HEDBON BUSH

Otago Witness, Issue 2849, 21 October 1908, Page 39

HE DBON BU SH

October 16. — The annval srshcol concert. in aid of the prize fund, v. as held in tho Public Hall on October 9, and was pronounced tsy one and all a great success. The School Committee, a-si-sted by seme kind friends, lent valuable as-istance in extending the sfcage and attendirg to minor details. Misses Catto and Walker descr\e a word of praise for helping the old«r rihildren to arrange the decoration*. Beautiful shrubs, fresh from the bu«h, quite transformed the appearance of the hall, the front of (lie stage being a mass of daffodils and other floworing plants. The evening was all that could be desired, and before the first item was given every available space in the building waa occupied. The attendance was a record one. For fioins wesks previous, Miss Hanuiujr had

the children in training; and their performance was a credit to her. Visitors from the surrounding district and Invercarremarking that tihe Heddon Bush children were capable of competing with those of any other district, though this was only tiheir second appearance on the stage. After the chairman's remarks were given, Mrs Sinclair kindly played an overture in capital style, and then the little ones kept i the audience in rant attention for over two hours. Their items consisted of songs, recitations, games, and amusing dialogues, which were all well received. The first part of the performance concluded with the " Maypole dance," the pretty red, white, and blue ribbons and sashes presenting a charming sight. All took their parts so well that it would 1 be unfair to particularise, but I think the " Six jolly tars," by six of the senior boys in sailor costumes was deservedly voted the gem of the evening. A pleasing feature of the concert was the number of children who came forward individually in the most unconcerned manner. The accompaniments were nicely played by Mies B. Walker, Mra Thompson, and Master* C. Stenhouae, who acted as accompanist for the "Maypole dance." The adult performers were Miss, Catto and Mr Jameson, who each gave a song. The second part concluded with a v«ry amusing dialogue. "The Bashful Young Man." The different characters were ably taken by Misses Catto, Walker, and Ceirns, and Messrs Scott, Fleming. Gairns, and Catto. The rjxoceeds amounted to over £14, which- 18 very satisfactory considering the low prices charged, and tho number of calls which have been made during ths year. Just a few months ago the committee purchased a splendid fifty guinea piano, to which the public subscribed mc&t liberally. Indaed, in many instances it was a case of the subscriber looking for the collector. The instrument is now practically free of debt. At the close of the concert refreshments and lolli-€6 were handed round, and these were much appreciated by all. A dance followed, and all dispersed about daybreak well pleased with th-sir evening's enjoyment. The- musio was efficiently supplied by Egau Brothers, and Mr Gray acted as M.C.