MANAKAU.

Otaki Mail, 15 December 1919, Page 3

MANAKAU.

SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL CONCERT. The promoters of tho entertainment held at Manakau Town Hall on Fridoy last, in aid of the school gymnasium and maypole, deserve heartiest con l gratulations on the great success which attended their efforts, and for the really excellent programme submitted. There was a very large attendance, the hall being packed, and everything went off splendidly from beginning to end. Tho stage decorations —tho work of Mrs Les. Atkins and Miss Ruby Bevan —were artistic and effective, and were much admired. A special word of praise is due to the ladies who trained the children for their items, which were a prominent and pleasing feature of the programme. All of the items were admirably staged, the children doing their part in capital style, and showing sigtjji of most careful training, which must have entailed a great amount of patient labour. The children’s costumes, too, were admirable, and in excellent taste. Mrs Les. Atkins, Misses Ruby Bevan and Bramley trained the children for their items, and made all arrangements for same. •They were ably assisted by Misses Wiriata and Myra Bevan. All these ladies richly deserved the congratulations they received freely at the concert.

The programme opened with a Japanese scene and song by the children—a delightful item in every way that was fully appreciated. Next came a song by the boys, recitations by little Miss M. Stupplos and Master Hector Sclioles. Tho Pierrotts, by the children in costume, was another excellent item, as was the song “Mickey,” by Miss ’Erma Bevan, with chorus by the Pierrotts. Miss Ella-Galloway danced a Highland fling, in costume, in good style. Miss Evans contributed a pianoforte solo, and Mrs Smith, L.R.A.M., a violin solo with great taste and good finish. Miss Burnell gave a humorous recitation pleasingly, while Rev. Daniel delighted his hearers with Ills recital of “How McDougall Topped the Score,” and Mr A. Trevethick recited “His Only Hair.” Mr Cyril Rishworth, of Lower Hutt, the possessor of a rich baritono voice, was heard to advantage in two songs, “Tho Grey North Sea” and “Friend o’ Mine.” Miss Malcolm, of Levin, sang pleasingly “The Waking of Spring,” and Miss Brown, of Levin, gave a delightful musical monologue, “Walnuts and Wine,” a particularly artistic and enjoyable effort. That old favourite song, “Tit for Tat,” was nicely sung by Miss Robinson, being excellently illustmted by Miss Hammond and Mr Trevethick, to the enjoyment of all. Mr Ferry, of Otaki, kept his audience in a ripple of laughter with his very clever exhibition of ventriloquism, and also gave a humorous sketch entitled “Gladys,” which elicited roars of laughter. Practically every item on the long programme was encored, and the entertainment was certainly one of the most enjoyable ever held at Manakau. Mcsdames Andrew and Smith and Misses Ruby Bevan and Cotter played tho accompaniments.

Mr Andrew, who acted as chairman, kept things going merrily in his characteristic style, and heartily thanked all who had assisted with tho programme.

Supper was afterwards served, and dancing was then indulged in by a very largo number.