Music and Musicians.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXV, Issue XXVI, 29 December 1900, Page 1200

Music and Musicians.

O.d Songs That Live.

(By

Lue Vernon.)

During' these days of popular songs one almost forgets our dear <>l<l ballads which were so popular long years ago. but which even yet, when one recalls them to mind, bring back many memories of the past. Perhaps these memories may be ones of sorrow to many, while to others they may be the scenes of joyous <lays that have faded and passed away never to return again.

'There is not one of the old-fashion-ed ballads that has not played a part in the past lives of the “lad and lassie,” who took those soft moonlight strolls underneath a star-studded sky with nothing but their wedding day in view, twenty-five of thirty years ago. But we seldom hear them now. This great, busy and progressive world is up-to-date in all things nowadays, and the line of song making is no exception.

In place of “In the Evening by the Moonlight” or “Old Uncle Ned,” we now have the great and successful hit of the popular songs of the day, if we believe the title page of the publishers of such musical trash. People nowadays in the mad rush for the golden treasure do not care to hear some one sing “Old Hundred” or “Rock of Ages Cleft for Me.” They want the “latest” song as badly as they want the latest Sunday issue of new journalism. Someone has said that “memory is a tyrant which often forces itself upon us unbidden.”

, In nothing is this more true than in music. How often do the beautiful songs, some of them love ballads, we learned in years long past, come back to us. In memory we love to listen to them once more, if not in reality. There are some readers of this magazine who no doubt have a personal recollection of “Adolphus Morning Glory” and “The Big Sunflower,” two very popular negro songs and dances. * It was the latter song that made Billy Emerson, the minstrel, famous throughout the world. 1 chuckle now as I write this, when 1 think of him.

Then there was “Joseph Orange Blossom,” “Not for Joe, “I Hope I Live Forever,” and “I Ain t Going to Tell.” The chorus of the last-named song was this:

“She was sweeter dan the sweetest. She was neater dan de neatest. You may talk about your fashion. But she really was de belle; But where she lives or what’s her name I ain’t a-going to tell.’’

This old song had a large sale, and every old-time minstrel had it in his budget of songs. But it did not live long, and passed away almost as rapidly as it came; still it blazed the way for other popular songs, which at this late day seem of somewhat principal character. All of the afore-named negro songs, 1 hold, are responsible for the socalled “coon song" of to-day. And I must confess that 1 am disgustingly tired of them. You hear them on every corner, at every theatre, the organ-grinder and even the Chinaman tries to pick it on his unbearable and ear-splitting “fiddle.”

Then we had the “Grecian Bend,” a design thought at the time to be very graceful, having had its origin, it is said, in Brooklyn, and having been the subject of a very popular song in its day—a song explanatory as well as melodious. Here is the first verse. I would give it all—three verses—but it would take up too much space:

•The ladies wanting something new. As women are so prone to do, Wear lofty heels upon their shoes To give them the Grecian bend; With foot so short and heel so high They can t stand plumb if they would try. And so they think to catch the eye By means of a Grecian bend.” It was about this period that the first gymnasts were seen in professional acts outside of the circus. They made their appearance in regular theatres following the introduction of specialties in the “Black Crook.” A song popular in that day was “The Flying 'Trapeze,” the subject of

which was such a performer. 1 give the tirst verse: "Ouee I was happy, but now I’m forlorn, I.ike an old coat lhal is tattered and torn, Left in this wide world to fret and to mourn. Betrayed by a girl in her teens. Tile girl that 1 loved she was handsome; I tried all 1 knew how to please. But it was not one quarter as well as That man on the flying trapeze.” 1 he chorus of this piece was very th scriptive. Then came “Shoo Fly” and “Dem Golden Slippers." They each made a hit. and no comedian of those days was without these two pieces in his song album. And the old sweetheart songs. 1 cannot forget them. They were so pretty, with their liquid and bewitching harmonies and their sweet verses of endearment. “Mollie Darling,” "Nellie Gray,” “Bessie Lee,” “Ella Hee” and “Kittie Wells.” How 1 wish that the minstrel companies would revive them again. In England they are reviving the old sweetheart songs that were popular in the last century, and they are meeting with great favour.

