GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL JUBILEE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18159, 2 February 1921, Page 5

GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL JUBILEE

SUCCESSFUL EVENING ENTERTAIN-

MEJSIT'

The celebrations of the jubilee of the Otago Urrls’ lligti School yesterday took the term of a narbour excursion during the day and of an entertainment at tne Burns Hall in the evening. The entertainment, which was given wholly by present and past pupils ot the school, was keenly enjoye<l uy a crowded audieuce. Tho school choir, under Mr Sidney Wolf, led the singing of the National Anthem, and then contnouted with most harmonious effect ’‘The Pilgrims’ Chorus” and the “Swaneo River.” Miss E. Foster was recalled for her for.eelul and finished rendering of “Sing Joyous Birds,” and a similar compliment could not be escaped by Misses Foster, Allan, Matheson, and Barth, who gave very cleverly as a quartet an amusing version of the tragic tale of ‘‘-Old Mother Hubbard.” Violin selections by Miss Stella Baylcy, solos by Miss Clare Matheson (’‘bongs ot Sunshine" and “Daisy Children”), and piano duets by Misses Ellis and Aslin were all enthusiastically received. The second part of the evening was occupied with the presentation of three scenes Irom J. M. Barre’s “Quality Street.” The parts in a very successful performance were taken by Misses Lena Hendra (Susan Throssel), Mattie Powell (Phoebe Throssel), Winnie Allan (Mias Willoughby), May Clothier (Fanny Willoughby), Lindsay Hopkins (Henrietta Turnbull), Lilian M'Carthy (Patty), Esme Bentham (the recruiting sergeant), Irene Aslin (Mr Valentine Brown), and Misses Gwenda- Harbour, Marion Miller, Mary M'Donald, KathleSn Davidson, Flo Lennox, Vesper Marcella de Silva, and Amy \Hindle (school children). The parts were admirably sustained, and tho delicate, graceful satire of the master playwright was delightfully reproduced. Misses Hendra and Powell were particularly happy and effective in the leading parts of the Misses Throssel, tho bravo girls keeping poverty at bay as they grow old in the conducting of a select private school. Tho “palpable hits” of the play are numerous, and they were most effectively brought out. ’T could bear all the rest, but I have beep unladylike”! gasps Phoeb© in her misfortune. “That weary Latin! I wish I had the whipping of the man who invented it” ! naturally struck a sympathetic note in such an audience. The quaint old world atmosphere of the time of the Napoleonic wars was cleverly sustained, and this gave opportunity for many beautiful dresses and for a very dainty minuet. Patty, the maid, was exceedingly amusing, and the part of the gallant Captain Brown was also most successfully presented. At the close of the performance Misses Hendra and Powell were presented with chocolates and beautiful bouquets from the ex-pupils, with the wish that the performers might live to take part in the centenary celebrations. Miss Alexander, who had the training of the performers, was also - called on the stage and very heartily applauded. Tho concluding item was a very quaint and pretty exhibition given by present pupils of four country dances —“Sweet Cake,” “Catching Quails,” “Rusty Fusty,” and “Hunsdon House.”

Gas which possesses explosive qualities sufficient to drive motors, and which may also be used for purposes of illumination, is being produced at the Arlington, Virginia, experiment farm of the Department of Agriculture, from the destructive distillation of ordinary field straw. In making this .announcement, experts: of the department added that “the possibilities of straw gas are not yet fully determined.”