MAUNGATAPERE NEWS

Northern Advocate, 20 December 1928, Page 7

MAUNGATAPERE NEWS

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

The (annual school Christinas tree ami concert was held at the hall on Friday evening, when there was a record attendance, practically every family in the district being fully represented. The function, which was promoted by Mr and Mrs Berridge and Miss McLeod, had been eagerly looked forward to by old and young, and on the eventful night their pleasurable anticipation was fully realised.

The concert proceedings opened by all present singing the National Anthem. The following programme was then carried out by the scholars in a manner that reflected the greatest credit on themselves and their teachers, and greatly pleased their proud parents and the audience in general. Opening Chorus, “Swanee River, ” by senior pupils; “Jack and Jill,” through the standards, by Leo Rowlands, Max Newton, Hilary Henwood, Nesta Cave and Phillip Newton; chorus, “Billy Boy,” by pupils; “Mother Goose Investigates,” Audrey Morrison and juniors; quartette, “Old Kentucky Home,” by Nesta Cave, Audrey Morrison, Cyril Tatton and Alex Kerr; “Mother Goose” (health play) by Mary Grove and juniors; dialogue, “Parliamentary Laws,” by Charlie Jackson (chairman), May Timperlcy, Audrey Morrison, Hilary Henwood, A. Kerr, P. Newton and Ruth Timperlcy; “Sea Shanty,” “Rio Grande,” by Cyril Tatton and senior pupils; “Jack and Jill,” repeated by request; recitation, “No,” by Norman Wilkinson. A comic sketch, “Ten Little Nigger Boys,” was screamingly funny, especially little / ‘ number ten. ’ * Miss Lenore Hawken played the accompaniments.

The concert over, all interest centred in the gaily decorated and heavily laden Christmas tree, and the arrival of Father Christmas (Mr Wm. Hawken Jnr.) was hailed with delight. Santa Claus, clad in orthodox costime, soon made friends with the little ones, and every child in the school' district, big and little, was presented wdth a gift from the tree. When, finally, a box of various kinds of rattles and squeakers was handed round, the noise made was ample evidence that it was the kiddies’ night out, and that their cup of joy was overflowing.

The chairman of the School Committee, on behalf of those present, expressed hearty appreciation of the successful and enjoyable evening, and hearty cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Berridge, Miss McLeod and “ Father Christmas. ’ ’

Mr Berridge suitably replied, thanking all who had assisted so generously in making the gathering a success. / Mary Grove, who received a special prize for securing the highest marks in the proficiency examination, was accorded a hearty round of applause. A most bountiful supper was provided by the ladies, and it is almost superfluous to state that the youngsters did more than ample justice to the many good things placed before them. The happy memories of a joyful evening will remain with them until next Yuletide.

Proceeding concluded with an enjoyable dance to music provided by Messrs 0. Edge, C, Timperley and J. Draper. Mr A. J. Dickson acted capably as M.C. throughout the evening.