SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9139, 22 August 1888, Page 6

SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENT.

At St. Sepulchre's Schoolroom last night; a large number of parents and friends of the children attending the Mount Eden Collegiate School were present at the invitation of the principals, Misses Matthews and McHarg, to witness an entertainment given by the pupils. At the eastern end of the room a stage was erected and curtained off for the performance of the cantata "Cinderella," for which some excellent scenery had been painted by Miss Cohen. The programme opened with a pianoforte quartette, "The Caliph of.Bagdad," by Misses M. and F. White, Thorne George, and Ltiisihley, which was played in excellent time. A fairy dance, entitled " Pubs in the Corner," by a dozen of the pupils, who were arrayed in dainty and appropriate costumes, followed, and was executed with great correctness, the pleasing effect being enhanced by various-hued limelights. The cantata " Cinderella " was then performed bv about fifty pupils under the conduct of Miss McHarg. The work comprised fifteen numbers, embracing solos, duets, choruses, and dances, and the juvenile actors showed great proficiency in their various parte, infusing great spirit and expression into the performance, several of the chief characters evincing considerable musical ability, while the clear, crisp young voices blended admirably in the choruses. The principal characters were : Cinderella, Miss Sybil Davis ; Prince, Harper ; Fairy Godmother, Miss F. White ; Herald, Miss Rita Cohen. At the conclusion of the cantata the children were loudly applauded. Miss Matthews then, in some happily chosen remarks, pointed out what she considered to be the right aim and method of school conduct, which should rather tend to the producing of an intelligent woman than supplying a girl with an extensive stock of book knowledge to the detriment of the development of her domestic and womanly qualities. " The ideal they held up" at the Mount Eden Collegiate School for Girls "was that of a true woman— strong in body as judicious care, training, and exercise can make her ; as fearless and brave in heart as a Godfearing life and a happy creed can form her ; faithful in all domestic duties, and true in all womanly relationships." Judging by the applause, these views were heartily endorsed by the parents present. The second part of the performance opened with a recitation, "The Stolen Nest," by the children of the lower school, followed by "The Bells" by the pupils of the upper forms, bothbeingrendered in very crcditable style. Pinsuti's well-known song "Heaven and Earth " was then given with taste and finish by Miss Scragers, who later on rendered "The Fairies" with equal success, while Miss Sutton contributed a sonata of Beethoven's (piano) in a very pleasing manner, her touch and expression alike excellent. A series of tableaux followed, the characters being mostly sustained by the children ; they comprised — " Some Popular Advertisements," " The Princess and the Swineherd," The Seasons," scene from " Patience," "Pygmalion and Galatea," and "Great Britain and her Colonies." All these were admirably staged, due attention being given to all details of posture and costume, and the audience exhibited their appreciation by hearty applause. The singing of the National Anthem brought the entertainment to a close, and the pleased and excited youthful performers were carefully despatched to their various homes.