MOUTOA SCHOOL CONCERT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2675, 22 December 1923, Page 3

MOUTOA SCHOOL CONCERT.

EN ENJOYABLE ENTERTAINMENT/ The newly-erected public hall at Moutoa was well-filled with an appreciative audience on Thursday evening, on the occasion of the school concert, practically every home in the district being represented, as well as visitors from Foxton and Shannon. The hall and stage were prettily decorated and the children in their fancy costumes lent a pretty effect to the scene. There were - sailors, Japanese; nigger hoys, and representatives of characters in all the old nursery rhymes. The dresses of the kitfdies must have cost the mothers no end of trouble. Then there was a huge Christmas tree laden with all manner of toys and a real Father Christmas, who chatted familiarly with the little ones- and - cracked jokes with them. Little incidents were recalled by Father - Christmas in the children’s home life and at school, much to their surprise. The children were all accommodated and grouped on the stage and no time was lost in getting off the programme. The items without exception, were excellent and in this connection special praise must be accorded the headmaster, Mr J. Aitken and Mrs Aitken for their painstaking, efforts in training the children and to Mrs Davey who presided at the piano. The concert opened with a prologue by little Peggy Aitken. Then folio-wed nursery rhymes by the infants, each child representing a character and the company taking up the chorus. Rex Aitken sang of the “Bumble Bee.” The ten little nigger boys sang of their misfortunes, but bobbed up serenely again. The Maypole dance was prettily executed by a company of girls. Then the whole school joined in the rollicking chorus: “Here we are again.” Selwyn Spring and Nila Pigolt impersonated two Dutch children in “Baggy Breeches.” and the children look up the refrain while indulging in a graceful dance movement. Dirnpy Campbell sang very acceptably “There’s a big lot of Sunshine,” and Vomer Pigott was equally successful in her rendering of “My own lona,” the children taking up the refrain of both songs. All the children joined in the chorus “Yes, We have no Bananas.” Maggie Triggell sang “The Flag” with good effect. Eddie Eder and Alick Gregory as orthodox Jack Tars sang “The Navy,” the chorus being heartily taken up. Verner Pigott was greeted with a fine ovation for her ... singing of “Molly O’Moore.” Phe Bull Frog and the Coon,” sung by Dimpy Campbell, accompanied by the antics of two human frogs, fairly brought down the house. Mr J. Aitken accompanied by the whole —school, sang “On the Road” to a marching movement, which had to be repeated. The quartette Ye Banks and Braes,” by Messrs Aitken senr. and junior, Mesdames Hall and/Davey, was a splendidly balanced number and “The Crooked Bawbee,” by Mr Aitken senr. and Mrs Hall, was a top noteher. Phyllis Halley, charmingly attired, sang “China - Town,” to the delight of the audience. Then the shout went up: “Here’s Father Christmas,” and a. very unconventional scene was witnessed between the old gentleman and his little friends as he distributed gifts to each child. Mr Yern Jewell, chairman of committee, paid a tribute to the painstaking efforts of Mr and - Mrs Aitken in training the children in the production of such an excellent entertainment and to all who had assisted to make the annual function such a success. He conveyed to the children and staff the compliments of the season and the wish for an enjoyable period of relaxation. Cheers were given for Father Christmas, staff and committee. The committee and their wives provided an abundance of refreshments which were much appreciatA well-attended dance brought to a conclusion a most successful function. , . -