BROOKLYN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 16 December 1937, Page 10

BROOKLYN

j SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL CONCERT j (.From Uur On n Correspondent,) The Brooklyn l!;il! was filled In capacity on Tuesday evening when die pupils of the Brooklyn School held their annual concert. An excellent programme of songs, recitations and plays was presented and thoroughly enjoyed. Every one of the youthful performers gave of their best to entertain and the hearty and spontaneous applause, with which each item was received, was an indication of tiie appreciation of the audience. Throughout the programme the singing was sweet and pleasing and showed careful tuition, the chorus "British Soldier Boys" being a particular favourite. In the three plays, which were well acted, the articulation of all the children was exceedingly good and clear. Beautiful and appropriate costumes, worn by the girls and boys participating in the action songs and plays helped greatly to enhance the evening’s entertainment.

As usual the tiny tots, with their charmingly unaffected ways, proved specially attractive in their nursery rhyme numbers and the little boy, who recited, was enthusiastically applauded. Against a background of greenery and ferns little girls as fairies, in the “Brown Gnome” chorus, danced gracefully; and the Japanese ladies, in gaily coloured kimonas, made a pretty picture. The gipsy chorus and dance was also colourful and picturesque. Mr L. Ching (headmaster) and his assistant Miss Barnes, who were responsible for the training of the pupils deserve great credit for the excellent results achieved. The programme, which commenced with the singing of the National Anthem, was as follows: Chorus, “Johnny Come Down to Hilo”; nursery rhymes, infants; chorus "My Little Cowboy”: play, “Don’t Tell Mary”; chorus, “Little Brown Gnome”; recitation, Margery Smith; play, “The Reporter in Fairyland”; Gipsy chorus and dance, girls; “The Flag Song," juniors; recitation, Barbara Young; chorus, "The British Soldier Boys,” boys; “Japanese Ladies,” girls; play, “The Lesson,” senior boys. PRESENTATION OF PRIZES Mr K. J. Holyoake M.P., made the pre ! ;entation of prizes, each pupil receiving a book and the senior boys certificates f and books. !

[ Mr Holyoake complimented Mr Ching • and his staff on the excellent concert . staged also Mrs Ching and Miss Ryder, who had assisted with the costumes and the music respectively, All present, he said, realised the amount of preparation that was necessary for a performance of this kind. The concert, to which the pupils looked forward, marked the climax of the year’s work, and parents appreciated very much what the teachers were doing for the children in this respect. He wished the pupils a happy time during the holidays and expressed the hope that they would return to work next year feeling fit and happy. Mr Ching, in thanking Mr Holyoake for his kind remarks said he was pleased to see so many parents and friends present that evening and also to see the appreciative manner in which the audience had received the programme. He was deeply indebted to those who had by their help assisted in making the concert a success. He extended thanks to Messrs Heath and Bridger for lighting arrangements and to Miss J. Ryder, who had acted as aceompaniste. PRESENTATIONS TO MISS RYDER AND MR ROWLING In presenting Miss Ryder with a gift, in appreciation of her services, Mr Ching said she had most willingly given j up much of her time; and to her was ! due the thanks of the school and of j the committee. A beautiful bouquet of i flowers accompanied the gift. Mrs j Ching and Miss Barnes were also the recipients of bouquets. I Mr Ching then asked Mr Reg. Rowling to accept a handsome crystal rose j bowl, a token from the children and the committee, of appreciation for many kindnesses rendered by him especially in connection with the conveying of the pupils from Brooklyn to Motueka, free of charge, for the Combined School Sports meeting. Mr Rowling was most generour of heart and they were all deeply indebted to him. Mr Ray Fry. chairman of the Brooklyn School Committee, also spoke of Mr Rowling's many kind actions, over a number of years, and joined with Mr Ching in extending thanks and appreciation. The very best wishes of the children and the committee, he said, accompanied the gift. Mr Rowling, in returning thanks for the unexpected gift, said that he had spent many happy days in the Brooklyn School and it was “only human for a man to do something for the children.” If he could help to make other people's lives happier especially the children's, ,

he felt well repaid in the knowledge, without any reward. He would continue to provide transport for the children next year, if he was still in the district.

Supper was dispensed to the children, and when tiie hall was cleared, a very enjoyable and successful dance followed. Mr Kendal Drummond provided spirited music and Mr D. Evans acted as M.C.