU (JlLbUiea being explained by Messrs J. W. Bright and J. S. Wauchop. Messrs J. 11. Gittos and E. Parnell acted as accompanists, At an interval during the evening, the Mayor presented tho Boyal Humane Society’s awards to Messrs Hansen and Richards, who bravely assisted in saving the lad Douglas Menzies from drowning on the Waikanao Beach two months ago. Ilis Worship invited the recipients tocome up on tho platform, and he then read the report furnished to the Humane Society in regard to tho sad occurrence. Mr Townley also mentioned the fact that Mr Hansen had in 1898 been one of five who received gold medals for saving tho life of Mr James Thompson, who was swept off the breakwater during a .‘heavy sea. First addressing Mr Hansen, the Mayor said that he was very (pleased indeed to be permitted to presented him with the silver medal from the Boyal Humane Society, and also with the certificate. He hoped he would live long to wear the medal.

At the instance of Mr Bright, three cheers were given for Mr Hansen. Mr Richards was then presented with a certificate, and three cheers were given him. In conclusion, in speaking to the recipients, His Worship the Mayor complimented theta upon the bravery that they bad displayed. The present gathering was a most suitable one to present the awards. The young lad Menzies belonged to the Gisborne school, and was known to the children present that evening. The speaker then called for three cheers for Messrs Hansen and Richards, which were heartily responded to. Before the gathering broke up Mr Bright thanked all those who had assisted towards making the entertainment a success, spc-ciai mention being made of the services rendered by Mr Thompson. Tho entertainment concluded at halt-past nine, having lasted about two hours, and the children went home well satisfied with their evening’s fun.