CLEVER RECITAL

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 130, 29 November 1939, Page 4

CLEVER RECITAL

U group verse-speaking does nothing else, it inculcates a love of poetry in the young people concerned. This, was clearly shown by the eager concentration of the pupils of Mr. Gprdoii Hooper in the recital in the Assembly Hall, Brougham Street, recently. There were several groups of children from the Porirua, Newtown, and Miramar Schools, as well as the combined versespeaking choir, all of whom, under the direction of Mr. Hooper, spoke poems, suitable to their ages, in a manner which pleased the audience. Among the verses were several by New Zealand poets. In. addition there were poems by G. K. Chesterton,. Charles Kin'gsley, and A. A. Milne. The second part of the programme consisted of $he fantasy, "The Slave of the Lamp," in which a host of small children made merry in a picturesque representation of the age-old legend of Aladdin and the wonderful lamp.. In this play the parts were cleverly, taken by Bon Gi'iffin, Joy Smith, Mukki Churchward, Bruce Aitken, Pam Tomlinson, Barbara Edginton, Pauline- Climo, and Celiu Algar, who -had, a packing of elves, fairies,' and cpurtnatfendanfe. Two delightful songs written" specially by Leslie" 'StJtQieSi^were^mtich. appreciated by the. audience.. The,, pfficial accompanists were; Misses ~JV Walker and S. Craig. Mr. D. Constable acted as stage manager, and Mr. W. Brooks attended to the lighting effects. ■■■■> -•