ENTERTAINMENT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1216, 12 August 1884, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENT.

An extremely enjoyable entertainment was given in the Temuka District High School last Friday evening by the children attending the school and their teachers. The proceeds were in aid of a gymnasium, and judging from the attendance, which filled tha schoolroom to its utmost capacity, a good sum was raised—we believe about £l6, Mr K, F, Gray, Chairman of the School Committee, occupied the chair, and briefly introduced the proceedings, which were opened with an overture on the piano by Master Storey, who played well. This was followed by a whole host of infants who sang a chorus splendidly, and a capital recitation was given by Miss Eva Rowe. Miss Ladbrooke sang two songs, “ No, sir,” and “ Yes,” the latter as an encore. The songs were exceedingly well sung. Master Goodey gave "a recitation, the pupils , a song, Miss Rowe a '•poitation, and Master Edmonds sang • Pease give me a penny,” with the result that a shower of pence poured in on him from all parts of the room, and he had a lively time of it picking them up, A duet by the Misses Thomson and Guy, a recitation by Master Bolton, and a capital song, very well sung, by Mr Gurr, brought the first part to a close. During the interval a very pleasing ceremony took place. Mr E. VV, Gurr stepped forward holding an illuminated address in a splendid gilt frame, and said ha would ask the Chairman to present it to Mr Wood, on behalf of the teachers and pupils attending the school. Mr Gray then read the address, which he presented to Mr Wood, saying that he was sure the whole community would endorse its contents. It was to the effect that the staff and pupils desired to express their satisfaction at the prospect of his remaining in charge of the school, as his removal would result detrimentally to education. It also referred to the perfect unanimity which #xisted between himself and his aasistai.lS, the kindly consideration which they received at his hands, the esteem in which ho was held by the pupils, and the confidence which the whole community deservedly reposed in him. It was a matter of great rejoicing to them that he was still to preside ovsr the school. This was signed by all the assistant teachers, and its reading was received with great applause. Tile address was illuminated by Mr Gurr, senior, who at present is on a visit to his son in Temuka. Mr Wood, who w?s received with applause, said he was much surprised when he got a hint the previous evening that ho was to receiy’e this present. He felt gratified by the kindly feeling expressed in it, and could assure them he appreciated it. He would like to say that the most kindly feeling existed between the whole staff; in fact, they could not work bn a more agreeable terras, and he had no doubt they would continue so. (Groat applause ) The second part of the programme was opened with an overture on the piano by the Misses Gurr, who rendered it splendidly. Then came a song by the pupils, a recitation by Master McLeod, a duet by Masters Edmonds and Smith, a song by Miss Brown, a recitation by Miss Goodey, and a d uet by Misses Rowe and Russell, all of which were creditably gone through. A short drama was then acted by a few of the boys capitally. and Mr Gurr sang “Lord Dundreary” in a manner that brought down the house and elicited an encore. Miss and Mr Gurr also sang a duet, entitled “ Money Matter*,” which proved an extremely pleasant/naZf to the proceedings and was capitally rendered. In fact, the Gurr family, without any assistance, might entertain an audience themselves. Miss Brown accompanied the singers in a manner that gave great satisfaction. At the request of the Chairman, Mr John Talbot moved a vote of thanks to those who had contributed to the entertaiument, and to the teachers of the school for having got it up. The motion having been carried by acclamation, Mr Gurr, senior, responded. The whole performance wound up with “ God Save the Queen.’ j