CONCERT AT KOKIO.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 10 June 1932, Page 8

CONCERT AT KOKIO.

PUPILS AT BOYS’ SCHOOL ENTERTAIN. A very enjoyable evening was spent at*Hokio last night when some twenty guests assembled to celebrate the completion of alteration and improvements to the dining hall and kitchen at the institution. The Matron has always advocated the necessity of makthe boys ’ surroundings more like a hoanc than an institution and the Department has approved the idea and odven it support whenever funds have been available. The alterations and decorations to the boys’ dining-room furnish a striking example of what can be accomplished to furnish auiappv, bright and homely atmosphere for the boys. The windows are now draped with lemon coloured curtains with a marine blue band; linoleum has been laid on the door; the long tables have been, discarded, and the boys will now bo provided .with small tables each to accommodate six. The room has been repapered in a light grey and panelled in a pleasing colour effect, ■the centre of each panel being of a lighter shade than the top and bottom This gives an effect that one would imagine that a continual ray of sunshine was playing along each wall. Mr 'Pickering is the artist responsible tor thi-- work and his efforts are greatly appreciated'by both the staff and the boys. The work of the master, Mr fetanley was evident in the programme submitted by the boys, whose smiling faces reflected the pleasure they took in their 'work. Their entertainment was an excellent one and. was greatly ■appreciated by the guests. After singiii,o- the National Anthem the 'boys gave a song of greeting to, everyone, both collectively and individually- This was followed by Eric singing “Mother Machree.” Later when the physical drill squad were preparing, Erie gave two further numbers, “Carry me back to Old Virginity’ ’ and “Come Back to Eric.” Hutu and Bernard provided a very amusing sketch, “Johnny Reads the Chronicle, ’ ’ at the end of which Johnnie’s father retired with a headache and Johnnie had not obtained the information he sought. The boys sang three other chorus numbers in which attention to training was evident both in the part singing and in the light ■.and ishade imparted to the rendering. These numbers were “Darling Nelly Grav,” “Sweet Chiming Bells” and “■God of Nations.” Geoffrey was re-, sponsible .for a character presentation entitled "‘A Study in End and Black and Henry sang “Tara’s Halls ’ very sweetly. Three Maori boys sang the Maori song of “Farewell” and performed a haka for which they were encored. A isquad of six' Iboys demonstrated the effect that Mr Roydhonse s instruction in physical drill had upon the school by doing various exercises backwards, an item which provided great amusement to the guests. A surprise was sprung upon the Matron when Mr Stanley, on behalf of the boys and the staff, presented her with a walking stick which had been cut from the bush at the back of the sandhills and finished and mounted by the boys. At the conclusion of the programme the boys were provided with an excellent supper and before' retiring, Mr Logan thanked them on behalf of those assembled for their splendid entertainment and advised them to promote ■happiness among themselves by keeping on singing. After the boys had retired the guests were entertained at supper by the staff and the Rev. Father Breen acknowledged the pleasure that one and all had 'derived from the entertainment provided. It is very evident that this school, which accommodates the younger lads, is doing a great work for the boys who are under the care of the staff there. The Matron, Miss Allen, is nothing short of a mother to these boys, while' Mr Stanley is not only their master but their companion. The efforts of these two principals are ably supportedsby Miss Leadbetter with the result that a bright and cheerful environment is provided where its effect cannot help but prove beneficial.