FOXTON SCHOOL CONCERT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2826, 20 December 1924, Page 2

FOXTON SCHOOL CONCERT.

A BRILLIANT SUCCESS. The local school concert, held in the Town Hall on Thursday night was a brilliant success and the children and staff are to he complimented on their efforts. The hall was filled in every part, despite the inclement night, and the audience was unstinted in its appreciation of the programme submitted. The dresses of the children were charming in effect. The part singing was good, and we hope it will be encouraged in the school. The dialouges were marred somewhat through failure to hear the children. The concert opened with an orchestral item by Mr Osborne’s orchestra. Madge McC'oll and Eddie Stevenson opened with a prologue with clear enunciation. The senior girls excelled in the opening chorus, “Come to the Fair.” Nursery rhymes by the infants, with character impersonations, was delghtfully done. The girls of Stds. 2 and 3 executed the country dance with good effect. The part song, “Excelsior,” by the senior pupils, was worthy of special mention. Jean Robinson danced the hornpipe to the delight of the audience. The action song by the infants, “Mighty Captain gone to War,” wa» nicely carried out. The dialogue, “A Slight Mistake,” though difficult to hear, was capably acted. Those takiug part were Alga Yorke (Aunt Jemima, an old maid), Rex Ball (Mr Perkins, curate — a V ery good impersonation), .Jack Thessman (a little boy), Ivy Tonge (a little girl), Decema Brown (Mary, the Maid). The haka, poi dance and singing by the native scholars was one, if not the star item, of the concert and met with a tremendous ovation. The wand drill by the senior girls was another top-notelier item. The humorous sketch, “Ten little nigger hoys,” fairly convulsed the audience. The part song “Larboard Watch,” by the senior pupils, was much appreciated. Action song, “Buttercups,” by the Std. 1 and infant girls' was charmingly executed, the dresses of the little ones being most effective. The hoys gave a fine exhibition of physical drill. “Caller Herrin’ ” by the girls in character, was another pleasing item. The comedietta, “Phantom,” brought to light a comedian in the person of Willie Hirini, who sent the audience into fits of laughter. Those' taking part were Jack Francis (Mr Highden, a clerk), Endell Wanklyn (Mr Debit, a merchant), Connie Knott (Mrs Reeve, mother), Marjory Hunt( the daughter), Willie Hirini (Julius, coloured servant). The local hits, to the tune of “Do Ye Ken John Peel,” sent the audience into convulsions of laughter us certain local people were taken off and impersonated. The fancy dancing by the girls of Std. 2 and 3 was deservedly appreciated. The 1 humorous item, “Where do Flies Go in Winter Time,” by Rex Ball, Willie Hirini and Frank Cowley, was another mirth provoker and deserved the applause and appreciation meled out to them. The patriotic finale and the singing of “Rule Brittanin,” with the flag action, stirred the audience to a high pitch of patriotie enthusiasm wlich found voice in the National Anthem. The epilogue by Madge MeColl and Eddie Stevenson brought to a conclusion a concert that stands out as the best yet produced by the local school. To the headmaster and staff and children we tender hearty congratulations. Ait the conclusion of the concert Mr and Airs Mason entertained the ■staff at supper at their residence.