MRS. JOHNSON'S SEMINARY. HUTT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4609, 29 December 1875, Page 2

MRS. JOHNSON'S SEMINARY. HUTT.

The sixtli animal entertainment was given by the pupils of Mrs. Johnson's seminary in the Mechanics' Institute, Lower Hutt, on the evening of the 22nd inst. The appointed hour was a quarter-past seven, but by six o'clock the hall was crowded by parents and friends anxious to secure seats. During the interval Miss Young enlivened the audience by performing several brilliant pieces on the piano in her usually clever style. As a quarter-past seven drew near it was found difficult to force a passage to the platform, the crush being almost as great outside as in, and though the windows were thrown open and forms and chairs placed outside, many were obliged to go away. The entertainment consisted of songs, recitations, and pianoforte pieces, and was opened by the " Ireland Quadrille" (duet), by Mrs. Johnson and Miss Swafford. Then followed several recitations by the junior pupils, which were received with much appreciation, no doubt every parent excusably thinking his or her own child did best. The recitations given by the elder _ pupils elicited much applause, but space forbids particularising more than a few of them. " The Daughter of the Hall," by Miss Swafford; "luchcape Rock," by Miss Welch; "A Psalm of Life," by Miss Avery; "Baby's Hands," by Miss Liverton ; " The Happiest Man," by Miss Jones; "What is Noble," by Miss Cook; "The Wreck of the London," by Miss Fry; "Daddy's Joke," by Miss Speedy; "Somebody's Darling," by Miss S. Ransom; "Bessie Bell," by Miss Hope Mason; "Nellie's Secret," by Miss Mann; and numerous pieces besides were very creditably given—prominent amongst them was "The Stage Struck Hero," by Master Richard McKenzie, spoken in a manner so perfect that thunders of applause succeeded. The same young gentleman was equally successful in " Patent and Dowlas," he being the stage manager, and Master A. Copeland the candidate for tragic honors. Amongst the pianoforte pieces were " The Canary Bird Quadrille," by Miss Fry; " The Flower Gatherers" (duet), by Miss Julia and Ada Copeland ; " Home to Our Mountains" (duet), by Miss Mcllvride and Miss Speedy ; " Fading Away" (duet), by Miss Swafford and Miss Kate Valentine ; " The Mermaid's Song" (duet), by Miss Liverton and Miss Cook ; a quadrille on popular airs, arranged as a trio, was very beautifully played by three of the boarders—Miss Liverton, Miss Welch, and Miss Jones—who were also successful in the execution of some pretty solos. The songs, and one sacred piece, to harmonium accorapaniment, " Safe in the Arms of Jesus, lost none of their sweetness coming from the clear soft young voices. The programme was curtailed in consequence of the excessive heat. The pleasing task of distributing the prizes and gifts was'deputed to Mr. W. Beetham,

who gave a very appropriate address on the occasion, of which space allows but passing notice. He considered Mrs. Johnson had paid him one of the greatest compliments in nominating him to give out the prizes, and expressed the pleasure he felt, and the elevating, refining, humanising influence all must feel in gazing on such a scene as *'"e one before them. The decorations of the .'"Pom were very beautiful, but the human ornaments were what gave inexpressible charms to the picture. He then dwelt on the arduous duties and important results of "a teacher's life, adding' that not* only he but some of the highest authorities of the day foresaw a time not far distant when educators of youth would hold a position proportionate to the importance of their work, a position scarcely second to any, for next to the soul was the cultivation of the intellect, next to eternity thfijmprovement of time. He complimented Mrs. Johnson and the young ladies on the success of the entertainment, the modest; refinement of manners shown by all, and the great pleasure their various performances had created in every mind present, particularly dwelling on the re- | markable talent displayed by Master McKenzie in his recitations, and hoping the school would meet with that success it so evidently merited. He proceeded to make about fifty bright face 3 still more bright by placing tho well earned prize or gift in their eager hands, in which :. Mrs. Beetham kindly assisted. Mr. Young thanked the audience on behalf of Mrs. Johnson, expressing the pleasure he felt in witnessing the enthusiasm of such a; crowded assembly, hoping they would soon have a larger building. Various calls for Mr Y oun g' s songs were here given ; but as he was riot a pupU r he had not brought his music that evening. , Mr. N. Valentine proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs. Johnston and - the young ladies, which was carried in the usual manner ; and after | all had heartily joined in singing " God Save the Queen," the pupils were ; permitted to gather up the loads of bouquets their exertions had won, and accompany their proud and happy parents to their respective homes, to dream not of school tasks, but of Christmas holidays.