WAITAKI BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL.

North Otago Times, 4 December 1911, Page 1

WAITAKI BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL.

SPORTS NIGHT CONCERT. Tho very excellent programme submitted by the students of the abov|o on Friday ovening last in tho Opora House, kept the large audience (composed very largely of parents and friends of the boys and staff), from curtain to denouement, 'in a continual simmer, both of enjoyment and amusement. The first item on the programme was an overture by the orchestra entitled "Gloriana." Tho manner in which this was played would have boon highly creditable to a P l '°' es " sional orchestra. In fact, right through the entertainment tho orchestra well-earned the encomiums and plaudits liberally bestowed by a delighted audience. This was followed toy a chorus "Song of the Vikings" by tho Glee Club, which was so well rendered that it resulted in an Imperative recall. The shrill trebles of the younger lads blended to perfection with tho stronger voices of the older boys, and produced fl ' "lost pleasing effect. Their enunciation, too, was particularly good, one to whom tho J chorus was </uito unknown being able i to follow tho words without effort. Later on in tho programme Farmers' well-known "Forty Years on," an Harrowian school song, was splendidly rendered. Ono could not but (in imagination) help looking into the future "forty • yrnrs en," and see those now well developed striplings, free apparently from • all dull care, then massive bearded men scattered to the four cornera of tho globe, occupying positions of responsibility and importance in the professional and political worlds, some guiding tho destinies of tho ship of State, others in various capacities, moulding) shaping and hacking tho evolution of the British Empire in particular and the world in general. Is this merely a little kindly exaggeration? No, we aro sure it is not. However, to resume, Mr R. J. Meldrum contributed a vilolin solo' "Stabat Major,"', by Rossini, following this by '"Ave Maria" a* nn encore item, both delivered !n Ms best style, whioh is In itself quite-sufficient commendation. He gavo masterly renderings of both items, 'Mr Frank Jones was in excellent voice, and his interpretation of Wallaco's "Son of Mine" was a praiseworthy one. He brought out the various changes effectively, and displayed ntco feeling throughout. He did almost' equally a s well In "The Fighting Temeraire" in rcsponso to an encore. Quite the feature of. the musical portion of tho programme was Mr E. Moss' clarionet playing, which was par excellence. He has undoubtedly mado himself almost a master of this pleasing instrument. In both tho gymnastic and dumbbell foplnys the boys acquitted themselves most credltahly. They Went through some difficult and effective movements on both the parallel a n d horizontal bar, following. that by some pretty pyramid formations.

The second half of tho programme was taken up by a comedietta, entitled "Too Olever by Half." . This proved a decided mirth provoker, the acting in some Instance being ; ;W;11 above the. lovelof tho ordinary amateur status, T, H, Niefoet made a capable county magnate,, wMlslW. J, Bunting's •"■get-up"...as Mlsh Burgess-Hill, was distinctly clever. L. M, Inglis possessed a good conception of a fussy, excitable, gesticu-

lating "chef d'orcheatrl.'-' Fun Was supplied by W. W. Uttley,' D. J. Ohisholm', L. .Moritzson, H, S. Harvey, and W. G, .Warner, all acting capabljv '•'Nathan Tipstafl" particularly so, Ms.efforts to maintain the ''dignity of the law" kept tho audience in roars.

.The school Is to be congratulated on tho. excellence of tho display, every item, without exception, being distinctly meritorious, the concert furnishing still-another oxart-ple of the ability and versatility of the students a nd staff.

On SnUrday momlng his Excellency paid a visit'toithe School,' ami was received on arrival by a guard of honor of the school cadets' under Lieutenant Niebet. After an inspection of the agricultural experimental plots, grounds, class rooms and dormitories, an address was given In the gymnaiium to the boys, teachers and friends, Mr St, John Buckley presiding. As n compllmen; to-his Excellency, who was a n old Harrovian, tho Glee Club sang the traditional song of Harrow. His Excellency H then spok'o to the boys on tho advantages and accruing benefits of education and school Me, at'tho uloso of which he was-greet-ed with prolonged cheering, and Mr Milner moved a very hearty vote of thanks, Lieut Niebet (senioi boy) In a very neat speech, thanfecd his Excellency and called for cheers, which were readily responded to. • 'His Excellency left for Christchurch on tho 2.30 express Sn the afternoon. ■He was joined at tho train by Lady Islington. The •Mayoress and others were presented to her Excellency at the station.