SCHOOL CONCERT AT TE AWAMUTU.

Waipa Post, Volume II, Issue 57, 31 October 1911, Page 3

SCHOOL CONCERT AT TE AWAMUTU.

The seating accommodation at the Te Awamutu Town Hall was heavily taxed on Friday evening on the occasion of the concert given by the children of the State School. The weather, which was most wintry, at the early part of the day, gradually cleared towards evening, but the occasional showers which fell doubtless prevented many from being present. Yet in spite of this, many had to stand at the back of the hall. Mr H. Y. Collins (chairman of the School Committee) in a few wellchosen words, explained that the object of the entertainment was to provide funds for the levelling of the school ground. The Board of Education, realising the necessity for better accommodation, had erected very substantial additions to the school. The com- - ' mittee were now desirous of providing better playgrounds for the children. To do this would necessitate an expenditure of approximately £SO, of which amount the Board of Education would subsidise £ for£. He was pleased to see so very many present, and felt sure that the object the Board had in view would ■ materially benefit as a result. The thanks of all were due to Mr Wood, Misses Mitchell, Jones and Mcintosh, who had trained the children. The programme opened with a floral march by a party of girls, which on completion met with hearty applause. A recitation by Miss Ivy Worthington, " Miss Millington's Girls," and a recitation by a party of boys, " Poor Mr Brian," followed, and each in turn were greatly appreciated. Eleven boy soldiers in a soldiers' march received prolonged applause, and were accorded a well-deserved encore. Immediately following these little fellows came ten little girls in the role of mothers, who, on conclusion of their pretty lullaby chorus, were loudly applauded. Hoop drill by sixteen of the older girls was decidedly pretty. A recitation, "Mr Baldhead," byMaster W. Groves, and a butterfly chorus by thirteen girls, were much appreciated. Eight cadets, under Staff-Sergeant-Major Hatt, went through a series of rifle drill exercises. Their regularity was 4 evidence of most careful training. They were warmly applauded between each exercise, and had to give a second performance before the audience was satisfied. Eight little girls as cherubs, sang very prettily, and failed to satisfy the audience with but one appearance. A chorus "Topsy Turvy," by a party of twelve, and a coon song by ten boys " Every Nation has its Flag but the Coon" were well received, the latter being encored. Eleven of the smaller boys clothed to correspond their chorus h Rags and Tatters," had to reappear before the audience was satisfied. The closing item was decidedly pretty, and was greatly appreciated by the audience. On -.. this occasion a party of girls attired in Japanese costumes sang a selection from "Alladin." A most enjoyable dance to which a large number remained, brought a most successful evening to a close. The teachers are deserving of the greatest praise for the manner in which the children were trained, as the programme • was, by common consent, of a ■"' very creditable nature.