SCHOOL CONCERT.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4642, 24 December 1923, Page 2

SCHOOL CONCERT.

FUNCTION AT TURUA. SCHOOL PRIZES PRESENTED. Thursday last was a red-letter day foi- the children of Turua. Not only was it the breaking-up day for the summer holidays—in itself an event long looked forward to —but also the day of the school concert and the Christmas tree. Long before the time appointed impatient groups of little ones gathered at the Victoria Hall, and their eager, happy faces showed the excitement of expectation. ■ About six o’clock tea was served, after which the tables were removed and the forms straightened up in anticipation of the arrival of Father Christmas. Eeach child attending the Turua school had been given a number, and cn this being called the little one proceeded to the Christinas tree and was handed a parcel by Santa Claus. The whole of the toys had been given for the occasion by Messrs Bagnall Bros. That over, Father Christmas Wandered around the hall presenting each child who was too young to attend school with a small present. Adults began to arrive in goodly numbers, and very soon the hall was densely packed. The concert programme was a long orue, and the performers ranged from tiny tots in the primer classes, to children of the upper standards, but all took a keen interest in their work, their happy faces showing their pleasure in their performance,s. Many of the children showed considerable ability and promise of future achievements, while all gave evidence of much careful training.

The programme opened with a pianoforte sold by Miss E. Crean, followed by a chorus of girls in “A Slumber Song” and - “Snowflakes.” Girls of the primes classes sang “Christmas Eve is here,” “Dancing Steps,” and “The dear old school.’’ The boys of the upper standards gave an exhibition of drill with rifles, and the girls displayed their skill witli dumb-bells. Recitations by the little gilds ijncluded “The Dandelion,” while the little boys took part in the part songs “Cock Robin,” “Forget-me-not,” ami “When I’m a man-” Recitations were contributed by Misses F. Reid, F. Thompson, E. Ansford, and Master A Stephen, and a humorous little plav, entitled “The Chinese Invasion,” was admirably acted by several pupils of the upper standards. The singing of “Home, Sweet Home” and the National Anthem brought the concert to a close. During the evening book prizes were presented to the boy and girl in each class getting the most marks at the recent examination, and also to the pupil showing the greatest progress for the year. The prizewinners were : Standard VI, Frank Hamilton, Marjory Mules, and Allen McLean ; Standard V, Dacre Thompson, Freda Thompson, and Thomas 'White : Standard IV, Fred Griffiths, Edna. Aborhart, and Fay Cawkwell ; Standare 111, Keith Hamilton, Rosalie Ca.ssin, and Campbell McLean ; Standard 11. Glenn Olsen, Beryl Sutton, and Janifer Martin ; Standard I, Ronald Mules, Zeldia Fisher, and Alfred Stephens.