THE STATE SCHOOL FUND ENTERTAINMENT.

Kumara Times, Issue 2766, 3 August 1885, Page 2

THE STATE SCHOOL FUND ENTERTAINMENT.

There was a large attendance at the Theatre Royal on Friday evening on the occasion of the entertaiment given by ladies and gentlemen residing within the district. The first part consisted of songs, recitations, and violin duets, and the second of an amusing farce. The Brass Band, with their able leader, Mr Richards, kindly gave their services on the occasion, and played from the Post Office to the Theatre before the indoor performances commenced, playing the " A 1 " and " Melbourne Quickstep " marches; and then opened the entertainment with the " Majestic Quadrilles." Some of the Scholars of the State School next sang very well " Cold the Blast may Blow," and were applauded. Mr O. Egden then gave a recitation entitled " The Collegian and the Porter," which was received with apparent satisfaction. Miss Toms, who has a fine voice and which shows improvement with culture, then favoured the audience with the song " Leaf by Leaf the Roses fade," pathetically rendered, and duly applauded. The Scholars next sang "The Spring Breezes around us," with good effect. Miss Howe and Mrs Spyer are always well received, and justly so. The former sang "By Killarney's Lakes and Fell," and the latter "The Wishing Cap." Both ladies received from the audience most satisfactory tokens of approval. Between their songs a younger sister of a young lady who some time ago attained fame on the dramatic stage made her appearance for the first time in public as a songster —we mean Miss Pauline Spindeler. She has a very pleasing voice, and for her age sang remarkably well "Only a little faded Flower." She was enthusiastically cheered. The demands for an encore seemed to be against the regulations of the evening for being complied with, and the conductor, Mr R. E. Wylde, led the little recipient of the audience's favours on to the stage to acknowledge the hearty compliment. The recitation of Tennyson's "Lady Clara Yero de Vere" by Mr R. E. Wylde, was well given, and deserved better recognition. Mr Egden supplemented the first part of 'he programme bv reciting "The Execution of Montrose," which he had previously delivered and was so well received : and a song by the Scholars, "Good Night," terminated the first part. The sieging by the Scholars was conducted by their teacher, Mr Woodward, and it must have been a source of great satisfaction to the parents, as it was to the audience, to notice the good time and harmony that characterised all the pieces sung by them, as well as testifying to the patience and aptitude of Mr Woodward in bringing them to such a state of efficiency. Mrs Williams acted as accompanist on the pianoforte, and Mr A. Miller with the violin. It is unnecessary for us to bestow any praise on them, save that, like the Band, they gave their services gratuitously ; their abilities are well known. And we must nor, forget to notice the introduction of two capital violin duets by Mr A. Miller and one of his pupils, Muster Bremond ; these were a " Romance and Rondo," by Maza, and the air "Tell me, Mary, how to woo thee." The pupil played first violin in both duets, with remarkably good time and effect, testifying to his own promising ability and at the same time to that of his seconds (Mr Miller) as an instructor. They were greeted with rapturous applanso.

There was now an interval of ten minutes, before which Mr F. Barrowman, on behalf of the School Committee, tendered their thanks to the uudi-

ence and the performers all for their valuable assistance in the success of the entertainment.

The Brass Band now gave some lively selections; after which a presentation of books, which had been subscribed for by the public, was made to Mr Woodward by his Worship the Mayor, H. Bnrgar, Esq. The Mayor said : Ladies and Gentlemen—l have been requested to perform a most pleasing task this evening; it consists in making a presentation to orir much esteemed and respected friend, Mr Woodward, the head-teacher of the State School. Before doing so, I must ask yonr indigence for a few minutes, as T wish to make a few remarks in reference to the cause which led up to this presentation. As you are all aware Mr Woodward has held the high and responsible position of head master at our State School for the last fonr years, with great credit to himself and general satisfaction to the public. Most of you will recollect that our State School was very much I disorganised when our friend first took charge. It is needless to say anything about the immediate cause of that disorganisation—it is sufficient to say that it existed, and although he mast have had great trouble to establish a good system of management, still with all the drawbacks be managed to- pull off first honors at the annual examinations of State Schools on the West Coast. And, what is more, he has upheld that premier position ever since. [Applause.] Now, ladies and gentlemen, just let ua see how he arrived at those splendid results. Was it because everything went on smoothly after he had a good system established some four years ago ? No, unfortunately, Mr Woodward has had many trials and troubles to contend with—trials and troubles that were not imaginary, but real. I will not dwell upon the sad domestic calamity that befel our noble friend, which, in itself, would have been more than sufficient to unhinge many strong men of less brave and self-denying dispositions than this gentleman proved himself to be possessed of; but, besides that, Mr Woodward has had other troubles to contend with: His staff of teachers has hardly ever been complete: no sooner was x>ne vacancy filled than another occurred. However, as I have said, in spite of all drawbacks, like a brave and gallant commander, to use a nautical phrase, he steered his craft against all headwinds and reverse currents, clear of all shoals, and safely brought her, neat and trimlooking, into port. And, ladies and gentlemen, it is in recognition of this

brave and gallant conduct that the parents and friends of those children who have the good fortune of attending Mr Woodward's school, have decided to present that gentleman with a small token of their esteem towards him: hence this presentation. I will not, ladies and gentlemen, detain you any longer, as the evening is already advancing, but will with your permission now make the presentation to Mr Woodward. And then, addressing Mr Woodward, he said : On behalf of the parents and friends of the children, attending your school, I beg you to accept of this small present, consisting of "English Men of Letters," 30 vols., "Cassell's Natural History," 6 vols., " Shakespere," 3 vols., " Grote's History of Greece," 12 vols.—as a small token of their heartfelt esteem and respect towards you, for the valuable services you have rendered to the cause of education in this district, and for the high state of efficiency to which you have been the means of bringing to and maintaining our school at. I hope that you may live long and happy, and that you may sometimes in your leisure hours peruse those volumes, so that they may remind you of the many well-wishers you have got in this the Kumarn School district.—[Loud applause.] Mr Woodward made a very suitable acknowledgment of thanks, and then addressed the parents and the public on school matters generally.

The entertainment concluded with the laughable farce, entitled "Hot Quarters," which met with the entire satisfaction of the audience, from whom the demonstrations of approval wei'e freqaent and hearty. The playing of the National Anthem by the Bind, concluded a very enjoyable entertainment. The proceeds have not yet transpired.