SCHOOL CONCERT

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 14858, 21 December 1948, Page 3

SCHOOL CONCERT

CAPACITY HOUSE FOR FUNCTION

Proceeds For Learners’ Swimming Pool

Marked Success Of Programme

(Times Correspondent)

The Regent Theatre at Mount Maunganui was filled to capacity when the annual school concert was staged by the pupils of the Mount Maunganui Primary School. Many of those desiring to view the production were compelled to stand, while some were unable to gain admittance to the hall.

The concert, which opened with the singing of the National Anthem, was a marked success, both financially and from the entertainment point of view. The proceeds will be devoted to the fund for constructing a learners swimming pool at the school, and as a result of the effort of the children a sum of about £34 has been made available for the project. The programme was a varied one and was well rendered. Items by members of the choir, who sang three groups of songs, were much appreciated by the large audience. The Christmas carols were sung sweetly and effectively.

By far the best group by the choir was the second one which included, four songs, “All Through the Night,” “Drink to me Only,” “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and “Minka.” The children’s rendering of “All Through the Night” in two parts was a masterpiece, while the descant effect of “Drink to Me Only” was also heartily applauded. The choir’s last appearance was to sing a medley of popular tunes, both modern and old-time.

Tiny Tots Perform

The tiny tots from the infant division were accorded a good reception. Their items included nursery rhymes sung and acted in costume, and reflected considerable credit on those responsible for preparing the children for their first public appearance. What they lacked in tune was certainly more than balanced by some very attractive costumes and some unrehearsed humour on the stage. Two hakas by boys of Standards three and four, in costume, were well received.

The older primers staged a musical playette entitled “Christmas Tovs.” The costuming was delightful. The appearance of a human Christmas tree unbedecked with toys, followed by the gifts themselves (portrayed by little people) and the subsequent entry of small boys and girls showing typical enthusiasm over the selection of their gifts, was cleverly acted.

Children of Standard Two produced a play “The Sowman's Christmas.” The theme was based on the actions of four children. Anticipating Santa’s arrival they included their snowman in the party, at which Santa Claus and his gaily arrayed assistants subsequently entertained them.

The appearance of about 1G girls from Standard One dressed as adults in some amazingly realistic costumes, brought forth both applause and laughter from the audience and continued to do so while the group proceeded, in verse, to tell of some of the difficulties experienced by housewives in their daily shopning. The rendering of the ever-popular fairy story playette “The ‘Elf and the ShoernaKer,” by Primer four was # well received. The costuming was ’effective and the actors’ parts well known. A play provided by the children of Form I and entitled “The Hat.” received an ovation, while pupils of Standards three and four performed creditably in a third play depicting the difficulties of a young prince in gaining the hand of a princess. “Too Many Moons,” and “The School Concert,” performed by Forms I and II were well acted.

Nigger Minstrels

The Nigger Minstrel display by the boys and girls was another feature of the programme. The performance was divided into two scenes, the first showing the negresses in their bright frocks picking cotton in the fields, and the second" the arrival of Sambo and his troupe. The two leaders gave an outstanding performance including a clever and well-produced dialogue. At the conclusion of the programme, the chairman of the Mount Maunganui School Committee thanked those present for their support. He congratulated the headmaster (Mr S. G. Clifford) and the teaching staff, on the excellence of the concert, and also the parents who had given invaluable aid in producing costumes without whi’ch much of the success of the productions would have been lacking. Mr Clifford thanked the audience and parents for their co-operation over the past school year which had presented many difficulties. He paid tribute to his fine band of assistants on the teaching staff. Mr Clifford announced the winner of the trophy presented by Mr J. Carlton for annual competition between the houses at the school.

The trophy which is awarded for sport, diligence and behaviour was this year won by the Kaka group which was very closely followed by the Kiwi house.