GERALDINE DISTRICT SCHOOL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1282, 27 December 1884, Page 3

GERALDINE DISTRICT SCHOOL.

The children attending the above school were dismissed for their Christmas holidays on Monday afternoon. In the evening, with the assistance of several friends, they gave their annual entertainment in the Oddfellows’ Hall. These entertainments have been so successful in past years that it was confidently hoped the one to be held on Monday evening would prove no exception to the rule. These hopes were fully realised, the success of the entertainment being equal to that of any former one. The evening was fine, and the hall was literally packed with children, their parents and friends, and many people were not able to gain admittance at all. Much credit is reflected on those who had the management of the affair, everything passing off smoothly. Too much cannot be said of the way the children had been trained to go through their pieces, both songs and recitations. The prizes were to have been presented during the evening, and were to be awarded on the certificate of the Inspector of Schools’ late examination. The whole of the report was not lo hand, however, so the presentation was postponed till the children re-assembled after the holidays. Mr K. H. Pearpoint, Chairman of the School Committee, very ably presided over the meeting, and Miss i Foster kindly gave her services as accompanist, to the satisfaction of everyone. The Chairman in his opening remarks explained why the prizes were not to be presented during the evening. He also stated the holidays would be from December 23nd till the 19th January. After asking the audience for their quiet attention during the evening, he called upon Mrs Foster to play the overture. The following programme was then gone through: Song, “To all you Ladies,” the children ; song, “The Union Jack of Old England,” by Mr Willoughby, the children singing the chorus ; recitation, “The Mother’s Jewels,” by Master H. Morrison; recitation, “The

Bonfires of Craigowan,” by Miss E. Freeman ; song, “ Somebody’s Coming when the Dewdrops Fall,” by Mies Taylor; chorus, “ Come Let Us,” by the infant class ; song, “ Spinning,” by Miss Bosswell ; recitation, “ Barbara Fresby,” by Master James McLean ; song, “Miss Marigold’s Love,” by Mies Esther Pizzie; song, “ The Gobbler,” by the infant class ; song, “Children’s Prattle/’ by Miss Manning. This concluded the first part of the programme, and the second part was commenced with a piece on the piano by Mrs Foster, Then followed a chorus. “ Happy New Year,” by the infant class; duet, “ Flow on Thou Shining River,” Messrs Willoughby and Lloyd; recitations, “Schoolboy’s Soliloquy,” Master John McLean, “A Visit to the Lambs,” Miss May Addis, “Preserver,” Master W. Morrison, “The Accident,” Miss Violet Dunford, “The Soldier’s Little Daughter,” Miss Amy Maslin ; piano selection, Miss Ellen Shiera ; song, “ Come, Children Come,” infant class; song, “ The Four Jolly Smiths,” Mr Willoughby; song, “ The Erl King,” by the children and Mr Willoughby ; song, “ Give Me Those Early Flowers,” Miss Andrews ; song, “Excelsior,” by the children ; recitations, “ Ben Adam and the Angel,” by Master Willie Annan, “ Wreck of the Hesperus,” by Miss Phoebe Ward, “ Travels in Dixie,” by Master Jas. Colbert. Space will not allow us to comment upon all the items in such a lengthy programme. Most of the recitations were really well given, and for special excellence may be mentioned those of Masters Jas. Maclean and H. Morrison, and Miss A. Maslin. The singing of the children was much admired, and the song, “ The Erl King”— in which they were assisted by Mr Willoughby, who sung two bass solos—called forth a well-merited encore, and the} 7 sang it over again. Mr Willoughby was in good voice, and sang his songs with good effect. Miss Andrews’ pleasing voice was heard to advantage in the solo she sang, and in response to the encore demanded gave “Robin Adair” very nicely. The infant class were under the charge of Miss Hamilton, the Head Mistress of the school, and the elder class were under Mr Hughes, the Head Master, and the singing and conduct of the children reflect great credit on their instructors, A vote of thanks was proposed by the Chairman to those who had assisted in getting up and carrying out the entertainment, the vote being carried with “Three Times Three” by the children. Mr Hughes also proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs and Miss Foster for their kind services, which was carried in a similar manner. The singing of the National Anthem brought a pleasant evening’s entertainment to a close.