The sweetheart song has been sung since the beginning of the world, and will be heard until the end of time. It is frequently the same thing over again; for although the words may he different the sentiment is generally the same. For instance, who can listen to the old. yet pretty, ballad of "Silver Threads Among the Gold" without thanking in one's heart the auI hor for giving us such a beautiful sweetheart song. Of course, 1 repeat, the old songs are the best, and this is one of the songs of the long ago that causes me to say so. The sweetheart song is the most popular form of song in existence, and although we have heard its sentiment expressed in a thousand ways, we never tire of "Love's Old Sweet Song." It seems to be the only kind of song which appeals to all. for we hear it sung by persons of every age and class. And when one has a song which one terms a favourite it is nearly always a little ballad about a sweetheart.

"Daisy Dean" was a great favourite years ago. because it told in verse and song what many a faint-hearted lover wotdd have whispered in the ear of his own sweetheart, if he had only possessed the courage, and had dared. Youth is generally brightened by the companionship of a little girl or young woman who makes roses appear to bloom among the dreary stubbles of every-day life. It is the indulgence in. the yearning for, or the recollection of, the old songs and faces which gives the old-time love ballads their greatest charm.

More than two-thirds of the successful up-to-date compositions find their inspiration and subject in the prepossessing young woman. Nowadays a satirical or topical song may make a so-called hit, but its sale is never great, and it does not last long. The publie soon tires of such claptrap. The old songs of the long past years will live on and on forever. But the sweetheart song —well, we find great pleasure in buying it, and we are not ashamed to leave it oj>en on the piano. Do you ever tire listening to that old negro song. “Old Black Joe'?" Of course not. You like to hear it: you know you do. It will always be sung as long as there are people on earth. No one will claim that "I’se Gwine Back to Dixie" or “My Dear Savannah Home.” either in poetry or music. suggests a master mind, yet it is quite as absurd to call it silly drivel, or to class it as a weariness and affliction. Such songs are a fair type of our American folk-song. They are found in some very good collections of American poetry, but even if this were not the case, it would not follow that they do not possess a certain charm which is not to be denied. It may be safely contended that in ninety-nine-cases out of every hundred sentiment and association go through life with people, however their musical tastes may have been broadened and cultivated. Because a man has spent a decade in studying out the meaning harmonies of Wagner, it does not follow that he is not

moved by the simple pathos of “Annie Laurie.” Because a woman in a foreign conservatory has learned all there is to know in the sphere of vocalisation it is not true that she will turn with weariness from a favourite humble ballad of her childhood. And in a how much less degree may the technical failings of these simple memories show themselves to the great preponderance of people to whom music is a mere recreation and a sentimental pleasure. The revival of the folk-songs in foreign countries, and the commentaries thereon by distinguished critics. show an awakening everywhere in the melodies of the people. The old songs of the American homes did not have the flavour of foreign antiquity, but they are worthy of honourable place in musical annals. The ballads whieit the middle-aged man of to-day heard in the home of his childhood may l»e the sweeter for tender associations; but is it not true that what was simple and pleasing then has in itself the same attributes now?

There was the “Annie” group, so to speak—“ Annie Laurie,” “Annie of the Yale," "Gentle Annie.” They are not often heard in the cities nowadays, for perhaps the same reason that city folk rarely essay at this time the prison duet from “11 Trovatore.” Take the old song, "My Old Kentucky Home." It recalls the scenes of boyhood days as nothing else can—the far-away farm house, with its commodious hallways, the dark cellar beneath. and its mirth-giving vintage: the spacious pantry, overloaded with good things; the dark garret and its barrel of old “Bourbon; the big front yard with its primitive forestry; the deep, cool well with its time-worn bucket: the weather-beaten barn, sheltering the blue ribbon horses, its big lot adjoining full of cackling fat fowls and the close-by orchard, laden with ripe, juicy apples. Have you ever listened to this grand old song, as rendered by Sousa's band ? If so you will understand why I claim that the old songs are the best. 1 give the chorus: "Weep no more, my lady: oh. weep no more to-day; W.'ll sing one song of the old Kentucky home; For our old Kentucky home far away." The old tunes and songs have been held for years in derision. An invitation to spend the evening singing or playing old tunes has been spurned by many of our up-to-date vocalists. They are dreadful. Who cares for them? Very good for a sleepy crowd of old people, but to think any musical person would condescend to sing one for the pleasure of the thing augurs an ignorance as deplorable as profound, so the young miss said—of the singing society—as she turned with a sniff of her pretty heavenlytending nose, to her "Motets" and “Anthems.” “Vanitas vanitatum," said a lover of the old songs, "they know not what they say.” We will admit that there is much that A novel and striking in the up-to-date songs, but the beauty of the old songs is still there, and just a little spark would set them into popular flame. The dignity of the so-called higher class of music is not compromised by the popularity of the old songs of the people. No musician with a real low for his art and a proper conception of the true musical feeling will fail to recognise what is good and worthy of approbation in the m-’lodies of rural and provincial life. And every musician knows that many of the most famous compositions are borrowed largely from themes that were the simple melodies of the people.

