SCHOOL PANTO.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 1803, 20 December 1912, Page 5

SCHOOL PANTO.

CAMPBELL ST. 'S GREAT SUCCESS.

A gorgeous pantomime —without the scenery —would more fittingly describe the Campbell Street School concert 111 the Opera House last evening. The term school cod cert applies to something on a lower plane. It is doubtful if anything to surpass it lias been produced this Christmas "break-up" by any school in New Zealand. Mr Warden and his three hundred child-performers could visit any centre in New Zealand and set a standard in school concerts and be sure demonstrative receptions. Mr Warden must receive the praise. Stage--craft is apparently his hobby and his study. Without exceptional stage management last evening there would have been chaos instead of success. Thirty-two items in an hour and half and there was no rush or unpleasant bustle. Everything dovetailed in and the children took their places before the footlights in succession with the precision of aJ. C. Williamson panto, troupe. air of complete disregard for the audience was one of the sweet things about the concert. The little mites, some in stockinged feet, some with bare legs and feet, some in pretty dresses and others in all the various characters they were told off to represent—all appeared perfectly natural and at home, and yet obedient to the slightest command of the stage manager. Tliey appeared before the public as if to do so was as much part of their curriculum as adding sums. No seniors appeared among them. All directions before the footlights were eutrusted to scholars. This feature of self-reliance is characteristic of Campbell Street School. Mr Warden and his chief assistant, Mr D. Grav, are deserving of every congratulation for the care and trouble of the we'ks and months of instruction as much as for the success of the immediate direction of the concert.

It is only possible to refer briefly to the featured items of the long programme. When the curtain first went up the children appeared all grouped in tiers at the back and side of the stage. It made a most striking picture and the chorus which followed was a splendid greeting to the audience. Cecil Childs, who acted as a stage manager-director (in character) delivered a clever little speech- Then each child or group of children appeared in succession for their turns. They were "rung" off or on by whistle. Miss A. Robson (Miss was applied throughout with grave dignity to the tiniest mite) sang prettily "Take me Back to Babyland." 'infant teddy bears and frogs next appeared and did tricky things and sang and gambolled; and after this James Penketh told of "Brother Tim. " An attractive garland drill was performed by infant girls, Inez Mitchell headed Red Cross nurses in a little turn, and then a, body of elder girls showed great proficiency in club swinging, later another lot did the school physical drill. Three boys sang about little pigs, and Master Brown cleverly recited some satirical verses by a teacher poking fun at Mr Frank Morton's criticism of enunc : ation. One of the finest displays was a squad's exhibition of sword drill under the direction of Lieut. W. Smith, of the Mounted ißfles. Other children helping were "Miss" D. Levy, Miss Muriel Morgan, Master L. Melles, Hady Holmes, and Three Pals, who sang topical verses about the Palmerston trams. Then Santa Claus came with his magnificent Xmas tree which sprang into bulbs of light and formed the centre of a pretty illuminated tableau. In the second half of the programme Britannia arrayed herself in her seat! above her were a hundred children with small flags which they held so as to form one huge New Zealand flag pieced out by Miss J. McKenzie. It was most effective grouping and then the 300 children sang "God Defend New Zealand." Britannia wore Maori articles of attire to enable her to represent New Zealand and the various tributary bodies and persons and second cousins came to visit her in state. There was Miss Louie Wood and her poi Maori maids and her effective singing of Alfred Hill's "Poi Song" ; Miss Dossie Pratt in her little song; several Australians, the girls in typical dress and the boys as stockmen—with with their songster, Miss E. Birchley, and chorus; John Bull, John Sanderson who sang; Miss U. Wlialley and her Red Indians and Canadian comrades; Eric Bierre and his bright recitation; a bodv of awesome female and male suffragists; and a body of black cannibals to drive them off; and then Ireland came in the person of Miss I. Giorgi, who in sweet alto tones sang "Ireland. " Finally there came an extremely cleverly arranged figure march executed "to the beat of the school drum. The curtain was at last rung down on an audience more than satisfied and very reluctant to leave.

The chairman's words of thanks to Mr Warden and his fellow-teachers and the cheers for them all met with sympathetic and enthusiastic response. The following "note" is taken from the programme Mrs H. Palmer gave invaluable assistance with the dressing. The whole stalf has helped with items on the programme, and Mr J. H. Gray has written most of the original lines. Miss I Brown accompanies the songs and Mr V. Liddle provides music for marches and drills. The services of both are gratuitous, being all the mort j appreciated as coming from old pupils."

to be the governor of New Zealand. Then Sir Robert Stout administered the oaths of office and allegiance. His Excellency's signature having been witnessed by the Chief Justice and the Prime Minister—while a score of photographers "snapped" him—His Excellency read a message from the King expressing his pleasant recollections of New Zealand, and saying how much he and the Queen enjoyed their visit. Mr Massey then called for three cheers for the King and Queen. These were heartily given, and the band played "God Save the King.