LONGBURN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 224, 21 August 1935, Page 11

LONGBURN

(From Our Own Correspondent.) LONGBURN, Aug. 20.

Although inclement weather conditions prevailed, the Longburn Hall was packed when the annual school hall was held on Friday evening. The function opened with the grand march in which every pupil on the school roll took part. Then followed a waltz, the barn dance and the ninepins. A stirring military two-step was next on the list, and then the infants appeared in a chorus ensemble dressed in gay Romany costumes and singing, “I’m a Gipsy.” A national Dutch dance by the seniors, who prosented a striking appearance in their baggy breeches and patches, was next. After a valcta, the picturesque maypole was danced by a dozen boys and girls using red, white, and blue streamers. A Danish folk dance, “The Crested Hen,” was a particularly good item, the children being given a special round of applause for their work. The school ballot, arranged and produced by the teaching stall, also pleased well and was evidently a favourite number with the children, who appeared in striking black and white costumes and went through the intricacies of the number in faultless style. Also included in the programme were an infant song (“I See You”) and balloon dance, schottischc, chain waltz, and valcta. A pleasing ceremony took place shortly before the last item, when Ivun Weddell presented Misses ltccvc and Davidson with bouquets and on behalf of his fellow scholars thanked the teachers for their help and patience shown during the practices. Cheers were given for the teachers. Mr J. Callosen, chairman of the School Committee, took advantage of the occasion to welcome Mr Seurlc, the new headmaster, who, he said, had gained the confidence of all parents. ’The speaker also eulogised the teachers for the efficient manner in which they had produced the programme, faying that the children would later appreciate the teachers’ efforts to fit them for taking their place in life. Mr Scarlo made brief acknowledgment of the chairman’s remarks and said be hoped to justify the confidence placed in him. The speaker pointed out that education to-day demanded more than classroom lessons, and said that the benefits achieved by holding a school ball were of much value physically. Mr Scurle also paid a tribute to the assistance given by Misses Davidson and Reeve in training the children. 'The pianoforte accompaniments were played by Miss I. Davidson, who with .Miss 1. M. Reeve (dancing instructress) was responsible for many long hours of practice which enabled the children to put on a splendid show. ’.I he lady teachers uko made up most of the fancy dress frocks worn in the national dances. -Mr Scurle, the headmaster, left no stone unturned to encourage the children and together will) his associates must he congratulated for staging the finest - performance that has been put on by the school for many years. Before the evening was over the youthful artists were regaled with supper and trom then to 2 a.rn. the adults look charge with modern and old-time dancing. Alc.-s s K. Lctnberg and G. Syvorscn were M.C’s.