WALLACETOWN

Otago Witness, Issue 2892, 11 August 1909, Page 39

WALLACETOWN

August 4.— During ' the past month the coming school concert was the main topic of old and young. The School Committee took a keen interest in ite success, sparing neither time nor trouble by putting out a good programme to induce a large crowd to attend. The school children also, looking on the function as their own, were prepai-ing- some items to swell the programme. When Friday, June 30, came expectation ran high. Tickets had sold like wild fire, the ladies had been preparing tempting refreshments, and the Programme Committee had such a lengthy list of performers from Invercargill, Makariwa, Waianiwa, Waimatuku, and Wallacetown that reluctantly many items had to be struck off. The hall wae packed, many having to stand in th© ante-rooms. Proceedings commenced by Mr C. Wilson playing a bagpipe selection. .Mr D. Scott, sen., chairman of the School Committee, presided, and after a short introductory address announced that the school children/ would do something. » That something, it was thought by those in the. know, was too ambitious for a country school, "The Trial Soene from Shakespeare's 'Merchant of Venice.' " Duncan M'Kenzie, dressed in wig and gown, looked a solemn judge, the quiver in his voice giving emphasis to his speeches. Alex. Stevens and Roy M'Kenzie, in court attire, performed the parts of Antonk and Basanio in a way that showed they understood the meaning of their lines. The character of Shylock fell to Nellie M'Kenzie, who, with her knife and 6cales to ouf- and weigh the pound of flesh, entered into the spirit of the whole affair, and, considering that she had a boy's part to act, did very well indeed. The speeches of Portia were recited by Sheik M'Kenzie, who, with Flora Nelson as 'Nerissa, acted their parts well. Gratiano and Salarino were represented by Charley M 'Queen and Donald Gray Mr Henry Ldbb followed with a song, and hi* powerful voice easily filled the large- hall. Miss Westacott, in her recitation, was so successful that she had to respond to an encore. Miss M. Bird's song, '"On the Bridge," was well received, and was followed by a pathetic recitation from Mies May Sim, a schoolgirl. Mr J. Steel then gave a violin soio, after which Mr Howie, in ludicrous character, rendered a comic item that gladdened the hearts of schoolboye. Miss Blakie danced two step dances in a most graceful manner, and was loudly applauded. Messrs Horman and King also sang with acceptance. Mise Robertson, who has a beautiful voice, &ang two -ong*. Mr Griffiths both sang and recitod, tho recitation calling forth rounds of applause A trio, sang by Messrs Lobb, Southern, and Strang, took so well that thoy had to repeat part of it. After the concert parsing round ths refreshments wa<» no >°asy tank in such a crowded place, but billing lielpero soon accomplished the feat, and when all were satisfied Mr Scott proposed a comprehensive vote of thanks to th«- performers, t,ho ladies for providing the eatables, and tlw> people- for turning out .-o handsomely. Then the hall was cleared for the next part, the young folk's dance. Th*» concert was a record ono in the- excellent programme, th-p. crowded hall and the financial result, £24 being a-dded to the committee's funds. . Bible. Class.— We are- having a. Jiving 1 visit from Mr Jupp, travelling secretary for the Bible class movement, and mpe-ting^ aie 1o ha held at Ryal Bu-h and Wa-Uacetown for Bible clasps and young peonle generally, and at Waianiwa for Sunday school teacher* and Bible class leaders. School Residence.— Our school rrsider.ee is now finished ard occupied, and won th-e old house, an ancient landmark, will have di-.aprv?arod.