RUATORIA NEWS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18900, 30 December 1935, Page 14

RUATORIA NEWS

•SCHOOL CONCERT & BALL (Herald Correspondent.) Something unique .in the way of entertainment was held in the Gaiety Theatre. Ruatoria, last week by tlie Ruatoria school children -a fancy dress concert and ball. There was a large and appreciative audience, ebielly as the result of the advertisement given by a previous successful concert given by the same children. The programme opened with a grand march, followed by the crowning of the Queen, little Tassy Borlaee, who, with her King. Paki Harrison, made a regal pair. Old Gaffer (Bill Bullard), after crowning Her Majesty, made a speech recalling many humorous happenings to local folk and causing much merriment. He then presented each item to Her Majesty, many nations coming to pay homage. First there was Merry England. with the Maypole and May Song, a gay scene by the senior boys and girls. Then came the Japanese, a group of junior girls, looking sweet in kimonas and flowers, who danced their fan dance very .prettily Then came the Italians in song and dance, after which followed a diversion iu the form of “Aunt Tabitha” (Reithu Mullooly), a fussy old lady of long ago, with a group of little girls in Early Victorian frocks, all sitting knitting under “Aunt’s” eagle eye, while' Elil'ubeth Mettan came in also clad in a pretty frock of the period and recited, “Aunt Tabitha.” This little girl, who is only seven years of age, shows great talent.

Joan McKinnon delighted the audience with her Highland t ling. She was escorted by a motley collection of pipers, who kept rip a weird drone, their antics being very amusing. Another funny item was that of the junior band, a group of small children with trumpets, hells and drums of all descriptions and a piano, with little Riria Morrell as conductor. Last hut not least came the New Zealanders in Maori action songs, pois and hakas. Miss Haig and Aliases Nirc and Roa Tuhoe led the action songs.

The second half took the form of a garden scene, into which the various items were woven. The curtain rose to the singing of “Rendezvous” and displayed a very pretty scene, four shepherdesses (Iris Smythe, Doreen Hickey, Shirley Orniuudseii and June Hogan)

standing on their pedestals with their shepherds (Bill Bullard, Fred Rawson, Norman Ward and Alary Alclvinnon) kneeling before them, the gay costumes of green, blue, rose and gold satin making the whole scene one to be long remembered by Ruatoria residents. On the stage was also a bed of gay sunflowers who were wakened to liie by the fairies. Then the statues came to life and delighted the audience with their dancing of a gavotte, after which they returned to their pedestals. This was undoubtedly the gem of the evening. “Sweet and Low” was sung by children off stage, who were disturbed by two very realistic black cats whose antics were really good. At tlie conclusion the children in fancy costumes danced the lancers, military' two-step and log cabin, after which (he adults took (he floor until midnight. A tasty supper was served by the ladies. The dance music was supplied by the Gold Star orchestra. Much credit is due to Mr. and Airs. ATeffan. the headmaster and his wife, who have been in Ruatoria only a short time but have done so much for the happiness and pleasure of (he parents and children. SCHOOL GARDEN PARTY

A large crowd of Ruatoria residents attended the Calf Club and pet show and garden party given by the pupils o! th« Ruatoria School. The proceedings were made more interesting by the assistance of Mr. H. Kershaw, who, after judging the various sections, gave an interesting talk to the children on “Kindness to Animals,” and illustrated results with his own sheep (log Jazz. Constable Burch created much interest by his demonstration of the cleverness of Alsatian dogs trained in police work. The year’s handwork was displayed in the cookery room, and showed what could ho done with waste materials. After being conducted by child guides through tho gardens, which were a blaze of color, tho guests were entertained at afternoon tea in the infant room, this concluded a very enjoyable altornoon. Tho results of the judging were Best calf: Michael Sullivan, 1; May Hnuraki, 2- Pnru Ilauraki, 3. The second and third entries were specially praised for leading and handling.