ROXBURGH SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENT.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 136, 15 September 1870, Page 5

ROXBURGH SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENT.

A most successful soiree, concert, and ball was held in the Schoolroom, Roxburgh, on Friday evening last. The entertainment was for the benefit of the school funds, and, from the large turn out of young and old, the object sought after must have been attained. As this was the first meeting of the description which had been held at the Teviot, it was looked upon as an experiment, and ihe anticipations with regard to its success were of a doubtful character. The result, however, far exceeded' the most sanguine expectations of the School Committee. About 150 ladies and gentlemen sat down to tea, which was presided over by the following ladies: — Mesdames Ormond, Mackay, and Bennett, and Misses "Nof"ton, Tamblyn, and Gordon. After the tables were cleared, Mr. J. Beighton was called to the chair, and before commencing the concert, stated that he was delighted to see so many present. The funds of the school had lately been rather low, and the committee were glad to find the first effort of the description they had made had so many attendant signs of success. He had a long programme before him, including all the talent of the Teviot, and he had no doubt those present would be highly entertained. He would now ask those of the school children who were present to sing one of their choice pieces, which their teacher, Mr. Shepherd, had taught them. The children having sung, Mr. Grover was called upon to address the audience. Tliat gentleman delivered an eloquent speech on " Ignorance the great enemy of the human family," which was loudly applauded. Mr. George Webb sang a local song which gave so much satisfaction that an encore was demanded and willingly responded to. Mr. Ferguson, of the Tuapeka Times, gave a recitation. Mrs. M'Pherson, who presided at the harmonium, sang " Remember me." and in reply to an encore, san^ the "Mill Wheel" with great effect. Mr. Shepherd then gave a reading, followed by Mr. T. Andrews, who sang the " White Squall." Mr. Wilkie read Mrs. Wood's story "Beside the billy," which, from its local allusions, was very well received. Mr. James Smith then sang a comic song, followed by Mr. R M. Smith, who recited the " Downfall of Poland. " Master Richardson sang " Ju3t before the battle, mother" in a very pleasing manner. Mr. D. Cormacli gave a recitation, " Mary Queen of Scots." A comic song by Master "Win. Header, and "Come home,' father" by Master Reader and Mr. T. Andrew, completed the concert, after which Mr. Borton, R.M., rose and said he had a pleasing duty to perform, and that was to convey the thanks of the School Commiotee to the ladies and gentlemen who had contributed to the enjoyment of the evening. He acknowledged that he did not expect to see so many present, so he thanked the audience for their attendance. Mr. George Ireland moved a vote of thanks to the chairman for the able manner in which he had performed his arduous task. The National Anthem .was then sung by the company, after which those who felt iuelined for a dance enjoyed themselves at that invigorating exercise till an early hour in the morning. The proceeds of the entertainment, we understand, were about ""£35. -A word of praise is due to Mrs. -M'Pherson whose musical accompaniments to the s:ongs s and dances contributed greatly to the sucpeaa of the entertainment.