WANAKA NOTES.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XXVII, Issue 1372, 13 August 1895, Page 4

WANAKA NOTES.

[FROM A CORRESPONDENT.] During my pregrinations through the Wanaka distriot I was charmed with the unparalleled beauty of its rugged alpine scenery. The iuhabitauta I found, bos-

pitable, and after a little cogitating, I decided to make a short sojourn in the snug little to wnehip of Pembroke. Times seemed exceptionally dull, hardly a mouse stirring, but my twin exterior appendages occasionally heard little remarks anent some great ball. My curiosity being aroused I searched for information, and after wending my way along the principal thoroughfare 1 cast my glimmers on an unusually large placard with the startling announcement, "Sensation unapproachable." Having digested the contents, I betook my frail form to the ticket-seller and purchased a ticket, as I had heard not a little brag concerning the Wanaka theatricals. The annual school entertainment I understand, is the event of the year, and the management, in order to vie with previous efforts, provided a most liberal programme. The performers acquitted themselves creditably, and the result was far beyond my most sanguine expectations. The first item was an instrumental duet, "Silvery echods," by Misses Hedditqh and Russell, which was sweetly played, and judging from the facial expressions of the young ladies "Silvery thoughts" must have occupied their minds. Another musicalselection by-Miss Sachtler, which was descriptive of a sleigh ride to Mosoow, was artistically rendered, and the jingling of the bells at intervals, materially added to the success of this item. The next '•performer was Mr Newman, who, I believe, hails from; Bendigo, he contributed "Father Q'Flynu" in his best style. Mr Thomson sang the "Storm fiend," a grand song* but as this geutleinia was suffering from a cold he ,was not heard to advantage. The school children sang*the gems of the evening, an action song, " The Snowflake," and the chorusV" Convent bells/' Their tutor, Mr Thomson, had their voices well trained, and they deserve credit for the rendering of the "Belis." < Judging from the reception Mr M'Skimming received, the jigs and horn- - pipes were more appreciated by the Pembroke fraternity than other items, out I may be wrong. . The' concert part terminated with the laughable farce, *J. -Pipkin's Rustic Retreat." The several parts were ably; sustained by the following ladies and gentlemen :—Airs Pipkin, Miss Sachtler; ' Fioriuda, (their daughter) Miss May, Russell; Betsy Perks, (maid of all work), Miss Hedditcb; Brittle.Pipkin, Mr A; G. Thomson; Saivator Robinson (an artist), Mr John M'Dougall; Shandy Gaff, (potboy at the Green-eyed Lobster), Mr Andrew M'Dougall. '"'To- go into detail would occupy too. much space aud time; and £ shall content myself with stating that the acting of the ladies was very natural and they played their parts to perfection. As regards the gentlemen I cannot be too lavish with my praise. At this stage I may confidently, say that performers/ were deserving of a play of a higher class, and in future I hope that they will substitute comedy for farce. Pemoroke has the material to work upon,* and if the fates are propitious, 1 hope that I may have the privilege of visiting Wanaka once again, and take advantage. of a good night's enjoyment. Thus ended the first part. IHB BALL. My better half having migrated to, a more congenial sphere for the winter season, I have some difficulty in giving you full particulars of the faucy costumes worn during the evening. ;. Had 1 _not been of a, retiring disposition, might nave wheedled myself into the good graces of some of the gentler sex, then all would have been /well,; but bashfui-V ness got the upper hand and here 1 1 am left to tell the tale. Some of 'the costumes were well arranged, and worthy of special mention are : / Miss Hedditch (Eastern night), Miss, May Russell (Summer), Miss Ironsides (starry night), Miss ■ S. Hbwjohns (Normandy peasant), Miss Drake (empire girl), Miss B. Howjohhs (order of the bath), Miss Dickie (harvest), Miss Thomson (Wanaka products), Miss J. Thomson (sailor girl), Mrs Craig (Spanish lady), Mrs Semins- (Swiss peasant), Mr/Mohteith (Father Christmas); Mr M'Skimming (Jack Tar); Mr John Parsons (French cavalier), Mr Cbokdeld (day and night), iMr Harry Russell (French cook), Air C. Hedditch (Irish bridegroom), Mr G. M'Kay (Highland laddie), Russell (?iccador.) , The hall was uncomfortably packed, but Mr M'Skimming carefully piloted the pleasure seekers through the mazy dance; There was a wealth of musicians, and I think that Mr M 'Lean is deserving of our approbation for not vacating his post and supplying really good music.

Proceeds amounted to about £lB.