STATE SCHOOL CONCERT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1084, 19 December 1911, Page 3

STATE SCHOOL CONCERT.

Despite the very inclement weather last night there was a good attendance at the annual school concert in the Coronation Hall. The concert was organised and carried out by the teaching staff, in order to raise funds to assist the committee to complete the ground improvement scheme. The programme was interesting and varied, and gave evidence o! patient training on the part of the teaching staff and marked ability on the part of the performers. Such a performance, coming as it did on top of the annual examination, was doubly creditable. The first half of the programme was provided by the junior scholars, aud the second hall bv the seniors. Master Reggie McEwen, made a first-rate chairman for the juniors, and Master John Hornblovv officiated in a similar capacity lor the seniors. The grouping aud vari-eolonred dresses of the children was very effective. The singing, particular)’ the part songs, were very tuneful. The enunciation was very distinct, the little voices carrying to the farthest parts of the large hall. There were no hitches or delays iu the programme, and every item was deservedly appreciated. The programme was commenced punctually at s o’clock with a pianoforte solo by Violet McSaveney, alter which Reg. McEweu, a manly little fellow about the size of the chair, delivered the orthodox chairman’s speech, and subsequently crisply announced the items followiug on, The “Sandwich Men’s Greeting,” in which each lad represented a letter, which was explained as he came on, completed the motto, ‘‘Our School Greets You.” This was followed by twelve charmingly attired little dots, who sang the “ Dauce of the Fairies.” Their names were Muiiel Nicholson, Hazel Newth, Inez Austin, Edna Collins, May Bradley, Dorothy Nicolson, Myrtle Andrews, Mayse Hadfield, Joyce Claris, Eileen Robinson, Myrtle Easton .'Hi l ' iC.tnleeu de Ridder. Willie Rug recited, “When Daddy was a Eittle Boy,” very vicely. Ella Patterson, who possesses a very sweet voice, sang a plaintive little soug entitled, “ What will you take for me, Papa,” for which she was accorded a flattering ovation. Mark Griffin was the right boy in the right place for the oration on “Boys’ Rights,” and he convinced the audience that the time had arrived for a change iu the treatment of this down-trodden section of the human family. Song and drill in costume by twelve boys was greeted with hearty applause. The lads sang and went through several movements with precision. Their breasts were decorated with medals, of which they appeared as proud as any war-scarred veteran. The names are; Jack Kauri, Sam McGregor, Noel Robinson, Wallace Martin, Philip Chalk, Robert Hornblow, Willie King, Charlie Williams, Harry Walls, Hugh Walls, Moritz Maudl, Hen Harris, Willie Langley (drummer). Mona McEvveu’s recitation, “If I were a mau,” was one of the star items of the evening. The song in costume, “Funuy people from Japan,” by Violet Pearce “Japanese lady,” Horace Read “Dandy,” May Bayliss “Teacher,” Willie Signal “Bobby,” was also a great success. Reg. McEvveu recited very effectively “Tommy’s Dreadful Dream.” Chorus aud drill, “The Rainbow,” made a pleasant break. I “Nursery Rhymes” by Flora Eacy “fairy,” Maggie Read‘‘Miss Muffit,” Basil Teviotdale “Boy Blue,” Ivy Prew “80-Peep,” and Darcy Ball ‘‘Jack Horner,” created a good deal of amusement. Thurza Walker and May Brewer ! sang a duet, “ The dolls,” and acquitted themselves very well. Dora Ruback recited about her dollies. and a chorus, the “Burlesque Band,” in which various instruments were imitated, brought the first part of the programme to a close. Mary Collins opened the second half with a spirited pianoforte solo, and the curtain went up and disclosed a splendid setting of Britannia, aud the chorus, “Hearts of Oak ” was sung with gusto. Edgar McEwen, iu character, spun the “Sailer’s yarn ” to the great delight ot the audience. The manner iu which he “hitched his trousers ” aud manipulated the | clay pipe, was immense. Two cadets, John Wyud and Henry Berthold saug the “ cadets song,” which was followed by physical drill by a number of cadets who went through the exercises with military precision. Eilif Jensen, attired iu Chinese costume, saug “Nice little boy Chinee,” with such good effect that the audience demanded a recall. His antics and the singing were side-splitting, aud he richly deserved the applause bestowed upon his effort. The part soug, “Softly the Shades,” was very tuneful. Myrtle Pearson recited the “ Old Schoolmaster ” very nicely. Grace Lett, Nellie Robinson aud luez Hodgsou excelled themselves iu “Three Old Maids oi Lee” ; their “make-up” was very funny. Mary Collins saug very nicely, “ New Zealand, My Homeland.” Austin Charles, Louis Read, Norman Anderson, Pat Kauri, Wallace Langley, James Owen, Roy Rimmer, Leu Martin aud Willie Kruse, created a furore with the song and chorus, “ Git Under de ’Brella.” Their black faces and grimaces, funny antics and queer female costumes, simply sent the audience into fits of laughter. This item was recalled. Another part soug, “ Hark! The Boatman,” was sung with equal success. The figure march and club drill by the girls, led by Avis Stiles aud Hope Mackie was very

good. The humorous dialogue, “ The Train to Mauro,” caused a good deal of amusement. Miss Inez Hodgson sustained the part of Mrs Buttermilk (a loquacious lady from the country) as to the manner born ; “ Johnny, her sou,” was sustained by Johnny Procter, while Virgil Edwards, a railway clerk, excelled himself. The chorus, ” Good Night,” followed by the National Anthem, concluded a first-class entertainment. The accompaniments were played by Mary Collins and Grace Hell in the second halt, and by Miss Wanklyn in the first. Mr Horn blow', Chairman of the Committee, thanked the teaching staff, scholars and the audience for the assistance rendered in order to enable the committee to carry out necessary improvements to the school grounds and stated that an effort would be made at a later date to erect swimming baths at the school. Mr Hunt endorsed the previous speaker’s remarks and Mr Jackson, head teacher suitably replied.