THE CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENT.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 11347, 9 August 1902, Page 9

THE CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENT.

GATHERING AT THE CANTERBURY HALL. AN INTERESTING SCENE. (BY OTJR SPECIAL REPORTER.) "How beautiful is youth, how bright it glea-is With its illusions, aspirations, dreams." —Longfellow. Whatever may be the success of the various celebrations of the great event of the Coronation of the King which have been arranged for, none can excel in interest or appeal so strongly to the feelings as the immense gathering in the Canterbury Hall yesterday of the future rulers of the destinies of Canterbury. Looking out upon the mass of young faces which rose tier upon tier in the hall built to celebrate the jubilee of their home, one could not but recall the period when, -vhere now the thousands of descendants of the hardy pioneers were gathered, the bittern and Maori hen reigned supreme. Hence it was that one of the finest gatherings of the youth of Canterbury which has been held here was something more than the mere massing together of a large body of children. There were noticeable some prudent of the city's guests who, acting on the motto that the early applicant getteth a front seat, took up a commanding position some time before the opening hour. This outlying pioquet of the great army which was presently to march in force on to the rallying point, had not neglected the first duty of a soldier, viz., the provision ot the commissariat. Under the shadow of a friendly fence they disposed of their frugal lunch and waited with confidence the result of their forethought. As the hour of one was proclaimed by the city clocks masses of children began slowly but surely to approach the Hall from all points. Soon Manchester street became one dense crowd of excited, happy, gleeful childhood. The long expected, signal was at last given, and the eager tide surged through the doors. Marching in serried ranks came the youth of Canterbury, the glow of excitement and anticipation lighting up each face. In each avenue were placed boxes containing sweetmeats dear to the hearts of the boys and girls who were pouring through the entrances in _■ never ceasing tide. Willing hands were at work distributing the souvenir bcxes. "Don't go in without your box of lollies," said one of the attendant committeemen. How little did be know of child nature to think for one instant that a boy or girl, however small, would forego the chance of getting a box of sweets. In orderly ranks they trooped in, school following school in methodical fashion. "Place aux dames" was evidently the motto of the Committee, the girls being marched to the higher and more aristocratic regions of the dress circle, whilst their male friends, like true democrats, had to content themselves with seats in the pit and other portions of the ground floor, the late comers [ having to be content with ■taodiag room.

