MAEREWHENUA.

Otago Witness, Issue 1966, 29 October 1891, Page 20

MAEREWHENUA.

OorosKß 26.— Last Friday night the School Commlttee gave an enjoyable concert and ball In aid of the school funds. 'Ibis sohool is in charge of Mis* E. S. Beverldge and has 42 aoholari on the roll, and an average attendance of 35. Some of the children come a long distance to the school— two to four miles, The building ia crMfied to accommodate 47 scholars. Fart of the floor ii raised up in terraces, so that the danoing space is somewhat; restricted, bat the spectators, on the other hand, had more room during the dancing. A large number of residents assembled from all the surrounding districts and townships, so that the building was filled in every part, which is at onoe proof that the utmost enthusiasm prevailed. I have often noticed that a large vacant space in any hall during an entertainment seems to have a depressing effect on performers and audienoe alike, while In a smaller hall the affair would pats off with eclat. The committee bad a large programme to go through, and many ol the items were vociferously encored, so that I must curtail my description somewhat The first Item was an overture by eight members of the Livingston Brass Band, which was well done, especially as this band is not long in existence— the members being juit "off the grass," as Mr Thorpe, the chairman, facetiously remarked. Six of the •ohool children then appeared and fang " Beautiful birds" to Miss Beveridge's accompaniment. This enabled the audience to see at once the progress the children are making, and their dear, bright voices always appeal directly to an audience. Fifteen or 20 years ago distinguished visitors and parents occasionally visited the schools, when the utmost enthusiasm used to prevail. This good old custom has become obsolete. Matter Patrick M'Oann, an ambitious small boy, the height of a chair, then recited " Half a league " with spirit and vigour, especially when it is remembered that it requires a man of majestic appearance and dear, flexible, bass voioe to do this grand poem anything like justice. Mrs Bonnet then pathetically sang, to her own

accompaniment, "Daddy, good night." Master Alexander M'Donald sang, " Good-bye Katie " In a manner whioh gave great promise. Mr Joseph Johnson, of Duntroon, followed with "Over the garden wall," and for an encore gave " Duok-footed Sue." Miss May M Cann, a scholar from tho Livingston Sohool, then gave " I am dreamiDg of fchee " with power and exprewion. Mr Hugh Loyally sang, " Martha, fche watercress girl," and wa« encored. Miss Beveridge aud Mrs Bevan then contributed a duet to Mrs Bevan's accompaniment. Mr Wm Sutherland gave a couple of humorous Scotch readings, whioh told immensely. Mlts Maggie M'Dooald, one of the soholars, gave "Thebonnie wee window." whioh was a long and dim jult song, and was much appreciated. Mr Dugald Kenuedy, who is new to the boards, gave " The old rustic bridge," and being vociferously encored, gave a couple of verses of an Irish comic song. Mr Henry Boberts then gave "In the gloaming," during whioh his deportment was a noticeable feature. Miss Simpson, who has a large repertoire of the good old songs, sang " Bonnie Charlie's noo awa," and for an enoore gave "I am ower young to marry yet." An interval of 10 minutes then took place, after which the remaining portion of the concert was presented, but this wai similar to the preceding portion, so that I need not particularise. Th.3 brass band opened it with a vargoviana, and then came the sobool children, and the same singers followed till eight sont;s were sung, whioh'finally ushered in the National Anthem and closed the proceedings. Once Miss Isa Davis, teacher, Duntroon, accompanied. During this interval a little light refreshment was partaken of, after which dancing went on merrily under the guidance of Mr Joseph Johnson as MO. Messrs Morris Frater, W. Bailey, sen., and Joseph Bailey supj lied the musio on the violin. Mr H. Lozelly occaslonMly assisted on the oonoerttna. The large number of tall men and bonny lasses was very noticeable. Many of the former wore white gloves also. 161s sometimes pointed out that the rising New Zealaud youth is deficient in the domestic propensities. However this may be, it is a certainty that he has agreat objeotion to taking ladies to any of these entertainments, which would lead us to suppose that he is defio'ent in gallantry. 16 even sometimes occurs that a man will get one of;his Mends to bring hit "best "girl for him* **