THE “FLOWER QUEEN” CANTATA.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 4420, 23 June 1887, Page 4

THE “FLOWER QUEEN” CANTATA.

Notwithstanding the disagreeableness of the weather on Monday evening last, a large audience were jnot deterred from attending the Oddfellow’s Hall at Waimate to hear the rendition of the cantata entitled the “ Flower Queen,* or the Ooronation of the Rose,” by the scholars attending the District school. At the outset a word of praise can be bestowed on those whose handiwork was perceptible in the appropriate display of ferns and other natural material, which bedecked the stage and the interior parts of the hall. Considering the difficulties with which the promoters of the cantata had to contend, it would be injudicious to criticise minutely the failings observable in several of the parts during the evening. The public must make allowances on such occasions, more particularly when intricate work falls upon the younger members of the fraternity. However, it must be said that many of the solos and duets were nicely rendered, and voices were heard which should in the near future be of a prominent character. From.the commencement of the undertaking, Mr Mason has worked in a manner which speaks volumes in his favour, and the short period in which he had to sohopl his pupils is clearly exhibitive of his musical ability, and it must hare been gratifying to him to see that his efforts met with the appreciation of the audience who attended on Monday night. Miss Grant, too, can be congratulated for the skill and ability displayed in the adorning garments worn by the personifications of ihe various flowers, and the making of the ;rown being entrusted to this lady was a guarantee for its perfect production. The orchestra was composed of Mr Mason {violin)—-who also conducted the musical arrangements. The flute being in the able hands of 'Mr D. Hoare left nothing further to be desired, and Miss Hunt, as pianoforte accompanist, deserves special mention for the able manipulation of the .work entrusted to her. Regarding the, introduction of the cantata it may be mentioned that the poetry is composed by Miss Francis Jane Crosby, and the music by Mr George F. Root. The flowers are supposed to meet in a secluded dell in the forest to choose their qneen. A person discontented with the world seeks in the same place retirement from its cares and disappointments. The flowers tell of love and duty ; and the recluse, learning that, to fill well the station allotted by Providence, is to be happy, resolves again to return to usefulness and contentment among his fellow creatures. The personifications were undertaken by Miss Nelly Manchester, Rose.; Miss Grace Hunt, Sunflower ; Miss N. Harrison, Crocus ; Miss Nelly Watts, Dahlia ; Miss Franklin, Heliotrope and Hollyhock ; Miss F. Foweraker, Lilly and Japonica ; Miss B. Sherwin, Violet ; Miss L. Colley, Mignonette; Miss L. Opie, Tulip; Mr John Neilson, Recluse. The lion’s share of the work fell to Misses Manchester, Foweraker, Franklin, and Colley, their respective efforts being very successful. Miss Franklin’s rendering of “Softly dear friends” at a short notice was also worthy of note. Mr Neilson, as Recluse, has been heard to greater advantage than in the part allotted to him in the cantata. A very interesting item was Introduced by about thirty of the younger scholars singing “We come from the hill-side.” This chorus was so ably rendered as to demand a deafening enpore, and in response a repetition was given. The ooronation of the Queen (Miss Manchester) was done|in an admirable manner, and after the conclusion of the cantata the audience (as at the commencement), rose en masse,, and. joined in singing the National Anthem, this bringing the successful and interesting proceedings to a close.

It would be unfair if Mr Grant, Head Master of the school, was omitted, as it was he, we understand, who'suggested the “ getting up ” of the cantata, and it must have been gratifying to him to witness the success of the arduous undertaking. The fund for which the money is required, viz. y the establishment of a library in connection with the District School, will have been considerably increased by the entertainment given by the young folia.