A noticeable feature was the great preponderance of girls over boys. Evidently there will be plenty of chances of selection for the asea of the future. As the children continued to enter the huge cases of boxes of sweets rapidly emptied, and yet the cry was still "they come." Soon every part of the large hah was packed to overflowing mtsb children, and tie reserve hall bad to be called into requisition. But this was only a temporary expedient, for more still were pouring into the comdocs, waiting, dike so many juvenile Peris, outside Paradise. Then reluctantly the doojs had to be closed, but to assuage the keen edge of disappointment somewhat boxes-of sweets were distributed to those who could not find room. Then the seven thousand little guests who had achieved an entrance set them selves xo enjoy the good things provided. The air rung with the shrill whistles and calls to each other which seem to possess so much delight to the boyish soul. Soon afterward the curtain rose", and parted the eager and impatient audience from the world behind the footlights. The group on the stage illustrated a remarkable combination of the different portions of the community. The Church was represented by two Bishops, and the State by one of his Majesty's judges and the Mayor, whilst the Mayoress of Christchurch represented the ladies. The Mayor, wearing his chain of office, was apparentiv ii personage to stand in awe of in the eyes of the children, as even the most reckless of the bova hushed oneir whistles as his Worship arose to address them. The Mayor's remarks were brief, and to the point. Bishop Julius, who followed made the point of the afternoon, which at once placed him en rapport with his juvenile audience. "I did not see the King's wedding," said his Lordship, "for I was a naughty little boy going to school in London." The one touch of nature which made the whole audience at once kin with the Bishop, was the admission by so stately a Prelate that he could, by any possibility, ba a naughty boy, and they cheered vociferously. Then came an address by Bishop Grimes, who struck a rather solemn note, but still the boys and gills gave his Lordship a hearty welcome- There is somethiing about the sound of a mass of children's voices which is wonderfully affecting, and so it proved yesterday afternoon as the National Anthem, sung "by that ivast gathering of young voices pealed out. Then came the entertainment, and how the little folks enjoyed themselves. They fraternised delightedly with the clever Little Bright Hours' Children, who danced ,and sang admirably, applauded frantically the dancing of Miss Olive Lenton, and enjoyed to the full the items of Misses Daisy Samuels and Johnston, Mr Miller Fraser and Mr and Mrs George Dean. But the farce! Weill, j it was worth anything to see the keen, unalloyed enjoyment of this by the children. | They roared with laughter till the roof rang again and again. In the smaller hall those gathered were equally well entertained. The j Mayor spoke a few kindly words of welcome, and the twilling band of workers, Mr Geo. Dean and members of Mr Dixs company, who had taken part in ,tbe other programme, and whose efforts in the good cause deserve the warmest (recognition, entertained them right royally. So the afternoon waned to a conclusion, and jthe chil-d-en trooped home, having spent a rig_fc royal time in commemoration of Coronation Day—a day which the CSiairman and members of the Children's Committee worked' most enthusiastically and energetically to carry to a successful issue. THE SPEECHES. After the burst of cheering subsided, Mr Wigram said that one of the first things lie remembered in his life was being taken out in the streets cf London to see soma illuminations. The streets were crowded with people, and there were no horses or carriages. The illuminations were ia honour of the marriage of the Prince of Wales —the same Prince of Wales who would ba crowned King of England to-morrow. He wished those present when they grew up to be men and women—perhaps to be mayors and mayoresses, or even bishops (laughter) to have some recollection —some pleasant recollections, of the coronation oi the King. He hoped many of them would be able to attend to see the fireworks the following evening. He was pleased to see so many present, and trusted they would enjoy themselves thoroughly. (Applause.) Bishop Julius, on rising to speak, was also loudly applauded. He said that when Queen Victoria was crowned the news had had to be conveyed to Scotland by coach, and to Ireland by a sailing boat. Consequently it was some time after the event that the people in those countries heard the news. Now, when our King was crowned, the news would be sent bo New Zealand by wire, and they would know all about it very quickly. The spectacle at the King's Coronation would not be so grand as it otherwise would have been if the King had not fallen ill. He thought that the King would very much like to drop in and. see them. On Sunday he hoped that they would all be gathered together, whatever denomination they belonged to, and tfould join in \hat great service, and pray God to bless our King. | The children applauded as Bishop Grimes rose to address them. He said that, as chosen children of a privileged portion of the world-wide British Empire, they were gathered in thousands to rejoice with the millions of loyal and devoted subjects scattered over the globe, because of the triumph rtf the dread ordeal of the past and hopeful I delight at the prospect of a bright future. After teferring to the war, his Lordship then dealt with the King's illness, and the deep sorrow it had caused, and the joy at liis recovery. While rejoicing, he would remind the children that they must lift up their hearts and voices in prayer and supplication to the God of Nations, and humbly I implore Him "by whom Kings reign and law-givers decree just things," that His choicest blessings be poured down upon their Majesties and upon their reign, that it might be long, peaceful, happy, and glorious. THE ENTERTAINMENT. The entertainment followed. "God Save the King" was sung by the children; a verse of "Rule Britannia," was sung by Miss Samuels, who appeared as Britannia, the chorus of the song being given by the children. Mr George Dean, of Dixs Gaiety Company, gave a laughable sketch, which was followed by a song and graceful dance Iby Miss Olive Lenton. Next came the Bright Hours Children, who were followed by Mr Dean with a recitation. Miss Jennie Johnston sang, after which the interval came, and the afternoon's proceedings concluded with a farce by members of Dixs Gaiety Company and "God Save the King;"