We all know that cherished memories of home and friends are ours with such enduring vividness that the record can never he effaced. But in all reminiscences of days gone by there is nothing that so haunts outlives as the old songs that we were accustomed to in the days of our childhood. The sweet tones of a mother’s voice, as she hummed "Massa's in de Cold, Cold Ground," will live and speak in the heart long after the voice has been hushed to silence. We may cross oceans, and wander ill foreign climes; the erect frame may be

bowed with the weight of years, and raven ringlets may lie changed to locks of snowy whiteness; but the old songs heard in the distance in the still morning, or sung by ourselves in some calm hour of reflection, on a winter's evening, will bring around us the friends and the scenes of other days and far-off lands, and while the dim eye of age sparkles with unwonted brilliancy, the heart will beat with the buoyancy of early youth. Take the “Suwanee River,” a song that has been sung in every part of the inhabited globe, a simple ballad that the greatest vocal artists in the world have lieen proud to sing; can you mention a song that will ever take its place in the hearts of our jieople? 1 do not think you can; and had some old master written it, it would have been held no dearer by the people than it is to-day. But as time rolls by no doubt we shall do better and learn to give the old songs of the long ago the high position they surely deserve. American national life is far better for its songs—its old songs. It is better for the association which the old-time songs awaken. The uegroisms of the “Suwanee River” and “My Old Kentucky Home,” with their beautiful, bewitching and soul-entrancing melodies. will lie in the hearts of the people until the end of time. The world moves on; the masters educate us; the geniuses dazzle us. but regularly the old songs come back and the world seems really brighter and the past a little dearer that we knew them long ago and have not eeased to love them.

Creed of the Well-taught Pupil. 1. 1 believe that the composer kn w what he wanted in the way of rones; therefore I will play exactly what he wrote, so nearly as I can. 2. I believe that the bar is intended to show the place of the strong puLe; therefore I try to place the accent upon the tone written next after the bar. 3. 1 believe good rhythm is at the very foundation of music; therefore I will endeavour to keep an even time, without hurrying or slackening. And if any differences in movement are to be made between the easy and difficult parts of a composition, I believe that as a rule the more difficult parts should go more rapid ,y than the others, inasmuch as they indicate greater intensity, and perhaps b.avoura. 4. 1 believe that music is esse .t a ly a message from the composer or a picture painted in tones; in short that it represents the ideal in tonal forms; and therefore I will try to play it as if I knew w'hat the message was. or as if I had the picture in mind. In other words, will play it with expression. 5. The foundation of playing with expression is to make a piece sing, and when I play I will try to sing with fingers, and help out their singing with discreet use of the pedal. 6. I believe that the pedal may be used at any place in a composition where the effect is improved by so using it. These places will be where there is a tone of melody to be held after the fingers are taken off it (in order to do something else), or where it is desired to improve the resonance of the pianoforte. 7. When I haven’t any reason for using the pedal I will leave it alone, for few- things are more objectional than the absent-jninded lingering upon the pedal which we often hear from badly taught students? 8. Inasmuch as music is a message, cr a picture, from the imaginary world of the ideal, it follows t' at there must be great differences in the quality of pieces of music, according to the nobility and purity of m'nd in composers, and according to the especially noble mood of a great com|x>ser at the moment of writing some choicest work. And it shall be my en-

