School Concert.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 6625, 17 February 1900, Page 2

School Concert.

The pupils attending the College street bchool gave a concert in the Theatre Koyal last evening, the proceeds of which are to be devoted to a fund for procuring a piano for the use of the scholars in connection with their musical studies. For some time past the teachers at the school have been busily engaged instructing the childen in the parts they were to take, and they have every reason to be gratified at the success of their efforts, both as regards the state of perfection to which the youthful performers had been brought, and the financial result of the concert. The first part of the programme was a cantata entitled " Will-o'-the-Wisp," in which a village maiden becomes lost in the forest, and a number of marsh spirits, led by Will-o'-the-Wisp endeavour to lead her to destruction in the marsh, but they are thwarted in their evil designs by a band of fairies, who eventually restore the lost one to her friends. This pretty story is told by means of a number of choruses and dialogues in a most interesting manner. ! The leading parts were taken by Master Harold Eussell (Will-o'-the-Wisp), Mabel Oakley (Fairy Queen), and Muriel Pegden (Village Maiden). They were assisted in the choruses by bands of I marsh spirits and fairies, and all acquitted themselves most creditably. The garland drill was then presented, in which a number of girls went through several marches and countermarches with wands covered with flowers. They also executed several exercises with a very pleasing effect, and were heartily applauded at the conclusion of their drill. The programme concluded with a short operetta, " Life in the Transvaal." This was a representation of life on the veldt in South Africa, which was particularly appropriate at the present time. Seyeral patriotic choruses were introduced among the number beine " Eule Britannia." "The two flags " and 11 Mighty Britannia." Mr J. B. Monta£ut also sang a patriotic solo which the audience acknowledged by a loud encore. The references to the present war were also thoroughly appreciated by the audience. The principal parts were very successfully taken by the following :-Hunters: Ned Russell and Charles Drew; Kaffir' Joe Walsh; Boer: Jack Butler; Travel-' lers^H. Greigg,C. Mowlem;H. Zeinert, 5' • Dr.t W l ' £ Hadfield, B. Broad, C. Eosenthal, P. Grant, and H. Collins wood; Cape Policemen : G. Hammer, W. Coles, and J. Greig; Basuto: l! Hocking; Malay Woman: Mabel Pegden ; Chinese Woman: Muriel Pegden Ihe piece, though a large underi taking, was prettily staged, and showed