CHILDERNS S BALL

Northland Age, Volume 14, Issue 15, 15 December 1916, Page 3

CHILDERNS S BALL

Peria proved hold tho crowds PdPPanic from all parts of the district to see the Fancy Dress Ball presented by the pupils of the Pcria School in aid of the Belgian and Serbian Funds. Victoria Valley, Fairburn and Oruru were well represented. As the entertainment was quite a novel one in the district, much curiosity was felt as to its character, but Mr and Mrs Warburton and their pupils staged a show above expectations. The costumes, most of which were designed and made by Mesdames Warburton and Hancox, were artistic and novel.

Before the programme commenced, Mr Warburron explained that the idea of the Ball had been suggested to himself and his wife by seeing the children dancing in the playground. When it was decided to hold one, the children had the following proposals laid before them. To apply the money raised to the School Library and school games, or to divide it between the Belgian and Serbian Funds; pity prevailed over self interest and it was enthusiastically voted to the two funds. Here a little tableau was shown, showing Britannia in the act of giving a loaf to a starving Belgian child, while Belgium in mourning wept silently. The Ball was then begun by a grand procession to show off the costumes, during which the children sang “The British Grenadiers,” finishing up on the stage. Here they sang a Patriotic song after which came the Maypole Dance which was followed with keen interest by the crowded audience. Two teams danced, the older did it perfectly while the team of young ones did it without a mistake. Each team was loudly applauded at the conclusion of the dance. Choruses, Juanita, Genevieve, Sweet and Low, Steal Away to Jesus. Recitations by M. Povcy, B. and D. Watts, and the popular duet by C. Kelsall and I. Thomas, “Where are You Going to My Pretty Maid,” (encored) together with several dances by the children, made up the programme. The dancing of the children was very graceful and correct, the young fry keeping beautiful dances were begun by a well executed grand march, and comprised a polka, an Island schottische, waltz and schottische. As the children of the country district of the Far North have never had a Fancy Dress Ball before we give a list of the costumes :—Girls : E. Pearson (Redwing), J. Kelsall (Night), I. Thomas (Britannia), M. Thomas (Shepherdess), E. Marsh (Gipsy Queen), V. Dutton (Japanese), M. Eaves (Water Lily), N. Eaves (Red Riding Hood), D. Watts (Serbia), B. Watts (Cinderella), C. Kelsall (Monsieur Beancaire), M. Povey (Sairey Gamp), N. Eaves (Mother Goose), M. Thomas (Jap), A. King (Belgium), J. Marsh (AfKrnoon tea), E. Kitchen (Jap), ■homas Twins (Fairies), P. and t King (Roses), J. Dutton (Dutch TOirl), M. Dutton (Gipsy), E. Marsh (Mandarin), R. Ritetc (Jap), V. Hancock (Winter), R. Larkins (Nurse), M. Morey (Old English), M. Kelsall (Old English), R. Adamson (Tambourine Girl), M. Thomas (Flower Girl). The boys were got up as the Peria Red Pierrots, or as they called it, “Pirates”, but in the matter of the pirates dwell above Kdewater at Oruru. ■ The music was played by Mr Ehristensen, senr. and junr. and Mrs A. Wilkinson. The singing Eancing and behaviour of the [Peria pupils were very favourably .commented on by the audience, Lind the mixed school has proved Itself fully equal to any school in district, though it does not advertise. Mr Maria, Chairman of the Oruru School Committee, proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Warburton for his efforts in training the children, Mesdames Warburton and Hancox for their labour in making the costumes, to Misses McKay, Watts, Thomas, and Mrs Sanderson for ices, Mr Henry

King for donation of a tin each of lollies and biscuits, Mr Hayden for the use of the Hall, Mr Hancox for carting and assisting in getting things ready, Mr Christensen and musicians and all other helpers, which was carried by acclamation. In replying to the vote of thanks, Mr Warburton said that in his opinion education should do more than fit a human being for money grabbing, it should fit the individual to find sensible, innocent and esthetic pleasures a part of education generally overlooked but important in the scheme of life, and one he always paid some .attention to. After the children’s ball was over, the adults took up the game and kept it going to an early hour Mr Warburton has obtained sick leave for December and he and Mrs Warburton will have left Peria for good by the time this is in print, and will leave the North on the 14th. Mrs McNamara has been appointed relieving teacher for the rest of the school year.