METHODIST CHURCH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1758, 29 November 1917, Page 3

METHODIST CHURCH.

SCHOOL CONCERT AND PRIZE- * - GIVING.

A very enjoyable time was spent by all who attended at the Masonic Hall last evening, when the Methodist Sunday school children entertained their parents, teachers and the public to a capital concert programme. The children were arranged on a raised platform, and their neat dresses and happy faces made a delightful picture. Mrs Harding, assisted by Miss Signal, had coached the children in songs, recitations, dialogues and choruses, and each item was vociferously applauded. Some of the little ones possessed very sweet voices and histrionic talents. Apart from these items, a number of the anniversary anthems were repeated, and Mr Betty was congratulated on all sides for the splendid results achieved in this connection. The action chorus by a number of little girls in the song, “Twelve Little Mothers,” was the piece de resistance. The maternal instinct was noticeable in the handling of the dolls by the little ones. The dolls were of all shapes and sizes, and one at least had an interesting history—a dark complexioned wooden one —which came into existence fifty-six years ago, and has shared the joys and sorrows of many little friends both here and in the Old Country, and rejoices in the .name of “Nellie.” “The ,Golden Boat” was another pretty action song. A duet played by two clever little musicians, Verna and Doris Sherratt, was much appreciated, as also were the songs sung by the same little maidens, Vera playing the accompaniment for her sister. Recitations were given by Stella Robinson, Vera Parker, Lylla Robinson, Horace Parker, Wilda "Walls, Violet Bangs, Esina Oxley, Sam Hussey (Sara is a born humourist), Dnleie Staff, Mercy Osborne, and Mavis Cole, which were all much appreciated. A Sunday school dialogue by Miss Hargreaves and the first class girls was an act true to life. The superintendent, Mr Huntley, presented the prizes to the children. First, second and third prizes were awarded in each class, and a gift book to each child attending the school. Sixty-eight very nice books were presented in all. The children who gained prizes wore as follows: —First class, girls: Lucy Hussey, Florrie Chalk, Chrissie Honour. Second class, girls: Esina Oxley, Duleie Staff, Effie Jane, Third class, girls: Doris Jane, Verna Sherratt, "Wilda "Walls. Fourth class, girls: Vera Parker, Tcssie Hussey, Violet Bangs. First class, boys: Roy Parker, Sam Hussey, Gnrned Owen. Second class, boys: Bernard Chrystall, Bruce Chrystali, Wallie Staff. Third class, boys; Bobbie Bangs, Norman Wishart, Alf. Staff. The secretary read a brief report, after which the Rev. Harding proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Betty, who had been so untiring and enthusiastic in his training of the children, and to whom the school owes a debt of thanks, the faithful Sunday school organist, Miss Evans, Mrs Frank Chalk, ami Mr Moorman, the , superintendent, Mr Huntley, and bis wife. Supper was then handed round by a band of willing workers, after whichtho National Anthem was sung, and so ended a record anniversary both in regard to weather, attendance, finances and enjoyment.