DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 88, 30 August 1912, Page 6

DISTRICT NEWS.

OMATA. (Fr<m Our Own Correspondent). ' One of the grout events of the year in the juvenile world took place on Tuesday evening in the Omata Hall. 1 I am referring to the annual school concert, promoted for the purpose of raising funds for prizes, to be given at the end of the year. Judging from the the crowded state of the hall, J should say there will be ample means for that purpose, and in a few months we, hope to see again a crowded hall, only this time the young performers will he receiving the reward of their labors. Every item in the <long programme was perfectly rendered and loudly applauded. Only one piece was allowed to be recalled, and the audience positively refused I to bo satisfied until their encore was permitted, and the "ten little nigger boys" again faced them, with the tenth one's wee wide, in the person of Miss Maggie Bayley, and her black baby doll. When Captain Baby Bunting (Master Neville Meyenbevg) in the Rocking Horse Brigade fell from his horse more than one in the audience thought he had really fainted, and it was not till two of the troop stepped out and carried him off the stage that it was realised it was a piece of perfect acting. The first part of the programme con- j sisted entirely of items by the children, and from start to finish reflects the greatest credit on Mr. Meyenberg and Miss Wells. The behaviour, order, and performance of the children left nothing to be desired, and the committee and .parents alike are to be congratulated on possessing such thoroughly capable and popular teachers. The second part of the programme was a gipsy camp, and very picturesque every gipsy in the camp looked, and all acted and sang remarkably well. The camp and its surround-} ings were well got up, and the dresses were particularly nice, but it scarcely becomes me to pierce the identity of the wearers. All the songs were well ren-j dered and would Lave commanded an encore if such had been permitted. Mr. Pearson (who is holiday-making at Omata) acted as accompanist, and Mr. E. C. Meredith occupied the chair. The following is the programme:—Pianoforte solo, Mr. Pearson; rounds, senior children; recitation, "A little ily," junior children; song, ''Three merry travellers," senior children; recitation, "Jack and Ned," junior children; dialogue, "Woman's Rights," senior children; song, l "Pickles are we," junior children; dumb- | bell exercise, junior children; song, "Baby Bunting," senior and junior children; song, "Ten little niggers," senior and junior children; dialogue, "Setting a trap," senior children; second part, | "Gipsy's Camp." At the conclusion of the concert, Mr. E. C. Meredith, after thanking the audience for their attendanco and appreciation, and the performers for their efforts, said he had a pleasing duty to perform in presenting Mr. Pearson with a small token of the settlers' esteem and regard for Jiim and a slight return for his un- , wearying kindness in assisting at any | and all entertainments got up in Omata. i The presentation took the form of a ( handsome silver tea-pot and razor strop. ■ Mr. Pearson, evidently taken very much , by surprise, briefly but suitably respond- . ed. Three cheers were given for Mr. Pearson, and "For he's a jolly good fellow" and the National Anthem were i sung, after which dancing commenced, ' I breaking up in the "we sma' 'oors." Re- '■ I freshments were handed round prior to [the dance. A ball to commemorate the additions to the Omata Hall (particulars of which )I will give later) will be held on Thursday, September 19, when we hope friends from all quarters will be present.