deavour to know as many ns possible of these pieces of music beat worth knowing; an<l when I know them, to play them with all possible app e iation and in such a way as to induce my liearers to love them and enjoy I'hem. 9. And since musical playing is the Object of niy study, I will esteem all kinds of technical exercises and st idles according to their value in making nc more and more master of the re- ' sources of the instrument, to the end that I may fitly interpret music worth k flowing. 0 0 o*oo Humoresque. When the notorious Judge Jeffreys held the office of Recorder, he once took part in an action brought by a party of musicians who sought to recover payment for certain services which they had rendered at a wedding. One" of the plaintiffs was very much annoyed by the Recorder frequently addressing him with, “I say, fiddler! Here, you fiddler!” Shortly afterwards, when called upon to give evidence, he described himself as a “niusieianer,” upon which Jeffreys asked him what difference there was between a “musicianer” and a “fiddler.” This afforded the witness an opportunity of squaring accounts; sc he informed the counsel that there was as much difference between the two as between a pair of bagpipes and a recorder. For the benefit of the uninitiated, it may be well to mention that a recorder is a kind of flute, now obsolete. Mrs Quart erest: “What is your attitude towards Wagner's art, professor?” Professor Balder: “Hands over my ea rs.” Hostess: “Oh, pray, don’t leave off, Herr llosecranz—that was a lovely Hong you just began.” Eminent Baritone: “Yes matame; but it tit not harmonise viz de chetieral gonferzation; it is in B-vlat, and you and all your vrents are talking in G! I haf a zong in F, and a zong in A flat, but I haf no zong in G. Guest: “Who kept up that terrific pounding on the piano last night?” Host: “It was next door.” Jfwest: “A great annoyance, isn’t it?” Host: “I should say', that it is. I’d like to play on that piano for about air hoib —with a hose.” 'At a musical festival, two ladies temporarily vacated their places during an interval, and on their return foil nd a gentleman occupying one of them. They explained that the seats were theirs, but the gentleman claimed: them as his. “But here are our numbered tickets,” expostulated the lady. “And here is mine,” replied the “man in possession,” producing his. ‘.’But we were here at the ‘Creation,’ ” urged the elder lady. And the gentleman felt he could not continue against such a priority of occupation, so he went away.

As an instance of how little some people know about music, although they claim to be authorities upon the subject, the following amusing little episode.is worth relating: — A certain celebrated , violinist lately ; gave a high-class concert in Adelaide, and among the items on ihe pros ■ gramme appeared Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sdiiata,” which, however, was not played, another totally different selection being sttbsltnted. At the close a gentleman retoarked to a lady: “The music was very tine, was it not?”

“Yes,’’ was the reply, “but I did not care for the execution of the ’Moonlight Sonata.’ It was pretty fair; but I have heard it played better.”

It was not played at all, but she never noticed that. Afterwards onw of the leading performers was asked why he did not play that particular piece, and he said: “I have only just found out that J have been playing the programme advertised for tomorrow night instead of the one for this evening,” and th'e audience never noticed It apparently. Thi# is » fact.

The following lovely story is going the rounds concerning a good old liouufeapuu lady who had attended for some time a church in which the service was intoned. Meeting the vicar in the street one day, she said to him: “Mr Vasture, I hev a little favour to ask of.ye; I've bin a-sayin' my prayers in F now for nigh on five years, and 1 would reely like to say them in E for awhile. I'm gittin so husky in F pow that I can’t jiue in as 1 used to do.”

The celebrated violinist, Paganini, had once to give a concert at the ( arlo Eel ice in Genoa, and lining late, he drove in a cab. On alighting he offered the usual fare to the cabman, who refused it, saying that a great man, who was able to play as well on one string as in four, ought to give him at least double the fare. . . . "Very well,” answered I aganini, 1 will pav von double when you are able to drive'me to the theatre on one wheel.”

A Philadelphian wag is reported to have played the following successful trick upon two of his fellow townsmen—He played his fiddle into a phonograph just about the time Sarasate was in town. Then he jabbered some lingo of bis own into the same machine. and fooled two well known Philadelphia violinists by telling them he had Sarasate into the phonograph. The bad Spanish first commanded their attention, but when Boothe began turning the crank of the instrument so rapidly as to make the scales and arpeggios lie had previously played into it fairly fly, the two violinists were lost in admiration. “Sarasate to a T,’ said one. a “Listen to that run! I would.know; it in a thousand. True Sarasate tech; ’ nic!” . ■: •. s

