SCHOOL CONCERT.

Shannon News, 16 December 1927, Page 3

SCHOOL CONCERT.

A SPLENDID ENTERTAINMENT. The excellence of the school conceit given last year had evidently not been forgotten by the residents of Shannon and district, as long before the hour of commencing last evening the Maoriland Theatre was packed to overflowing, when the scholars of the local school presented their annual concert, which proved to be of a very high order. The organisation of the concert had been carried out by the teachers, and the entertainment showed that they had done their work well, with the result that the whole performance went with a swing from start to finish, there being no tedious intervals. A feature was the lighting effects and the costuming of the performers, particularly in the scene from “Hiawatha,” and in the operetta, “Tales from Storyland, ” which were a credit to those responsible. Great care had also boon taken in teaching the dancers, their time being excellent. The .performers did their part well and the big audience were quick to realise their ability as was shown by the hearty applause accorded each item. This must have been veil pleasing to the teachers who had given so much of their time in preparing them, also to Mrs Clifford-Jones, who has acted as accompanist at the practices and during the performance. Those concerned with the organisation are deserving of the highest praise, and future concerts will be eagerly looked forward to. Proceedings opened with the National Anthem, the headmaster (Mr A. T. White) assisting with the cornet. This was followed by an item by the infants entitled, “The Burlesque Band,” in which the little ones acquitted themselves splendidly in their singing and imitating of the playing of different instruments. A song “Moon Boat,’ by Standard I. pupils was the next, number and was well-received, this being followed by a solo by Betty Gunning and a recitation by Doris Trcmewan, both of whom gave creditable performances. The remainder of the. first portion of the programme was the operetta, “Tales from Story Land.” This item was very cleverly arranged, the different performers representing nursery rhymes, each of whom were dressed" to portray the characters, their choruses and solos being much ed. The second half opened with ,a scene from “Hiawatha,” in which the performers were pupils of Standaid 111. This , was splendidly arranged, those taking part being attired in full Indian costume. The scene around the (»a.nip lire, and Mbnnchaha s miival and later her death, was cleverly carried out. The acting and the work of the soloist being really good. A pretty dance by four boys and four girls of Standard I. was'neatly executed. “The Village Blacksmith by Standard VI, the chorus “Jingle Bells” by Standard IV, and a recitation by Tippler were all well received. The solo dance by Phyllis Patton, once again showed her to be a most graceful dancer, and her number was enthusiastically applauded. The grotesque drill by Standard V and VI. girls caused much merriment, each wearing a mask covering the back of her head with the hair brushed over the face, which made their movements appear back to front. “The Shannon River and “Coming Through the Rye, by Standard IV, song, dance and novel dance, Standard V., were other equally good performances. That good old song; “The Deathless Army,” by Stan, dard VI., with bugle .accompaniment bv Mr White was excellently rendered, also the song “Old Black Joe,” m harmony was sweetly executed b> pupils of’Standard 4. A. Croon, as the ventriloquist, and his assistants, caused gales of laughter with their local hits, the former proving himself a splendid showman. The singing of “Good Night to You All,” and the National Anthem, brought to an end a most successful and enjoyable concert. During the interval, the chairman (Mr R. L. Tippler) thanked the audience for their support; also the ladies who had helped with the recent street stall, and those who had presented the concert. He said the committee were out to raise funds to enable them to put in a septic tank at the school. With the number of children now attending the school the present arrangements were unsatisfactory and a septic Link was essential for health reasons. I hey had had a hard row to hoe to get the Education Department to assist them in this matter, but he was pleased to say that they had agreed that if the committee found £BO towards the cost thev would provide the remainder ol the" monev. The estimated cost was £SOO. He said there were other things thev wanted but good health conditions were more vital. The proceeds from the concert were to go towards installing the septic tank.