ALEXANDRA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2691, 11 October 1905, Page 35

ALEXANDRA.

October 9.— At the instance of the local School' Committee, Dr Ogston, health officer, paid a visit of inspection a few days ago to cmr local •sdhool, and I team that his report states emphatically that more floor space must be provided for the infant department, which is at present considerably ovea-erowded. There can be no question as to the fact that the Education Board has treated the representations of the School Committed with scant consideration. This should not be, for a country School Committee's complaints aa to want of accommodation should merit equal attention with complaints from city school committees. Doubtless, in this case, th© board haa been influenced in its action to take no remedial steps at present by the fact that the congestion in attendance is niainly owing to a large number of children from the railway conip attending school, but this fact does not free ilia board from the charge of inactivity preferred' against it by -fch* School Committee. At the same time, there is no getting away from th-a fact that, some few years ago. when the school was in an overcrowded state, the infa-nt room then erected by the fooaYd was an up-to-date one in all respects, but, owing to an abnormally increasing birth rate, the room is now much overcrowded 1 .

Band Concert.— The Town Hall was crowded yesterday evening on the occasion of the concert m aid of the funds of the band. The T)erformance opened by an object lesson in unpunctuality, which took exactly half-an-liour in the giving, but which sadly damped the enthusiasm and isorefy tried tiie patience of the large audience. The object lesson was followed by a negro minstrel entertainment, which, on the whole, was fairly good; but somehow or another the clever jokes and capital singing failed to bring the audience and the performers enrapport. The contest selection, which tne full band played, was a very pleasing performance, and evidence of careful .training was not wanting. At the conclusion of the selection., Bandmaster Bringans, who has successfully piloted the band through maaiy difficulties, received a gratifying surprise on being presented with a handsome silver cornet as a gift from, his fellow bandsmen. The presentation was made by the sccretairy of the band, Mr Briasco, who, in appropriate terms, eulogised Mr Bi-ingans's efforts to- raise the band to a high state of efficiency, which he trusted would »c in evidence at the forthcoming contest at "Winton Mr Bringans suitably replied, thanking the bandsmen for their kind consideration and appreciation of his efforts. The principal soloists were Mrs Henderson, who commands the appreciation of an Alexandra audience, and Messrs Williams and Arnot, two old favourites, who were heard to advantage in their respective songs. Several brass instrument sdos ware played, which might wisely have been omitted from the programme, as the audience would not have noticed the omission. I would sugg^t that tha promoters of future concerts keep faith with the public by commencing iho performance at the time adveitised, for it should be borne in mind that jo man or committee of men has a right to waste -he time of another. Indeed, want of punctuality in the carrying on of flic affairs of the lifs of a town is the first evidence of a town's decadence, for unpunctuality in one shows indifference to the waste of time.

Tennis. — The Tennis Club opened the season by a Dtirobsr of friendly games this afternoon. As the afternoon was fine a larg^ n.umber of members put in an appearance, ar-d, as the ladies provided afternoon tea, a couple of hours' pleasant reunion took place. I learn th&t the club will be strong in numbers this year, as a. "large number of ladies propose joining.