LESSON IN ARITHMETIC. - Teacher: “If you take three fingers from ten, how many remain?” Hanchen ik dumb. “Ifpw many fingers have you altogether?” “Ten.” . . “And suppose three to be missing—what have you then?” Hanchen (beaming): “No music lessens!” ’ Music and Words. This day I heard- such music that I thought. Hath human speech the power thus to be v wrought Into such melody; pure, sensuous sound— Into, such mellww, murmuring mazes caught. ' Can words (I said), when these keen tones -arebound . , (Silent, except in memory of this hour),— Ciin human words alone usurp the power ■ Of trembling strings that thrill to the ■ very' soul, Arid of this ecstasy storing back the whole? •' ' - 11. ' ' . ‘ \ Ab, no. 'bras answered in my inmost v. heart. Unto itself sufficient is each art, And each doth utter what none other can. — *' Some hidden mood of the large soul of ' mat.Ah. think not thou with words well Interweaved To wake the tones wherein the viol grieved With its most heavy burden; think not thou. Adventurous, to; push.-thy shallop s pr?w Into ; that surge of t ; well-- remembered : tones,— ,•■■....!, /•;> /■ ■ striving to match each wandering wind , that moans, ; r ■ ‘ _ ... Each - belt That /tolls. and every, bugle s- . Mowing ' . ■ > . ■ . ’. ... With some most fitting word, some verse : bestowiiis '■ ./ ' ! . A/never-shifting form on that Which 'passed ' , . "■ Swift as a bird that glimmers down the blast. 111. So still unworded, save in memory mute. Rest thou swyet hour of viol and of lute: Of thoughts that never, never can bo spoken, Too frail for the rough usage of men s words, — _ .. ~ Tfiouphts that still keep theft silence all unbroken ... Till music onoe more stirs them—then like birds That in the night time slumber, they shall wake. While all th<’ leaves of all the forest shake! Oh. hark! I hear it now, that tender strain. Fulfilled with all of sorrow save Its pain. It. W. GILDER.

THE MAMA.

Miss Nance O’Neil, the American *rageilienne, and her strong eom|w<ny, start their Auckland season on Hox•'ig Night. The initial production will be Suderman’s masterpiece, "Magda,” in which Miss O’Neil takes the title role. Mr. McKee Rankin, Mr. Thomas Kingston, and Mr. Harry I’linnuer are among the leading artists taking part in the play, which will run three nighra. On Saturday and Monday “Peg Woffington” will lie staged, and on New Year’s night and the two following evenings the piece will be "Queen Elizabeth.” The fame of the actress and the excellence of the company supporting her. together with the character of the pieces played, makes the season one of the most important in the dramatic annals of Auckland.

On Christmas night the “Messiah” will lie given in the Auckland Choral Hall. There will be a chorus of 100 voices, and Dr. W. E. Thomas will preside at the organ. The principals on the occasion will be Madame Clianibers (soprano). Miss Reeve (contralto), Mr. W. Cousins (tenor), and Rev. Arthur Mitchell (bass).

Mr. Donald Macdonald, the war correspondent, who, by the way, has won fresh fame by his book on Ladysmith, which is said to be. the lies! yet written on the siege, had to take a rest recently, being quite done up. He is booked to appear in Adelaide at Christmas.

Worth’s Circus has been doing good business in the South. It plays in Dunedin during Christmas week.

.The Wellington Amateurs lost £2IG on the production of ■ “The Grand Duke.” For their next production ■theywill ask the public to choose any one of the following six: “lolanthe,” “Ruddigore,” “The Yeomen of the Guard." “Pinafore,” “Rip Van Winkle,” arid’The Grand Duchess.”

•Mr. “Banjo” Patterson concluded his Auckland season, and his New Zealand tour on Friday last. lie has gained fresh laurels, and many of them, during his stay here.

