When School Cadets Are Off Parade

Northern Advocate, 18 February 1939, Page 11

When School Cadets Are Off Parade

“Auld Lang Sync" has been sung on many, occasions in Whangarei, and under various circumstances, but it was probably never sung with greater enthusiasm, even if not with sentimental fervour, than last night, when it formed a fitting finale to a delightful concert given by the boys of the High School in their “prep, hall.”

The concert marked the conclusion of a week’s barracks which will remain a never-to-be-forgotten incident' in the lives of boys fortunate enough' to live under canvas on the picturesque playing fields of the High School.

The concert was exclusively a school affair. The spirit of the boys, and the wonderful relationship which existed between them and the masters, who were also the officers of the school cadets, were in themselves one of those experiences which come only on the rarest occasions. All. from the oldest downwards, were boys again, and the programme presented by the pupils made a universal appeal. It was a really excellent programme, the more enjoyable because of its unique I nature. A capital orchestra played selections, and some of the most popular numbers, as, for instance, the Lambeth "Walk, inspired an accompaniment that almost lifted the roof. Then was danced a ballet which would have ! aroused hilarity and enthusiasm on any stage. “Laurel and Hardy” put on a typical turn, bagpipers played till the rafters dirled, Highland dancers danced, an interpreter convulsed the. audience by his sententious renderings of the address of a loquacious rajah, a farm hand raised roars of laughter as he tried to bail up an unwilling cow between horizontal bars and had his bucket kicked skyhigh, a. cornetist developed a lovely tone, and boys revealed delightful voices in solos and duets, while a recruiting sergeant had to deal with a motley lot of would-be recruits, including one who gave an admirable portrayal of a not too wise yokel. >'

These were only some of the good things provided, and it was only natural that the boys should insist upon the officers giving some return for the fare offered to them. And the officers responded right nobly, their contributions being applauded to the echo.

All too soon, came “Auld Lang Syne” and adjournment to tentland for the last time this year. In a few minutes torches were flashing and lights flickering in the tents. Then the bugler called “Lights out,” and the cadets ha a come to the end of another perfect day. , ,

The Stock Exchange Association of New Zealand yesterday received a message stating that North Broken

Hill, Ltd., had declared a dividend of 6d a share, payable in Melbourne on March 28.