NEWBURY SCHOOL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 15, 15 December 1932, Page 8

NEWBURY SCHOOL

CONCERT AND PRIZE-GIVING. The Newbury Hall was taxed to capacity last evening, when the pupils of the school presented a programme. The annual prize-giving also took place. The hall ■was decorated in bine and yellow, and on the stage greenery and flowers made a pretty showing, while on each side the school shields were hung. The programme began with the entry of the “sandwich men” who, as they marched on bearing their .respective letters, spoke a few lines of welcome. This was followed by songs by Miss C. Christian, and an appealing lullaby scene by the younger pupils. A humorous item was “The Jolly Old Sow,” sung by a number of little boys; “The House that Jack Built,” a difficult action lecitation, was meritoriously performed by little girls, and was vigorously ei cored. Tap and skipping dances by Miss Judy Christian wore greatly appreciated. Perhaps the “star” item was a fairy play by the children, in which they all acquitted themselves sp*ndidly, and looked quite at home ;n their fairy and gnome dresses. The pupils sang “Carry Me Back to Old Virginny,” when, with blackened faces and “nigger” costumes ihey were grouped on the stage in a negro scene. Some little boys recited with appropriate actions, “Ten Little Nigger Boys,” and Rex Wood rendered a solo, “The Vagabond.” In this scene, too, some clever repartee was passed between two senior boys who kept the audience amused. “Hushabye Ma Baby” was finally sung in. chorus, and the concluding item was a scene from “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” wherein a very talented “Topsy” took part. Mr Calloway, head teacher of the school, is to be heartily congratulated on . the excellent performance of the children; he worked very hard and the results certainly justified his labours. Mr Calloway was thanked by the secretary of the committee, Mr Ross. Newbury was fortunate, he Baid, in having a schoolmaster of such calibre as Mr Calloway. Great progress was being made, and as evidence of Mr Calloway’s teaching the three proficiency candidates had all gained their certificates. Reference was also made to the good work of Mrs Shaw, for her help at rehearsals, and a vote of thanks was passed to the visiting artists. Mr Calloway thanked everyone for their attendance. “Although I have been here for only a short time,” he said, “I have received the loyal cooperation of the parents, the committee and the Old Pupils* Association.” He extended cordial greetings for a merry Christmas to all. Before presenting the prizes, Mr J. Linklater, M.P., said he was very interested in the progress of Newbury School, and expressed his great pleasure at being present. Mrs Linklater was a former pupil of the school, he continued, and two of his children were now attending, so that he had its interests at heart. Mr Linklater was pleased at the support being accorded Mr Calloway by the pupils. The head teacher, he continued, had trained the children exceedingly well, and they were all delighted with the. progress made. Mr Linklater urged the children to make the very best of their opportunities. “Work hard and play hard,” were his words, “and soon the sun of prosperity will break through the clouds of depression, and happiness will once again be everyone’s lot.” He reciprocated the good wishes of Mr Calloway. Reference was made to the faithful services of Miss L. Hills, the relieving teacher, Mr Linklater eulogising her untiring work with the children. Each child received a prize, and good attendance certificates were issued. The three proficiency candidates, It. Browning, M. Dalefield and S. Knight, also received tlieir certifiMr Calloway especially congratulated the head prefect, It. Browning, who, he said, was a boy of outstanclcharacter. Presentations were made on behalf of the pupils by It. Browning to Mrs Shaw, Miss Hills and Mr Calloway, the latter expressing his appreciation, and also on behalf of Mis Shaw and Miss Hills. , , .. Slipper was served by the ladies and dancing occupied the remainder of the evening.