GERALDINE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18598, 20 June 1930, Page 7

GERALDINE.

SCHOOL CONCERT, The annual concert of the Geraldine District High School never fails to draw capacity houses, and from all points of view, last night’s performance in the Town Hall must go down in the records as one of the most successful yet. Tuneful melodies and graceful dances were provided in many of the numbers, and opportunity was taken in many instances to provide laughter to a readily-applauding audience. A wealth of colour was introduced into many of the scenes, 'md the costuming spoke volumes for those responsible. The audience bestowed applause in no uncertain manner. The curtain rose to “The Toys Come Alive,” a play in two acts by the infants. The young performers carried out their parts as fairies, goliwogs, tin soldiers, bears and dolls with that charming naturalness that belongs only to children of “make-believe” &6e. Two group songs, “England” and “The Sandman” were tunefully sung, by senior pupils of the primary division. Another infant number —and its popularity was evident—was carried out by the tinf tots. The voices of the children were heard in “Madame Butterfly” while a little tot dressed in green (Joyce Waters), performed a dainty butterfly dance which was made additionally attractive by coloured lighting effects. The recitation “Miss Nan Knock About.” an action story about a little girl who “would, not wash her face” and the result, comnleted the number. “Gems from Christopher Robin” (A. A. Milne), a medley of dance and song, proved a bright, item. T'he action songs included “Fishing.” “t Tim®';” “Cherrystones,” which were humorously dramatised by a second group of children. Last, but not least on the first half was “Painting the Clouds With Sunshine,” the most spectacular number in the concert. There was a magnificent setting, and an attractive dance neatly executed by a ballet of six enhanced a most enjoyable number.

The opening item of the second portion of the programme was “Familiar Tunes in New Settings” provided by the middle division of the primary. Such numbers as “Clementine,” “John Peel,” “Old Folks at Home,” and more modern numbers such as “The Toymaker’s Dream,” provided the basis of a delightful juvenile item which was especially entertaining because of its originality. A very effective diversion was “The Hoop Dance,” executed by eight dainty little girls from the primary division. A humorous burlesque concerning a drill squad evoked much laughter. A country dance by the secondary girls was another appreciated item in which eight took part. Dressed in the old smocks and country dresses, with rush hats and green bonnets, they carried out in a dainty manner the traditional steps of the national dance of the old English peasantry. “Ten Little Nigger Boys,” in which the secondary pupils performed, caused a good deal of laughter. The secondary girls appeared in '“The Hat Shop,” a dramatised song, as milliners and clients of Miss Louise. A popular item was the jazz band in which the secondary boys took part under the conductorship of one of their number, a good deal of humour being , provided by various weird costumes. The rousing strains of a Welsh anthem,

“Men of Harlech,” were produced by all manner of instruments, and the second number, “Moonlight and Roses” met with approbation. “The Dance of the Dolls” by the secondary pupils next charmed the audience. “The Murray Moon,” performed by the secondary students, was another colourful number in which ballet and song were prominent. The finale was a chorus by the massed pupils of the secondary school, including the popular jazz band. The staging and accompanying throughout left little to be desired.

TO the headmaster (Mr A. F. Barrell), and his staff, all of whom took an active part in the preparation work, goes the credit for -the outstanding success of the performance. Owing to the heavy sale of tickets, it was found necessary this year to hold the concert on two nights, and it will be repeated this evening. HOCKEY. In the Geraldine Hockey Sub-Asso-ciation’s competitions yesterday, Union defeated Southern by seven goals to two. For Southern, Callanan (4), McShane (2) and Turner netted, while goals for Union were made by Meecham and Morrison. The ladies’ eleven travelled to Temuka, where they were successful in defeating the home side by two goals to one, Miss R. Austin scoring twice for Geraldine and Miss Hannifin for Temuka. BASKETBALL. Yeserday the Geraldine A and B basketball teams journeyed to Pleasant Point, where they both met defeat. The A team were beaten to the tune of ten to four, while the B’s went down 6-2. PAINTING COMPETITIONS. The following successes were gained by students of the Whare Kia Ora in a competition held in May in Wellington:—Class C—Colleen McKenzie 1; Class B—Marjory Willis 1; Class A James Stringer 2, Desmond Budd h.c. At the New Plymouth Show held this month Joy Sherratt was Ist for handwork (infants); Phoebe Askin 2nd for drawing, Standard IV. VICTORIA LODGE. At the fortnightly meeting of Victoria Lodge, Bro. P. Russell presided over a good attendance. Nine brethren were reported on the sick funds. Accounts amounting to £45 were passed for payment. Two members were proposed and initiated. GENERAL NEWS. The Geraldine Hockey Club have booked July 17 for a dance. Frosty conditions have been experienced in Geraldine during the past day or so, and beautiful weather was enjoyed yesterday afternoon for the half-holiday.