POPULAR WAIKANAE RESIDENTS.

Otaki Mail, 15 November 1922, Page 2

POPULAR WAIKANAE RESIDENTS.

FAREWELL TO MR AND MRS RODGERS. The Maori meeting house at Waikauae was over-crowded last Friday evening, when the Waikanae school staff, pupils and ex-pupils, tendered to Mr and Mrs Rodgers a farewell concert and dance on the occasion of their departure for Island Bay, Wellington, The concert programme was aii excellent one and all items were loudly applauded, but the rule of ‘no encores’ was lirmly adhered to, as the original programme was a lengthy one. Miss Johnston, A.T.C.L., opened the proceedings with a well played pianforte solo, while Miss Favata opened the second . part. Both numbers were loudly applauded. Little Hairiroa Roach followed with a solo “Foggy Woggy Boy.” Jean Udy charmed the audience with her neat execution of the sword dance, whilst Miss M. Shaw gave a splendid exhibition of fancy dancing. “Jack and Jill by the infant boys, with Garth Palmer as “Jack,” Polly Edwin as the much harassed ‘mother,’ and Neti Lily the smiling ‘Jill,’ was a popular item, and occasioned much laughter. Miss Aromea Udy then sang “Dream Boat” very sweetly, while Miss Rosie Kent was in good voice and contributed “Avalon” very nicely. The poi dunce in Maori costume by Aputa Parata, Tix Parata, Jean Udy, Aromea Udy, Alice Davis, and Muudie Edwin to music supplied by Mrs T. Parata, was delightfully ryluuthieal, and a deafening encore was at last responded to. The ribbon drill by the junior girls was a spectacular item and the little ones added greatly to the pleasure of the evening. “The Buttercup," by Nesta Potts was prettily and clearly given, whilst Joyce Burling's song

“Dulcie and the Moa” was nicely rendered and was heartily cheered. The upper school acted “The Tables Turned, Reg. Guilford making a splendid “grandfather.” Mr .Smaill’s song, “The Carnival,” wife very pleasing. The lower girls then sang “Silver Ferns” with actions, and formed a very pretty tableau. Two small Maori lads, Wiremu Thomas and Maru Roach, were most tuneful and rliymthieul in their “Canoe Song.” Mr Temple brought down the house with his humor-

ous song “If J were as young as I used to be.” “Christmas Carols’’’ a short play was added by the senior girls and boys, and was a most pleasing item.

At the conclusion of the concert Mr T. Brown, chairman of the School Committee, thanked Mr Rodgers on behalf of the parents and pupils for the good work he had done during his five years as headmaster, adding that the school had never been in such good conditio: as at present. He also expressed regret at Mr Rodger’s departure an: wished him success pud happiness in his new work.

Mr Cooper then called upon Phyllis Brown, Neti Udy, and Nellie Redward to make the presentations to Mr Rodgers, which took the form of a set of ebony military hair brushes, suitably engraved, and Loewe pipe, and a Is-

bacco pouch. Sylvia Pfeilcrlo and Augusta Hopmeier each presented Air: Rodgers with very beautiful bouquet Upon ridng to acknowledge the pie mentations Mr Rodgers was greeted with prolonged applause. On behalf <it Mrs Rodgers and himself he thagjiji the audience for their licartv tended: but most especially he thanked tbs school children and the old pupils for their presence, and their splendid programme which he knew had occasions! much hard work to be presented si such short notice. He also thank?! Airs 11. Brown and Aliss Pnrata, alsl Mr Cooper, the acting headmaster, f« their kindne“t in preparing the chillren. He expressed regret at leant; AVaikanae school, which he had contraled for five years, and where he tolled the co-operation of the staff sal children in their work as well as the? play. He’ asked the Committee anchildreu to extend to his successor same loyalty they had shown to kmThree cheers were given for Mr ant Air- Rodgers, and "For They are 3'Mj Good Fellows-'’ was sung heartily The seniors then sweetly sang "GcOi Night." This concluded a 'most delightful prigramme, which went oif without * hitch and was followed by a dance.