THE SCHOOL CONCERT.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 2, Issue 154, 16 December 1913, Page 2

THE SCHOOL CONCERT.

Most Successful Entertainment.

Notwithstanding the unsettled state of the weather on Friday night a full house listened to the excellent concert provided by the pupils of the Pukekohe District High School. To the teachers much praise is duo for their efficient work in training the children and in stage-managing the concert. A notable feature of the entertainment was the orderly manner in which the children entered and made their exit. Misses Belle Kerr and Nellie Perkins played "Meditation" as an opening number, a pianoforte duet. Twenty iniauts daintily frocked in white, relieved with blue, sang sweetly the action song, " Mother's Little Maidens." "Pickles," by boys of Standards I. and 11., was vociferously encored and the boys responded. Four wee boys (Bert Jenkins, Stanley Vaut, Kenneth Blake and Fred Mitchell) recited " Who's Old Santa " in a way that would have done credit to much older children. Little Stanley Vant showed a talen; remarkable in a child of that age. The quartette, " Canadian Boat Song," by Misses E. "Weston and 0. Kimber and Masters J. Roger and 0. Short was listened to by an appreciative audience. One of the prettiest items of the evening was the " wand drill" performed by 20 girls of- Standards I. and 11. The dressing in white, beribboned with red, with floral curved wands en suite was at a glance most pleasant to the eye, bat the different figures of the drill faultlessly executed were a great surprise. A part song "Yd Banks and Braes," by boys and girls of the upper class was a fine number, the parts being well-balanced and the children understanding the importance of watching the baton. Mr Flavell by his rendering of "The Powder Monkey," left hi 9 audience not only clamouring but insisting for more. Tuo encore number was also much api^auded. The first part of the programme was closed by a dialogue, " Aunt Martha on Societies." The performers (Misses F. Attenborrow, L. Perkins, E. Holden, V. Anderson, F. Bjcroft and A. Jenkins, Masters T. Maxwell and T. Dufty) all acquitted themselves well, while the subject matter of the dialogue would undoubtedly leave its impression upon the performers' minds. After a short interval the programme was resumed, ten little boys singing " Show Me Your Slate"; an encore was demanded. The part song, " Red, White and Blue," by upper class pupils, was executed with the same good effect as their previous song. Boys in cadet uniform of Standard 111. and IV. were thoroughly tutored for their physical drill, and the exercise was splendidly done. "Annie Laurie," the only solo of the evening, was sung nicely by Miss V. Anderson. Standards I. and 11. in "The Dolls" were dressed in " white for milk and red for rose." The actions throughout were carefully performed while the singing was all that could be desired. Another relief was the fantasy " Spring." Miss Belle Kerr was " Queen of Spring," while Misses V. Anderson, V. McDivett, I. Potter, I. Duncan, F. Penny, F. Moore, N. Perkins, K. Wilson and V. Kimber were some of her subject flowers, each being suitably attired for the part. The cadets of the "Awkward Squad " were so awkward that they were recalled.

"Taking Sam's Photo," a laughable dialogue, was up to the standard of the other items. Masters T. Pufty (photographer), A. Pulman and Misses A. Jenkins anu N. Perkins were the performers. During the evening Mr Lawrie, chairman of the School Committee, thanked the public for their attendance, and said he had two presentations to make. The teachers and pupils had subscribed for the handsome silver hot water kettle, fitted with spirit lamp, as a recognition of their goodwill towards their headmaster and wished him much future happiness. Mr Flavcll suitably replied, sayiug although the present was indeed a handsome one, he would value it not for its intrinsic worth but because of the good will and good spirit which it showed towards him. He also made a few remarks about his opposition to the concert being held. He had eventually yielded to persuasion, almost to compulsion. Ho personally recogriisod the educative value of such concerts. But, unfortunately, this was not the point of view taken by those responsible for the arrangement and carrying out of syllabus. Teachers wore required to teach the syllabus subjects and were not exonerated for any weakness at examination time, because time had been taken up preparing for a concert.

Mr Flavell was loudly applauded. Mr Lawrie then resumed by saying that the work of Miss Clark, who had acted as accompanist during the evening and had giren time for rehearsals with the children, was appreciated, he had much pleasnre in presenting her with a handsome shower bouquet. Miss Clark' gracefully accepted the gift, and " God Save the King " brought the concert to a close.