Colourful Scene at College Street School Ball

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 192, 14 August 1941, Page 3

Colourful Scene at College Street School Ball

HUNDREDS OF CHILDREN IN FESTIVE MOOD

Tho Coconut Grove presented the prettiest sight early last evening when piven over to some 100 pupils of College j .Street School for their annual ball. iThe event had been eagerly anticipated, teachers, parents and children comJ bining to make it a real night of nights. * Never has there been a more colourful . spectacle nor greater variety in the costuming so faithfully carried out. | From the tiniest to tho Standard IV pupils they were a joy to behold as they entered into their programme of singing, games and dances with the joyous abandon of youth, directed by Mr. A. H. McLean (headmaster). Ono of the outstanding items was the Circassian Circle, a very pleasant revival performed with much vim and vigour. A interlude was the display by pupils of Standards 111 and IV to ! demonstrate the new physical education , being carried out daily under the direction "of the specialis';, Mr. Lotting. Announcing this item, Mr. McLean explained its twofold purpose of giving the parents some understanding of tin* trend and to gain their sympathy and support towards co-operating with the staff in their desire to have the children correctly costumed. The display was not of a spectacular nature, but tended to show school activities day by day. Clad in shorts and shirts with various coloured sashes, boys and girls gave a lively demonstration of running, leaping through hoops and over various obstacles, tumbling, skipping, relaxing exercises and ball game, many different actions taking place simultaneously to the great pleasure of tho audience. Another gesture greatly appreciated was the presence of former Standard V and VI girls, now at the Intermediate School, to present a special dance. The whole programme reflected the greatest credit on the staff, who spared no effort to assure tho happiness of tho children. Lively music was provided by a professional orchestra. Miss B. Watkins, infant mistress, playing for many of the i items by her group, j Victory March I Shortly after S o’clock the children wero assembled for the Grand March, for which they 'were presented with paper caps in groups of red, white and blue, and proceeded to carry out in spectacular fashion movements to present the word “Victory.” Loading the march were four arresting figures representing the Union Jack, their red, white and blue streamers being held by the following couples. Spontaneous apIplause greeted the final letter and all joined in the singing of the National Anthem. Mr. McLean then called on Mr. H. G. Mills, as chairman of the school committee, officially to open the ball. Mr. Mills offered an apology for the the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Mansford), also for Mr. J. I Hodgens, M.P., and Mrs. Hodgens. He | said he was sure all present had appreciated to the full the wonderful display I by the children. He was proud of the way the children had been turned out and the entertainment they had provided, particularly the victory march and the National Anthem. He felt tho children had appreciated the thought behind it and the fact that they were upholding the traditions and Christian principles of tho British Empire. Ho counselled the children to work hard and play hard, enjoying to the full the privileges that were theirs made possible by their Empire. On behalf of the 1 committee Mr. Mills thanked Mr. McLean and his staff for the tremendous amount of good work in - organising the ball. To mention only ono item, the teachers had provided the 400 caps required. That the children enjoyed their school lifo had been evidenced by the display of the new physical training which is part of their work from day to day. He thanked the ladies’ committee who had provided a nice supper and all J the helpers, the mothers who had given

: such care to the dresses and all who had ! supported the function in such large ! numbers, thereby aiding the children’s - entertainment and the school finances so • necessary for equipment, s The floor was given over to the grown--1 ups from nine o’clock, proceedings >! being under the capable control of Mr. s(L. Paddy as M.C. I For days past much careful preparation had been made by the enthusiastic ladies’ committee to provide a delectable supper for the large number expected and this department was admirably organised by a willing committee headed by Mrs. 11. Gush (chairman) who wore green lace and a green coatee. Her fellow members were Mesdames M. Ayres in black marocain, E. A. Cooper, black frock and black velvet evening coat; R. Butcher, black satin, green coatee; M. Lowe, maroon taffela, black coat; J. Kennedy, black georgette, sequin coat; L. Dryden, floral vcile; E. W. Drake; M. Lloyd, black taffeta, cyclamen coat; J. Holdsworth, black taffeta, floral coatee; A. MacLeod, blue moss crepe. TAidies assisting were Mesdames L. Paddy in black and white satin; E. L. Terry, black frock; C. Cook, salmon voile, black coatee; L. Broughton, rust frock. Lending a band in many ways were the following members of the men’s committee: Messrs. H. G. Mills (chairman), R. A. Brace (secretary), E. Oruickshanks, L. I. Pliramer, E. Persson, J. Creighton, F. G. Opie and 1,. Paddy.