DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 December 1923, Page 8

DISTRICT NEWS.

KAIMIRO. (From Our Own ’Correspondent.) Without doubt the most successful and pretty entertainment ever held in Kaimiro took place in the hall on Friday, December 24, when the annual school concert and prize-giving ceremony took place. It was indeed a happy thought of Mrs. Gibson, our head teacher, when she chose the lovely operetta, “Little Snow ’White,” for the children’s item. The story is well known among school children; consequently they entered into the play whole-heart-edly. Mrs. Gibson was very fortunate in securing the services of Mr. Roy Ayling as stage manager. Mr. Ayling has had considerable experience in this work, especially among children, and the way in which he converted a mere platform into a modern stage, with drop curtain, footlights, side wings and the usual stage drapings was certainly a surprise

i to many. The difficult part of “Little Snow • White’’ was splendidly borne by a bon-, I nie little girl of ten summers (Ida ■ ' Wells). The way in which she sang and j acted, and her beautiful appearance, soon won the hearts of the audience, and she was heartily applauded right through the piece. The wicked “Queen of Poppyland” was another fine performance, Margaret Baxter ably taking the part. The queen was beautifully gowned in cream satin, with train bearers; her singing and acting were greatly admired. The charming “Prince of Arcadee” (Alan Baxter), with his gorgeous prince’s costume, and his manly appearance and good acting, were also I well received. In the disguised costume as a huntsman he was equally splendid. “Podgio” (Alf. Gilbert) caused hearty I laughter. He has an attractive stage I manner, speaks perfectly, sings well, and altogether was a splendid character. The ten dwarfs, dressed in green tunics, red tights, green hats, and white beards, and moustache, each carrying spades or picks and lighted lanterns, caused uproarious laughter whenever they appeared. The dance of the queen’s maidens was perhaps the most beautiful item, they dancing the minuet, in old Victorian costumes, most gracefully. The little fairies and elves were, at the supposed death of Snow White, extremely pretty, the tiny children as elves beckoning the fairies, who danced around her daintily and lightly. The chief Baron (Percy I Mundt) carried out his duties in a firstclass manner, while Princess Niobe, the | prince’s sister (M. Mundt) was equally good. The ballet dance by the queen's maidens was perhaps the most popular item, earning a well deserved encore. I Their dresses of pink were greatly adI mired. The Barons, in their costumes I of brown and green, were also admired. The four little train-bearers of the queen carried the train carefully and did just what was right. It would be difficult to give every detail, as they de- ! serve, but by saying the whole play from start to finish was brisk, pretty, and well done would perhaps cover any detail I may have forgotten. The whole thing reflects great credit upon Mr. Ayling and the teaching staff, Mrs. Gibson, Miss Gibson and Miss Baxter. The prologue was well spoken by the tiniest boy in the school (Jack Irvine), and, although a little nervous. ’ every word could be heard distinctly. J The Kaimiro orchestra, consisting of ’ Mrs. Paterson (piano), Mr. Gilbert (cor-

net), Mr. Len. Egarr (piccolo) played the overture. To the following ladies the school committee tender their grateful thanks for their valuable assistance in so many ways: Mesdames Irvine, Mundt, Gilbert, Baxter, Buckley and 'Gush, and also the gentlemen who assisted Mr. Ayling in fitting out the stage. At the conclusion of the concert, each child was presented with a prize. Several prizes were presented for good attendance and sewing. Those children making full attendance were: Jean Gibson, Evelyn Wellington, Keitha Paterson, Percy Mundt, Alan Baxter, and Allan Paterson, Len Gilbert coming next for missing only one day. The sewing prizes were presented to Carrie Wellington, first in senior room, and Mabel Ashman, second; Irene Buckley first in junior room and Keitha Paterson. The hall was well filled with a very appreciative audience, and the committee’s funds will benefit considerably.