ROSS NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 December 1921, Page 4

ROSS NEWS.

(Our own correspondent.)

The annua! concert in m<l •>! the funds of tlie Uoss State School took place in the Tntara Hall on Friday last. Though the weather was decidedly unpleasant it did not deter a record audience from attending. Tlio overture was played nicely hy Misses M. Muir and A. Hedwig, the piece being “Sleigh Bells.” The curtain then rose to disclose some 60 pierrots and pierretes brightly arrayed in black and white, with stage effects tot match; the whole being a, most effective presentation. I heir opening chorus “Come let us all ho merry” charmingly sung, created a most favorable impression. I Tlie next item given hy some sixteen diminuiivo boys, realist: d " costumed from head to foot as frogs and supported hy a chorus of infant girls, proved most attractive and their inability to respond to an encore was regrettable. The scene then changed to Holland with a quaintly rendered action song by Miss Winnie Chalmers and Master .Tack Smith, with chorus. Master Vince Chapman followed with a recitation “Only a Pin.” the actions being provided by Master L. Hedwig and P. Lucas. “On my Sootier” a lively action song by the junior pupils echoed pleasantly of tlie playground. Tlie characters in the sketch “Moral Suasion” were exceedingly well imjersonated hy Miss Joyce Dcnia (Aunt Truby) ; Miss C. Chalmers, (Mrs Johnson) • and Miss Jessie Dcnia and Master J. Chalmers (Mrs Johnson’s unruly children). The diligent application of a number seven slipper was proved to have “moral suasion bent to a finish.” Numerous grimacing, gibbering goblilins in Yellow and. brown gave a weird effect in the next item -an action song by school children. Miss Alva. Mclntosh of Hokitika, charmed the audience with her dainty dancing in the “Moth Dance” —the black and white staging bcifig a most effective setting and the audience not to be denied, she had to respond to an encore. The “Tin Gee-Gee.” a vocal duet hy Masters H. Thiele and Bert Dcnia was also aeeorded generous applause. Master T). Thorpe’s violin solo “.'serenade” by Gounod was very well received, this young musician showing great promise. A refreshing change. Mr Tom Trey’s song and dance “l.assie from Lancashire” met with the warmest approval and Mr Ivey was compelled to: respond to an encore. Miss AT. Muir and chorus sang “Wyoming" pleasantly. Various choruses, hy massed picrotx and pierrettes brought the first part of a ,vory enjoyable conceit, to a close. Mr D. Roberts, who was in very good form sang to everyone’s sat isfaef ion and had to respond to an one re. Miss ('. F.vans with her mandolin gave the next item which also was greatly appreciated.

“Hawaiian Bluebird" a vocal duet hy Miss !!. Evans and L. Smith was iij.-elv rendered.

The final portion of the programme was taken up with an operetta. “Little lied Hiding Hood” the various parts being sustained by the following: Hod Hidin diood, Miss lb Evans: Mother. Miss T. Goad ; Wo dniaii. Master 1). Thorpe: Wolf. Master A. Upjohn ; Hnhin, Master M. Muir: Buttercup. Miss F. Chapman: Bluebell; Miss H. Gardiner; Hose, Miss B. Wilson. Numerous r s**s. bluebells and others cf the chorus added to the general effect and with the principals helped to make a very fine operetta. The concert closed with the National .1 nt.heiu.

Great praise is due to Mbs D. Smith and Mrs M. E. Chaoman. who with a large number of willing end ■>' 1 ; -isanfs, were responsible for tin* siveess of the concert.