MANGAPEHI.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 120, 7 January 1909, Page 5

MANGAPEHI.

(Own Correspondent.)

The local school broke op or the Christmas vacation on Friday. December IHth. and the event was Cetebrated by a school cnocrrt held in the evenir»fC- This concert had long hern looked forward to by parent* and scholars alike, and in the opinion of nil present the result in every way justified the anticipation. During Friday. the teacher and scholars (of whom there are *y'2\ were extremely busy decorating the halt. The result was a fine effect of toi-toi fmnds and white manuka flowers against a background ni green ferns, hardly a square foot of wall space being left uncovered. Numerous flags intermingled with these, gave the touch of colour necessary to render the Scene pert-Vet. By eight o'rlock the hail was packed from stage to door, almost everybody in the township b»tng desirous of helping th«* children toward having a good and suc.-pssfi;! picnic, which the concert was in p.id of. At eight o'clock precisely, the concert v*ns opened by seven tiny tots coming or. to the platform with the word "Welcome", each child carrying a targe letter of the word. The item was a miniature play, entitled "The Discontented Fairy." which. »s a spectacular item, took the fancy of the audience immensely. The fairies were dressed uniformly in white, with silver stars on dress, and each with a silver crescent m hair, and a wand with large silver star. The elves were dreamed in green uniforms, trimmed with gold, and each carried a silver sword. The Fariy Queen looked quite stately in her long, white robe. trimmed fwith gold stars* and ornamented with a golden girdle. On her bead she wore a gold crown, and in tier right band she carried a wand with a golden star. This part was well taken by Miss Etisaoeth Harrison, who •hewed great confidence. The part of the "Discontented Fairy" was taken by Mis* Clara Cowley, and the part of "Dame Betty." the old lady of the play, by Miss May Stevenson, who displayed good acting qualities. Master James Geodall nest sang "Killarncy," an item which was well appreciated. The nest item was an exhibition of gun-drill by seven of the school-boys, with Master Albert Holland in charge as Sergeant. TWo item brought forth immense applause from the aolieace. and the boys were encored again and again' The squad went through with the actions as one boy, not one making a mistake. Among the other items to namerocs to enlarge upon, but all of which were voted as excellent by the audience, one or two deservepartieular mention. One of these was the Maypole dance by twelve of the schoolgirl*. All being dressed uniformly in white, and holding red, white and blue ribbons in succession, gore a very pretty effect. Eight figures, with their reverses, were gone through without a mistake. Another item which brooght forth encores, and a bouquet of flowers for the singer, wa< the song "Please Mr Conductor, Don't Pot Me off the Train.'"' by Miss Ida Harrison. This girl showed unmistakable musical talent, and promises to be a good singer in later years. The concert concluded with a round entitled "Good Night," followed by a "Good Night Tableau." The hall was then cleared for dancing, which was kept op till 2a.m. The affair waa a great success financially, about Ml Being cleared, which sum is to be spent in giving the children a real good picnic. Much praise is due to the parents who helped the teacher to make the concert a success, ani particular mention should bo made of MrsL. Gorroby, who worked assiduously, and gave a great deal of her time in assisting. The accompaniments to ajl the items were excellently rendered by Miss Myra Tomlinson, one of the old schoolgirls. During the evening. Mr John Gray, Chairman of the local School Committee, presented the teacher. Mr B. W. Hayson. with a handsome silver roller raaor strop- hb Christmas-box from the scbool-chil-dren. Maogapchi is very quiet just at present, nearly all the residents being away on'their holidays. The mills resume operations on Wednesday next. A great deal of rain has fallen here this Christmas, it being the wettest Christmas we have knonw for tone years.