THE SCHOOL CONCERT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 57, 12 February 1916, Page 5

THE SCHOOL CONCERT.

The annual school concert given by the pupils of the Stratford District High School took place in the Town Hall last evening. As usual there was a/ crowded attendance, and patrons were provided with a first-class entertainment. The programme, which was carried out promptly, opened with a tableau. In the background was the Union Jack with a representation of Britannia on her throne surrounded by soldiers and sailors. Before commencing the programme the pupils sang a verse of the National Anthem, the eudience being asked to join in. i'lie opening chorus, "Good Old New Zealand," was well sung by the seniors, the line "Tell Old England We'll see Her Through," specially appealing to the patriotic instincts of the audience. The infant girls gave a good rendering of the song "Buttercups" and Daisies," and their dancing surprised and pleased the audience. Miss Ida Vincent recited her lines very coyly, and put plenty of expression into the piece. The song, "Little Soldiers," by the infant, boys, was perhaps one of the best item of the evening, the actions, singing and marching being very well done. They presented a striking appearance in their Glengarry caps, white shirts with red ties and blue shorts. They certainly seemed to be possessed of the real fighting spirit as they expressed their determination to "fight or die!" "The Japanese Maidens" was excellently sung and performed by the senior girls; the dresses were very pretty, giving the stage an attractive appearance. For the performance the girls received a hearty round of applause. The infant girls were really human m :heir action song, "Hush-a-bye Dolly," and the wee tots' actions created much enjoyment. "The Soldier" was lustily sung by the senior boys dressed in their cadet uniforms, and they executed the drill portion of their turn in -;mart style. A particularly good item was the "Sea Fairies" by the junior girls, who danced cleverly and were ;well dressed, their colored paper costumes making a fine scene in the limelight. The senior boys had to respond to an encore for their exposition of physical drill, which was carried out very smartly. Miss J. McLean and Miss M. Sanderson received a round of applause for their duet, "When I was a Girl." Two good items were "The King's Navee," and "Knitting," both by the seniors. The children's part of the programme was concluded with the infant girls' song, "Candle rime," for which the audience gave them' a well-deserved round of applause.

The Chairman of the School Committee (Mr P. Skoglund) on behalf of the committee, thanked the teachers for the trouble they had taken in bringing the children np to such a high standard of excellence as was shown during the entertainment. Ho also expressed appreciation of Mr Foley's generosity in coming forward to help make the concert a success.

After the interval Mr Foley commenced his entertainment, which was a very interesting exhibition of conjuring, magic and ventriloquism, and that iiis'items were popular with the audience was shown by the hearty manner in which he was applauded. Special mention must be made of the "crystal ladder" and the "magic slate," both of which were particularly fine tricks. His turn with the dummy and the ring trick concluded a splendid performance In conclusion, speaking to the audience, Mr Foley thanked them for the way in which he was received and expressed the great pleasure it was to him to contribute towards their enjoy