ENTERTAINMENTS.

Evening Star, Issue 8084, 7 December 1889, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

The City Hall last night was crowded to the doors in every part on the occasion of an entertainment given by tho pupils of the Union street School, in aid of the funds for the completion of a shed in the playground and of the prize fund. Before the performance began Dr Stuart was introduced to tho audionco by Mr Swan, one of tho members of tho Committee, who expressed on behalf of his Committee their thauks to the rev. gentleman for the interest he took in these mutters, and for his frequent help. Dr Stuart, who was of course received in tho usual boisterous manner, referred to his constant connection with schools And colleges. He prized all these kind of institutions ; but, in his opinion, the common school was the best of all, and he was always pleased to see tho people of Dunedin rallying round the common school. He always noticed that when any money was wanted for improvements or prizes, or anything of that kind, the parents and friends of the pupils mustered strongly. Ho hoped this state of things would continue, and he also took the opportunity of saying that ho hoped that there would be allowed no interference with the present educational system, unless in the direction of its improvement. 'The Flowers of the Forest' was then eiven by tho children, under the conductorship of Mr L. A. Line, and with Miss Thomson and Miss Woods as accompanists. The principal performers amongst the children were dressed in a variety of pretty costumes representing characters in fairy history and well-known tales; and the whole appearance of the stage, on which there were some 100 children in the chorus, was pretty in the extreme. The young performers evidently entered heart and soul into the thing, and enjoyed it as much as if they were just having a bit of fun in their own schoolroom, and the result was naturally a complete success.

The annual concert in connection with the Outram School was held at the Societies' Hall, Outrara, last evening, the building being crowded. Mr J. Fulton, M.H.R., presided, and in a brief speech upheld the practice of giving prizes to the successful scholars of our public schools, and said he considered that good effects would inevitably result. The programme was a and enjoyable one, Beveral Dunedin ladiesMisses G., E., and Z. Dale, and L. Bay ley —contributing enjoyable items, and the proceeds (which are to be devoted to the school prize and picnic fund) should amount to a satisfactory figure. The Misses Dale played a couple of trios for violins and piano, Miss E. Dale a violin bolo, and Miss 6. Dale a pianoforte solo, while Miss Z. Dale gave two enjoyable recitations, one—' Curfew mast n»t toll to-night '—eliciting loud applause. Miss Bayley was deservedly encored for her Bkilfully-played pianoforte selections, her execution being first-class. A pianoforte duet by Misses M'Kay and M'Kellar, and a duot for violin and piano by Messrs Robertson and C. Snow were oarefully played. Miss Baird, the Misses Kirkland, and Misß Johnson and Mesßrs Brent, Chisholm, Kirkland, and M'Kellar

contributed vocal selections, which met with due recognition at the hands of the audience. Mrs Brent and Miss Kirkland made efficient accompanists. Mr W« Snow (chairman of the School Committee) thanked the chairman for presiding, the performers' for their services, and the audience for their patronage.