NIAGARA.

Southland Times, Issue 19482, 9 December 1904, Page 4

NIAGARA.

On the 2nd hist, a highly-successful toncert and ball was held in the schoolroom at Niagara in aid of the school funds. The evening was perfect, and there was a largo muster of old and young from far and near; in fact, it is quite eyident that the schoolroom is too small to accommodate the numbers that now gather at our social entertainments, and if the sawmilling and other industries prove to be permanent it will be absolutely necessary ere long to erect a suitable hall for these meetings. At 8 o'clock Mr J. Shirley took the chair, and the concert was opened with a musical overture on the piano by Miss Shirley (Niagara), assisted by two of her brothers, and Messrs Pofl and List wilth their violins. One of chief attractions of the evening waa a splendid graphophone kindly lent by the owner, Mr Weir, of Haldane, and after each item of the programme a song or piece of instrumental music was given from this instrument. Among the performers were Misses M. Shirley and L.. Ferguson, Messrs Shirley Q5), Wybrow, West, and List. Miss Ada Shirley (Fortrose) g'ave one or two pianoforte selections,

and young Mr McKcchnie lent a littlo variety to the programme by, danuiug the Highland fling. I will hero note that during an interval in the subsequent ball the Chairman, Mr Shirley, delighted tho audience with the hornpipe dance, which is now so seldom seen. All the songs were accompanied by Miss Shirley (Niagara), on a p)iano lent for the evening by the chairman. H will Vo seen that there was no lack of niusit for the ball which followed. The two Misses Shirley, with some assistance from 'Mr Weir, supplied the pianoforte accompaniments, and at least half-a-dozen gentlemen, but chiefly Mr Shirley, of Fortrose, assisted with their violins. Mr Wybrow, and afterwards Mr J. Crosbie, of Waikawa, acted in turn as M's.C. Refreshments supplied by Messrs D. Kingsland and Sons, of Invercargill, were served twice during the evening, and were much appreciated by all. Towards tho close of the concert hearty votes of thanks Were carried by acclamation to the performers on the motion of Mr BrooKs, and to the chairman on the motion of Mr J. Robsoiv. lam glad to bo able to add that a handsome surplus was realised, which will be spent on prizes for the schoolchildren. t