CONCERT AND DANCE

Southland Times, Issue 17732, 9 August 1917, Page 3

CONCERT AND DANCE

AT HEDDON BUSH. A grand concert and dance was held in the local hall on Friday evening last. The occasion was the annual school concert. The crowd present was undoubtedly a record for a school concert, and it is freely admitted by all that the entertainment was one of the most successful ever held. The first half of the programme was supplied by the school children in a pretty little cantata entitled, “The White Garland.” The stage was tastefully decorated by the teachers and scholars to represent a rural spot suitable for a picnic. Much credit is due to the teacher and Mrs Jackson for their task in preparing the setting, and the children for their parts, while Miss M. Watson deserves mention as an able accompanist to the childrens’ items. Miss Jessie Hubber, as “Queen,” acted her difficult and all-important part very pleasingly. Other children deserving of special mention are Miss M. Forde, "Wear Thy Crown,” and “Naughty Boy”; Wm. Cody, “Tardy Scholar”; Jas. Forde, “Quarrelsome Scholar.” The Cantata was extremely well performed, and it is to be hoped that “The White Garland” will be succeeded by many more. A song prettily sung by Miss Liddell concluded the first part.

The second part of the programme was supplied by Mr Sutherland and party from Invercargill. Mr Wills had to respond to a vigorous encore for his rendering of a cornet solo, ‘‘The Lost Chord,” while Mr Sutherland delighted his audience with his catchy choruses and step-dancing. It would be extremely hard to over-estimate the exceptional abilities of Miss D. McClatchy. This clever little girl fairly captivated her audience with “ Too-too” and “Jungle Moon.” The burlesque and local hits by Mr Lindsay were apparently well appreciated judging by the applause he received. The customary thanks to the performers, the children, and teachers and the singing of the “National Anthem” concluded the interesting entertainment.

Supper was then handed round and the management is to be congratulated on the quality and the abundance of the good things provided. The hall was then prepared for dancing; nearly one hundred people taking part in the first dance. At a suitable ;>eriod during the dancing, opportunity was taken to dispose of a patchwork quilt designed and worked by a local lady. The article was repeatedly sold and at last changed hands at £2 10/-. The quilt realised the handsome sum of £lO 14/-, which is to go with (he school children’s donations towards the fund for children crippled in recent London air raids. Dancing, the music for which was supplied by Mrs Gaz/.ard (piano), ami Egan Bros, (violins), was maintained till well on imo Saturday morning.