UPPER WAITOHI SCHOOL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2359, 21 May 1892, Page 3

UPPER WAITOHI SCHOOL.

On Thursday evening a concert was given at the above school, which, from its unusually enjoyable character, deserves more than passing notice. Mr C. J. Goldstone the master, has evidently many friends, for he was able to get together quite a " galaxy of talent " as the chairman put it, and the " talent" aforesaid had no reason to complain of the hospitality tendered thin, nor of an inappreeiative audience. The school, which is of failproportions, was literally crowded long before, the hour of starting, and many people had to remain standing. The chair was taken by Mr John Talbot, who, in the course of his introductory remarks, referred to the great advance the district had made in educational matters during the past few years. In the Waitohi district j,there were now three schools, with an attendance of over 150 children. This was a great contrast to the time when he was first associated with the district. Then it wss almost impossible to get about, and schools were deemed to be in the far futnre. He congratulated the committee upon the large attendcince, which he thought would secure for them the requisite assistance for their funds. The programme was then proceeded with, the first item being a violin solo by Mr Pearse, who was accompanied by Dr Morris upon the piano. His selection was extremely well rendered and loudly applauded. Mr McCaskill was happy in the selection of his song " Home, boys, Home," and in response to an encore ssng " The parson and the clerk," a humourous aong that enlivened the audience very much. Miss Lee followed with " Comin' thro' the rye," which was well received. Tn the second part she sang " Home they brought her warrior dead," with much expression, and received hearty applause. Mr Arthur Clinch furnished some amusing comic items, " Far away " and " Sweet eighteen " and had to respond on each occasion. Mr Curtis, of Timaru, afforded the audience a real musical treat by singing " Old Ben," and in acknowledgement of their enthusiasm " The Bugler." Later on he sang " Out on the Deep." Miss Bowie, of Timaru, who possesses a nice even voice and sings with pleasing simplicity, contributed "In old Madrid," "The old story," and " The Wicket Gate," the second item being in response to an encore. Mr Bums, of Kakahu, is an acquisition to the district from a musical point of view. His songs—" The Postilion," "Polly," and " They all Love Jack " —were moat enjoyable. Miss Connolly appears to be a universal favorite, and her reputation as a pleasing singer lost nothing by her rendering of " Whispering Hope" and " Juanita." In response to a recall the last verse of the first song

was repeated. Mr F. B. Early will bo barred from singing in country schools by the Education Board, for his comic songs caused such a storm of applause that the joists and rafters fairly shook. His selections were “ Complaints ” and “ The Frenchman,” with “ Cockles and Mussels ” and “ The Retired Clown ” as - additions. Mr McCaskill in the second part sang “ Queen of the Earth ” very effectively, but to the really musical part of the audience perhaps the greatest treat was a violin solo by Mr George Morris, The Cloches de Corneville.” He very kindly contributed another short selection. He was accompanied on the piano by l)r Morris, who also played a solo as an overture to the second part. This was an inspiriting German march, and was capitally played. The accompaniments were played by Misses Guy and Bowie and Dr Morris, and the singers had the benefit of a capital piano, lent by Mr W. J. Teunent. At the close of the programme, Mr W. J. Teunent, • on behalf of the committee, cordially thanked the performers for their services, which the committee, as well as the audience, appreciated highly. He also thanked Mr Goldstone for his exertions in promoting tbo concert, and Miss Goldstone for the trouble she had taken to entertain their ihjliumerous visitors. Mr Williams moved vote of thanks to the chair, and the concert terminated. The evenh’g’s fun was not concluded, however. The room was speedily cleared, and as many as could reasonably move about enjoyed a few hours’ dancing, to music supplied by Mr Hullen and other friends. Refreshments were dispensed at intervals, and dawn was breaking when the last of the enthusiasts left. The committee worked most harmoniously, and rendered every assistance in their power to make the affair the success it was, and so pleased were the settlers with the entertainment provided that several of the performers are already booked for the next.