ENTERTAINMENT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2066, 1 July 1890, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENT.

A very enjoyable entertainment in aid of the prize fund of the District High School was given in the Volantteer Hall, Temuka, on Friday evening. ■There was a large aud appreciative audience! The entertainment commenced with the part songs, “The Huntsman’s Chorus ” and V Sunny Hours,” rendered by the senior pupils, under the leadership of the head master. These items were capitally given, the time being well marked and proper attention being paid to light and shade, those most essential points in part singing. They elicited hearty applause, and their singing subsequently of “Up the Hill ” and “The Young Eider” was equally well appreciated. M iss Emma Cooper, one of the. promising pupils of the school, recited with good expression “ The Aged Stranger,” the dry humor of which she managed to bring out uncommonly well. Masters Hooper, Moore, Smallridge, F. Lee, Lynch;, H. Lee, Goodeve, Ackroyd, Mann and Olaridge recited “When I’m a Man.” In this each declared his intention of adopting some particular trade or calling on his arrival at man’s estate, concluding all together with a verse descriptive of their determination, whatever that calling might be, to fill it nobly and well. The little ones were very successful in this,,and displayed considerable confidence. They deservedly received hearty applause. Master Cecil and Miss Lilian . Brown then played a violin duet “ Bonnie Dundee,” being accompanied upon the piano by Mr Harrison. The young performers succeeded in pleasing the audience very well. Master Donald McCaskill then recited “ Curfew Must Not Eing To-night” in a manner that would not have disgraced a far older person. It was indeed a really firstclass performance for a youth, and displayed not only natural ability hut careful culture. Needless to say he was most warmly applauded. Miss ‘ Amy . Cooper, one of the very little pupils, recited “The Two Little Kittens” inja graphic manner, and received quite an ovation. The part songs before mentioned, sung by the senior pupils, concluded the children’s part ot the programme. It was throughout highly creditable to the children and their instructors, and their reappearance upon similar occasions will be warmly welcomed. The second part of tht programme commenced with the song “ The British Lion,” very spiritedly rendered by Mr J. McCaskil!. In response to a very hearty encore he repeated the last verse. Miss Guy although suffering from a severe cold sang “ Dear Heart ” very sweetly, and was applauded. In the absence of Dr Morris, who was set down upon the programme for a violin solo, but who was unable to attend owing to a slight accident, Miss Quinn contribated a fartasia on’ the piano on English airs, her execution of which waa both tasteful and brilliant. Mr McCaskill and' Mjsg Connolly sang a comic duet, “ Mr Brown’s Luggage,” the humor of which was heightened by the visplay upon the stage of quite an extensive collection of portmanteaux, parcels and bags. The song was very well received ' Mr W. Smith, to Miss Smith’s accompaniment, sang “Nancy Lee” in a bold and vigorous style,’ after which Mies Lilian and Master Cecil Brown played a violin duet on Scotch airs. Mias Connolly, who was in capital voice, sang “ The Dear Little Shamrock,” and in response to an undeniable encore favored the audience with “ Mary of Argyle,” which was sweetly sung. The concert concluded with a comic song by Mr Higgins “ Right Before the Missus, too,” which he rendered m such an inimitable manner that he had to respond to an encore. He was equally successful with “ I Did It,” the audience applauding heartily. The accompaniments were played fiyMiss Quinn and Messrs Harrison and Heap. To conclude the entertainment a well-worn but very laughable farce, “ Ajax and Hercules,” was played. The stage arrangements were very good, and the, piece went without a hitch from start to finish. Mr J. McCaskill, whose get up was excellent, played the part of Mr Chalky Chump capitally, while §lr 0-eo. Leyens, qs tfqliqs, afterwards “ Hercules,” was irresistibly funny, Mr Arthur Clinch, as Joe, subsequently “Ajax,” was also good, while Messrs E. Chapman and A. W. as Mr Chips and Captain Smith, gavp smqoth rendering? of the part? allotted tp them. Miss Ada Erwood, as Arabella Chump, was graceful and natural, and appeared quite at home

in the part,. Her enunciation was good, and she displayed little or none of the awkwardness of the amateur player. Several local bits introduced into the piece “ took ” immensely, in fact the audience were kept in a ripple of laughter throughout the performance. At its close Mr W. Storey, chairman of the School Committee, thanked all the performers for their services that evening, and all who had interested themselves in any way in the promotion of what had proved one of the most successful entertainments held in connection with the school.