Balfour.

Southland Times, Issue 12768, 29 November 1893, Page 2

Balfour.

(from our own correspondent.) In spite of the entertainment last Friday evening our friends of Riversdale had by the swamp side, our school committee must have been highly delighted at the great gathering which gave patronage to their concert and dance. It is not the first time the Riversdalians have forgotten to treat their neighbours with that “ charity which maketh rich,” but the Balfour folk can well afford to be generous. They envy not their standing army, nor their bogus greatness, nor their largely developed bump of self esteem, it being about the only bump they can boast of having. Our school concert was the largest gathering ever held here, as the school was crowded to excess. Mr W. Cowie, chairman of the committee, presided, and managed fairly well. Miss Williams (Dunedin) and Miss Thomas (Lumsden) acted as accompanists to a long programme. Miss Acheson (Riverton) sang two songs which were much appreciated, and Mrs H. Crow’s rendering of “Afton Water” was a charm of itself. Mr Coats was in good form, so were Mr Gorkin and Mr White, their vocalisation being first-class albeit their material was somewhat heavy. Mr Barron is becoming quite a favourite on the boards here, and although he seems somewhat nervous, he has a taking way, and in Irish songs he can be classed Al. Mr and Mrs J. S. Thomson have been friends on many occasions to our school, and when Mr Thomson was asked to give assistance in filling the programme he readily complied, and of course, to see and hear him in comic songs leaves only one impression—that he is a master of the art. The school children took a large part in the programme, and for the manner in which they acquitted themselves, Mr Learmonth is getting praise from all hands. Their singing was first class in time and enunciation ; their rendering of “ Over the snow ” and “ The Fire Brigade ” being capital, so also was the recitation “Peace among the Nations.” Mr Crow and Mr Reidie acquitted themselves well in step dancing. After the concert, refreshments of which there were loads, freely given by the parents of the children, were served. The dance was held in the school—Messrs White and McKenzie being violinists, and Misses McKenzie, Acchieson and Thomas taking turns at the piano. Songs were sung by Miss McKenzie and Mr W. Groves. The best part of the pleasure, as Mr Gerkin said has yet to come : when the children get their prizes and gifts purchased by the proceeds. Our public hall is nearing completion, and I hear it is to be opened with a grand concert and ball on the night of the Caledonian games. Shearing is now in order at the Company’s shed. The farmers are busy with turnipsowing, and 1 really believe that sowing in drills as my father used to do is getting more and more the method every year. 25th Nov.