EARLY HISTORY CARNIVAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6487, 16 May 1899, Page 4

EARLY HISTORY CARNIVAL.

The Earjy History Carnival in aid of the funds of the schools connected with St Mary's Catholic Church, was opened at the. Opera House; List evening. The ''..weather cleared up about 5 p.m., and the '„ attendance /was very large. The Mayor of : Ghristchurch, .who was supported by the Rev < Father Ma'rnane and the Very Rev Father i; Le Meriant des Chesnais, and the Reception Committee,' declared, the carnival open, and referred to the good object for which it ' had been organised. Around the room a number of tastefully arranged stalls had been erected for the sale of a large variety of fancy work and useful articles which had been provided by the ladies, and during the evening very good business was done. Professor Borzoni had provided an entertainment of unusual excellence, including a spectacular drama entitled "A Maoriland Allegory," which depicted by scenes, tableaux arid dances the transfori mation of [the colony; from its barbaric state to civilisation. The stage pictures [ and dances, more especially the Maori haka, were exceedingly well devised, and Signor • Borzoni is to be congratulated upon the manner in which he has drilled the juvenile performers into their respective parts. The effect of the spectacular pictures was much enhanced by. the stage being surrounded > with mirrors upon which views of the river ' Avon had been artistically painted. A . number of graceful dances were given by a company numbering about one hundred and ' fifty. Excellent music was- provided by an orchestra under the: leadership of Mr H. ; Rossiter, and the lighting arrangements of .Messrs Morrison and Bradford, with the decorations of the .H" i, left little to be de- • sired. V . '1 be open again this : ; evei >