THE BLIND INSTITUTE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20130, 15 December 1928, Page 16

THE BLIND INSTITUTE.

VERY SUCCESSFUL CONCERT. RECENT TOUR BY THE BAND. The pupils of tho Jubilee Institute for , the Blind experienced a red-letter day yesterday when the school celebrated the end of "the year's studios. A tea partj, lavishly served with strawberries and cream, was tho preliminary to a round of festivities that did not conclude until midnight, a concert and dance, at which 500 guests attended, occupying the programmo for the evening. Groat interest was taken in the appearance at the concert of the boys band, consisting of 14 blind players, recently returned from a highly successful tour of the Dominion. The combination proved very efficient considering the handicap from which it suffered, the cheerfulness of the players, and the evident enjoy ment they shared in their work delighting the enthusiastic audience

The director. Mr. Clutha N. Mackenzie. outlined the m.iin features of the recent trip, extolling the magnificent team spirit displayed by the boys and eulogising the friendliness and kindness met with on their journey. As an instance of the wonderful interest shown, ho mentioned that at Hastings a theatre holding 1400 people was filled to capacity, 200 people having to stand, while between 400 and 500 were turned away.

The finest effort was the part-singing of a mixed choir, which showed every sign of assiduous training and careful tuition. Hero again the pupils entered into the spirit of the songs with enjoyment, a factor which contributed in riu small measure- to the pleasure of the evening. Recitations were given by Ruth Edser, Pena Redogni and Roh Martin, and vocal items by Joseph Papescb, Blanche MacKenzie and Eunice Hawking. Pianoforte solos and duets were played by Rena Redogni, Connie Whitford, Blanche MacKenzie and May Bray and a solo by Miss Lillian Maftin. Miss Brav contributed a finished organ solo and Lionel Voice a cornet solo. An amusing musical item was given by three novice musicians calling themselves the Jubin Juvenile Trio.

Mr. A. J. Hutchinson, chairman of trustees, distributed prizes as follows: For best all-round work in and out of school: Upper division, Tom Taylor ; middle division, Rena Bedogni; lower division. Stansell Pender. For best musical progress: Blanche MacKenzie (pianoforte). Robert Martin and Frank Caple both passed the intermediate Trinity College examinations with honours.

Mr. Hutchinson complimented the pupils on the duality of the entertainment and congratulated the headmistress and musical mistress, the Misses Law, on the fine work accomplished. He thanked the numerous voluntary helpers for their kindness and sympathy and wished the nup : ls happiness during their coming holidays. Toys and sweets were distributed to the younger children.

GOOD WORK AT KOTOKUA.

GREAT ASSET TO THE TOWN.

[BY TELEGRAM. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] ROTORUA. Friday. The "breaking tip" ceremony in connection with the Rotorua ' High School was held last evening in the Lyric Theatre, which was beautifully decorated with house flags and flowers. Mr. R. B. Nesbitt, chairman of the board, who presided, eulogised tho worly done in the past year by the grounds committee. It had transformed what had been a wilderness of blackberry and noxious weeds in a pleasant park, which, when complete, would be second to none in the Dominion. It had been materially assisted by the pupils and staff of the school and generous assistance from residents. The year had been one of development. Some criticism had been made in regard to the share that sport was taking in the school work. However, he was quite satisfied after a close study of the position that the right balance was being maintained. The report of the headmaster, Mr. A. R. Ryder, showed that the roll number at the start of the year was 141, an increase of 44 on the previous year's number, while the junior school commenced with 134 pupils, an increase of seven. The total number had been well maintained. Examination results had been satisfactory. Mr. Ryder referred to the kindness of the many donors of cups and trophies. It has been found necessary to apply for two additional classrooms, the erection of which would tako place early in the new year.

The Mayor, Mr. J. N. McLean, said the work of the staff had been a magnificent success. The school was a great asset (o the town. In view of the expansion in the near future ho advised the hoard of governors to secure more ground. He was impressed by the splendid discipline of the scholars. The head girl prefect, on behalf of the school, presented the headmaster with a beautiful clock for his study. The prizes won in the school work were presented to the winners by the Mayoress, Mrs. McLean, and those won in - the various athletic events were handed to the winners by Mrs. E. Robertson. Several school songs and musical items were much appreciated by the large gathering.