SCHOOL CONCERT.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 July 1921, Page 4

SCHOOL CONCERT.

THE CENTRAL PUPILS. An hour and three-quarters with the Central School children at their concert in the Empire Theatre, New Plymouth, last night provided a very bright entertainment, their simple choruses, solos, and part songs, sweetly sung, being heartily received. The children entered into their work with a zest that was good to see, and evidently delighted in giving enjoyment to their hearers. There was a packed house, and the funds of the committee should benefit considerably. A massed choir of nearly 300 children was assembled on the stage, and made a pretty picture, being dressed in white, with colors of red and pale blue—ribands for the. girls and a small badge worn by the_ boys. Row upon row of smiling Taces greeted the audience, and seemed to present a happy augury of the programme that was to follow. The impression was confirmed when the opening chorus was gone through. “Welcome, O Good People, One and All,” they sang, every heart being in the greeting. Then followed the remainder of the programme of eighteen numbers. “The Railway Train” was an interpretation of a journey to Auckland, via the Main Trunk, and the choir made the trip in good style, making light of the travellers’ all-night ride. Another of the songs by the full complement was “The Huntsman’s Chorus”, which received the spirited rendering appropriate to such items. The solo, “Hearts of Oak* was nicely given by Herbert Billing, assisted ■by the choir, and Hopor Moon gave a charming rendering of “Alice Blue. Gown”. Two capable elocutionists were heard in Linda Wooldridge (“The Street of Bye and Bye”) and Frank Everest (“The Ships That Put to Sea”). “The Dolls”, a quaint action song, was recited with pretty effect by Penrose Boyd and Queenie Zemba, the item being very capably portrayed by the young performers. The second portion of the programme opened with the chorus, “Charlie is My Darling”. Six boys were the leading performers in “The Sweeps”, an item which was well staged, and also proved the source of a lot of amusement. Phyllis Coker rendered “Follow the Golden Star” in splendid style, and a tuneful duo, “Firelight Pictures” was sung by | B. Coleman and D. Hall. That stirring i old selection, “Ye Mariners of England”, i was done full justice to by the oom- ! pany, and another of their repertoire was “God Defend New Zealand”, the anthem being stirringly rendered. The various sections of the choir were heard to full advantage in the round, “Chairs to Mend”, and they carried this through well. An epilogue was presented by M. Wooldridge and S. Hartnell, two bright elocutionists. Then came the good-night song, “By-low Town”, which proved a novel ending, the scores of voices blending harmoniously in the pleasing little verses.

The concert was produced under the conductorship of Mr. R. Laurie Cooper. The pianist was Miss E. Griffin, and Miss F. Rcberts was assistant. Careful tuition was reflected in the work of the pupils, all the items having been thoroughly mastered, and the results were highly creditable to the conductor and all who assisted in the concert. The school hour for the pupils to-day will be ten o’clock. To-night the programme will be re-

pcated, and in view of the fact that many could not gain admission last night, those who have bought tickets, but have not reserved, should either book or be in their seats by half-past sev6n, as after that time the committee cannot guarantee to keep any seats, except, of (xjurse, for holders of reserves.