Central School Entertainment.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 11392, 6 December 1898, Page 2

Central School Entertainment.

Brigtit, haopy looking children, daintily clad in dresses of different colours, singing songs and tuneful choruses, and performing physical and drilling evolutions, interspersed with several items by adultssuch was the entertainment given by the Central School pupils in the Theatre Royal on Monday night, an entertainment which was witnessed by one of the largest audiences seen in the theatre for some time, and which was carried out on a pleasing scale Additional interest was lent to the proceedings by the presence of His Excellency Lord Ranf urly and Lady Ranfurly, attended by Captain Alexander, who remained throughout the performance. The first part of the programme consisted of exercises, dumbell and manual, drilling, and choruses, all of which, if, perhaps, a trifle prolongpd, were performed very creditably. 1 Particulaily good was the Japanese fan drill. , A large number of girls, appropriately dressed, were prettily arranged on the stage and executed a number of exercise?, at the same timo manipulating their fans very gracefully, the attractiveness ot the scene being enhanced by colored light effects. Another pleasiag number was the "Laughing Chorus," which the audience showed an inclination to have repeated. The Swedish drill, exercises by the cadets, imitation song by infants were also pretty features of the entertainment, the first part of which was brought to a close by a "Sweet Good Night" chorus, and'was loudly applauded. The curtain rose again on a tableau of all nations, and a decidedly effective scene was produced. Thg solo was well sung by Miss M. Collis. Mr Garry's orchestra contributed two selections "Paul Jones" and "Lustzpiel", the latter being an exceptionally pleasing number, prettily arranged and admirably played. Mr J. Blyth recited in capable style, the recitation " Shamus O'Brien," and Mr W. Perry, though not in his usual good voice, sang "Wrecked and Saved" well, narrowly escaping an encore. Mrs McGill was loudly applauded for a violin solo, and eight members of the Banjo, Mandolin, and Guitar Club contributed an acceptable item, " Hoses Red and White " Two exercises — wand and clvb — were performed by a number of members of the Gymnasium' Club with pleasing results. The entertainment concluded shortly after 10 o'clock. A word oi praise is due to Mr Dempsey and the teaching staff for the manner in which the arrange* merits were carried out, and for the trouble, and time which must have been taken in training the children.

/ ALL NATIONS' FAIR* There wsVa good attendance on Friday nigtit, and brisk business was done ; a quantity 'of goods, however, still remain over, which ' the promoters desire to dispose of privately. The large refreshment stall, which was artistically arranged and crowded with a great array of dainties,, was in charge of Mrs W. Moon, assisted by Misses Tunbridge, Hammond, Abbot, Williamson, and Moon (2). The fair attendants were kept very busy, and were able to hand in £11 d 3 the nett result of their efforts. .The confectionery stall was superintended by Mrs McGonagle, whohad for her helpers Misses I. Moon and'McGonagle {2). No. 1 Stall was attended by Mesdames O'lphert, Tunbridge, and Hooker ; No. 2, by Mesdames Jenkinson, Busby, aqd Brokenshire ; No. 3, by Mrs S. Bundle, Miss Bassett, and Mrs R. Pepperell ; No, 4 by Mrs (ikrnhoefer and; Miss Johnson. The Shell Cave was an charge' i)f Miss bundle and several 'fait ies; "and the Fairy Well was worked by Misses Lulu . Tunbridge, Ward (2), Putr,' arid ' Hilda Bullot. The following were in national costume : — Britannia, Miss Marshall ; England, Misse3 E. Bellringer and Weller; Scotland, Misses Ivy Jury and McGonagle; Wales, Mis 1 ? Nodder ; India, Misses Nichol, Jury, and Ivy McGonagle; America, Misses Bellringer, Hooker, and Li. McGonagle ; Africa, Miss Olpherfe ; Spain, Misses Oliver, M. Moon, and Sorensen ; Russia, MiBS Johnson ; Italy, Miss Davy ; Switzerland, Miss I. Moon ; Palestine, Miss Kenyon ; China, MissesTunbridge and Moon ; Japan,' Misses Minnie Moon, Tunbridge, H. Builot, and Rundle, and Mr €attley. A promenade concert took place in the evening, when items were contributed by Misses Loveridge, Nichol, Madder, Tunbridge, Bullot, and Marshall. The piano was kindlylent by Messrs Collier & Co.