CHILDREN’S CANTATA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 895, 22 September 1910, Page 2

CHILDREN’S CANTATA.

The weather yesterday was such as to cause those responsible for last night’s entertainment not a little anxiety, as practically the whole of the performers had to travel from Shannon. However, the elements did not deter any from putting in an appearance, the party, including about 30 children, arriving about four o’clock. On arrival, the visitors were entertained by the lady members of the local Methodist Church. Although it was confidently expected that, bad the weather been good, the seating accommodation of the Masonic Hall would have been taxed to its utmost, the committee were quite prepared for a very meagre attendance, but were agreeably surprised in this respect as at 8 o’clock the hall was comfortably filled, and there will consequently be a fair credit balance as a result of the function. The chief item on the programme was the cantata, entitled “Soot and the fairies,” which was performed by about 30 Shannon children in character. The childwere somewhat at a disadvantage, owing to the smallness oi the stage, but the performance was a first-class one and went off without a bitch. To train these children up to the standard of last night’s performance must have entailed a great deal of trouble, and Mrs Saunders, of Moutoa, is to be heartily congratulated for the very excellent manner in which the children went through their parts, as a result of her able tuition. The general opinion of the audience was that the cantata was one of the best performances ~ given by children yet seen locally. During the evening vocal items were given by Misses Signal, Lauring and Asquith and Mrs Gibson, which were greatly appreciated by the audience. Mrs Pearce also gave two recitations. The dialogue “Aunt Jemima’s Money,” by four ladles, was very nicely performed, and caused no end of amusement. At the conclusion of the entertainment, Mr Stiles, on behalf of the audience, moved a hearty vote of thanks to the performers, which was carried by acclamation. The visitors were afterwards provided with refreshments at the Local Methodist Church, and left for home just before eleven o’clock.