THE "FLOWER QUEEN" CANTATA.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3965, 23 June 1887, Page 3

THE "FLOWER QUEEN" CANTATA.

Notwithstanding the disagreeabloness of the weather on' Monday evening last, a large audience wero not deterred from attending the Oddfellow's Hall at Waimate to hear the rendition of the cantata entitled the "Flower Queen,', or the Coronation of the Rose," by the scholars attending the District school. At the outset a word of praise can be bestowed on those whose handiwork was perceptible m tho appropriate display of ferns and other natural material, which bedecked tho stage and the interior parts of the hall. Considering the difficulties with which the promoters of the cantata had to contend, it would bo injudicious to criticise minutely the failings observable m several of tho parts during tho evening. The public must make allowances on such occasions, more particularly when intricate work falls upon the younger members of the fraternity. However, it must be said that many of the solos and duets were nicely rendered, and voices were heard which should m the near future be of a prominent character. From the commencement of the undertaking, Mr Mason has worked m a manner which speaks volumes m his favour, and the Bhort period m which he had to school his pupib is clearly exhibitive of his musical ability, and it must have been gratifying to him to see that his efforts met with the appreciation of tho audience who attended on Monday night. Miss Grant, too, can be congratulated for tho skill and ability displayed m the adorning garments worn by the personifications of the various flowers, and the making of the crown being entrusted to this lady was a guarantee for its perfect production. The orchestra was composed of Mr Mason (violin) — who also conducted tho musical arrangements. The flute being m the able hands of Mr D. Hoare left nothing further to be desired, and Miss Hunt, as pianoforte accompanist, deserves special mention for the able manipulation of the work entrusted to her. Regarding the introduction of the cantata it may be mentioned that the poetry is composed by Mibs Francis Jane Crosby, and tho music by Mr George F. Root. The flowers are supposed to meet m a secluded dell m the forest to choose their qneen. A person discontented with the world seeks m the same place retirement from its cares and disappointments. The flowers tell of love and duty ; and the recluse, learning that, to fill well the station allotted by Providence, is to be happy, resolves again to return to usefulness and contentment among his fellow creatures. The personifications were undertaken by Miss Nelly Manchester, Rose ; Mies Grace Hunt, Sunflower ; Miss N. Harrison, Crocus ; Miss Nelly Watts, Dahlia ; Miss Franklin, Holiotrope and Hollyhock ; Miss F. Foweraker, Lilly and Japonica ; Mis 3E. Sherwin, Violet ; Miss L. Colley, Mignonette ; Mis 3L. Opie, Tulip ;Mr John Neilson, Recluse. The lion's share of the work fell to Misses Manchester, Foweraker, Franklin, and Colley, their respective efforts being very successful. Miss Franklin's rendering of "Softly dear friends" at a short notice was also worthy of note. Mr Neilson, as Recluse, has been heard to greater advantage than m the part allotted to him m the cantata. A very interesting item was introduced by abcmt thirty of the younger scholars singing "We come from the hill-side." This chorus was so ably rendered as to demand a deafening encore, and m response a repetition was given. The coronation of the Queen (Miss Manchester) was done m an admirable manner, and after the conclusion of the cantata the audience (as at the commencement), rose en masse, and joined m singing the National Anthem, this bringing the successful and interesting proceedings to a close. It would be unfair if Mr Grant, Head Master of the school, was omitted, as it was he, we understand, who suggested the " getting up " of tho cantata, and it must have been gratifying to him to witness tho success of tho arduous undertaking. The fund for which the money is required, viz., the establishment of a library m connection with the District School, will have been considerably increased by the entertainment given by tho young folks.