RANGITATA ISLAND.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2412, 15 October 1892, Page 2

RANGITATA ISLAND.

(F’’oiu a Correspondent) On* Saturday, the Bth instant, a concert was given by the children attending the Rangitata Island school, assisted by a few of the best amateurs from other districts, to raise funds to procure prizes for the children at the breaking up for the Christmas holidays. Mr W. Snell was all that could be desired as chairman, and very pithily explained the object of the entertainment. The concert was opened by Mr Hawkcs (piano) and Mesrss A. and A. J. McDuft (violins) with a fantasia of Scotch airs, which had the effect of nutting the audience into the best of humo”' - , Tho school children theii followed witfy

“ Never forget the dear ones,” and created a very favorable impression. John Sheehan gave a reading, entitled “ The King and the Goose-herd,” and was heartily applauded for his selection. Mr and Mrs Hawkes followed with the ever green duet, “ Hutingtower giving it in the pure Doric peculiar to the “land of the mountain and flood.” Emily Snell followed with “ The slave’s dream,” in which the young pupil showed considerable elocutionary power. The school children gave the Jacobite air “Bonnie Charlie,” and in this I think they excelled, as it was capitally sung, and was heartily enjoyed by all present. The next to make her appearance was Miss Connal, who sang that charming song “ Milly’s faith.” This young lady possesses a very sweet voice, and was heartily applauded. Later on she sang “ Ye banks and breas ” very nicely indeed. Norah Sheehan gave a very good rendering of the piece “ The street musician,” and seemed to please all by the way she recited it. The school children then gave the round “In the dell,” in two parts, in a very harmonious manner, and again were well received. Mr and Mrs McDuff gave the duet “Airswell,” and acquitted themselves very fairly. Annie Hindi recited “ Get up ” in a very pleasing manner for one so young. “ Cornin’ thro’ the Eye” was capitally sung by Rosa Hearn and Mabel McDuff, and Mr Winter followed with one of his humourous pieces, which completely brought down the house, and nothing would satisfy short of his again appearing, when he was equally as amusing. Miss Connal gave a selection on the piano forte, showing that she is a player of no mean order, which was heartily applauded. At this stage there was an interval often minutes, and the second part of the programme was opened by Messrs Hawkes (piano) and McDuff (violin), in which the players were heartily applauded. Mr Hawkes completely took the audience by storm with the comic song “ Dear me, is that possible V’ and, to crown all, he fairly convulsed them, in responding to a vociferous encore, by his singing “ The “ Frenchman.” Harold Buxton then followed with a recitation named “ The Fox and the Grapes,” and did it in a very creditable manner. Then the school children sang the “ Birdies’ Ball,” and again were very successful with this amusing song. Willie Granger followed with the recitation “ The Tempest,” ind did it very nicely, indeed. Miss Coulter, a pupil of Mr Hawkes, gave a capital rendering of “Old Jeff,” which reflects great credit on herself and her teacher. Mrs Hawkes sang splendidly in the song “ Janet’s Choice,” and pleased her hearers very much. Emily Snell and Mary McDuff followed with the duet “ Under the Willow,” and did the piece every justice. Mr Winter again came to the front, and, like his former efforts, he was heartily cheered for his contribution. Mrs McDuff was very successful in “ We’d better bide a wee,” and the audience seems to enjoy the Doric when well dished up. The school children followed with “ Dame Durden,” assisted by Miss Coulter and Mr Hawkes. This amusing item was capitally performed, and thoroughly enjoyed. Mr McDuff appeared in the good old English song «Hearts of Oak,” and was heartily applauded for his contribution. Mary McDuff followed with the recitation « Lochinvar,” and was very successful in it. The entertainment was brought to a close by singing “ Auld Lang Syne.” Miss Connal and Messrs Hawkes and McDuff played the accompaniments. Mr McDuff, on behalf of the school children, thanked the company very heartily for the way they responded to their efforts to entertain them, and stated that the proceeds went beyond their most sanguine expectations—a feature which is commendable, testifying that they have a warm interest in the young children. Mr Snell thanked the friends from a distances who assisted, at considerable inconvenience to themselves, to make the entertainment successful. Mr Hawkes proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Snell, as chairman of the affair, and stated that he was the right man in the right place. Mr Snell very kindly gave the use of his piano for the occasion, and the young folks have every reason to be grateful to him and his family for the interest taken in this their first appearance. The audience was the most orderly I have seen anywhere, and Mr Snell’s duties were considerably lightened by the manner shown. Those present thoroughly enjoyed themselves,' and are loud in their praises of the young folks’ concert. The Rev. Mr Dellow gave a lecture on the 6th instant entitled “ Peter Cartwright,” Methodist pioneer missionary of America, Mr Grainger was in the chair and briefly introduced the rev. lecturer. Mr Dellow kept his audience spell-bound for nearly two hours, giving a very, instructive and interesting account of the incidents and work of this extraordinary preacher. Mr Dellow delivered his lecture in a very taking manner. Some of the incidents were very amusing and caused considerable fun, although others were rather of a serious nature, showing the dangers to be met with in the work of a missionary. During the lecture Mr Dellow and a choir rendered a few pieces of music very nicely, which were thoroughly enjoyed. Mr McDuff proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Dellow for his very able lecture, and the proceedings terminated with the benediction.