“Australis, or the City of Zero,” has been settled upon as the title of the pantomime extravaganza which Mr J; C. Williamson will produce at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Sydney, on Boxing Night. Mr Williamson has promised something absolutely novel in the way of scenic and mechanical sensations, and “Australis" will afford full opportunity for the art and skill of the painter and mechanist. The extravaganza opens in the Jenolan caves, then follow the centennial celebrations of inauguration of the Commonwealth, while in the second act the players are on the ice-fields on the way to the South Pole. New Zealanders will be interested to learn that some forty inembers of Pollard’s Opera Company have, been engaged by Mr Williamson to take part in the production. Miss Maud Beatty will be the principal boy, and Miss May Beatty the principal "irl. and Messrs W. S. Percy, 11. Quealy and E; Fitts will be included in the. cast. Mr Williamson has engaged, in addition, a number of specialty perfopners, and some of the members of his own company will play prominent parts. The whole production will be under the supervision of Mr Gerald Coventry, who recently arrived from America for the purpose. ROYAL ACTORS. One of the best, if not the best, royal actors of the present day, is the Grand Duke, of Co-nstantin-Gtinstan-tinovitch of Russia, whose recent appeArdnce. in the. Hermitage Theatre at St. Petersburg ip the role of Hamlet has caused the greatest admiration arid has given him a place among the most talented actors of the present day. His imperial highness is not only an actor, but is also a poet and an author of considerable reputation. It. was he who made the beautiful translation of “Hamlet” into the Russian tongue, and is now engaged in translating anotehr of the works of England’s greatest poet. In the British royal family there is more than one member who is clever in the histrionic art, and most people have heard of the talented acting of the Princess Henry of Battenberg, who is also famous for her skill in arranging theatricals and in selecting who shall play the various roles. Her royal highness would have made an exceUeut actress or manager of a

theatre had her lines laid in other places, and ns it is her talents have often given the Queen herself and the other members of the royal family great pleasure.

Another talented royal actress is the Princess Friedrich-Augusta of •Saxony (uee Archduchess of AustriaTuscany), who delights in arranging little playa, to the great de'light of the Klug and Queen of Saxony, ami who is best in comic roles. Once, however. her inqierial highness undertook the part of a servant maid, and in blacking the botos was a little too realistic in her acting for the taste of King Albert, who later begged his lively niece to remember that she was the future Queen of Saxony and that •he would like to see her choose roles more fitted to her station in life. In Wiirttemlx-rg, before the marriage of the Princess Pauline of Wurttemberg and the twin Duchess of Wiirttemberg. little plays were often gotten up by them and were most thoroughly enjoyed by the whole court. The Princess Pauline (now the hereditary Princess Zu Wied), however, who has a passion for horses' was even fonder of taking part in* equestrian fetes than of acting, and almost every year one was arranged in the royal riding school at Stuttgart, when her royal highness would appear in costume and delight every one by her clever performances. Iler cousins, the Dukes Robert and Ulrich of Wiirttemberg, also took part in these entertainments.

The present Empress of Russia, as J rincess Alik of Hesse, was particularly fond of acting, and shared the tastes of her brother, the Grand Duke of Hesse, in regard to acting, music nnd dancing. She was particularly clever in arranging entertainments in which she took part, ad there is a beautiful picture of her with powdered hair, leading a minuet at the residence sellloss at Darmstadt.

Here is a yarn of the happv days when Sullivan ami Gilbert were good w;n ,d y. : i J’ 1 < ea . kin J r of his experiences with Gilbert tn America. Sir Arthur tills us: Gilbert and I arrived at l.jiffalo early one winter morning He went to a hotel, the Tifft House and walked upstairs to our rooms’ We wanted the fires lit, upon which the maul told us, with great dignity and condescension, that ‘the gentleman’—alluding to the coloured servant—would do that for us. He did but before he had finished the maid came up again, and ejaculated, Either of you men got any washing? the gentleman has called ‘for it,’ to which we replied, with delicate irony, ‘When this gentleman has finished lighting the fires he will probably be kind enough to take the washing down to the gentleman who is waiting to take it away,’ and then we subsided.”

There are any amount more, but we must close with this one, which Sir Arthur was very fond of telling: “When I was at Los Angeles a curious thing had just occurred. It seems there was a little bit of land between California and Mexico which, by some accident, had been left out of tha ITiited States survey. The result was that no one quite knew who had jurisdiction, but there was one man' whe was Judge, Sheriff and'Executioner besides being anything else that war. considered requisite for the proper carrying out of the law. One day s' Mexican killed another man. There, was no, doubt about it. He wat brought «p before bur friend of. the multiple offices, who tried him, line- ~ sentenced him to death. Meanwhile there was np likelihood of the man running away, so he was left, perfectly free; and told that his execution would take place within three days of sentence. When the day arrived t he Judge, being his own Sheriff, went to look for him, and, having found him, said, ‘Come, along, Juan Biiptisto! Time's up!’ But Juan was engaged in a very exciting game of euchre, and asked the Judge for permission to finish the game. The Judge, being a bit of a sportsman, acceded, and I nm not sure that he did not take a hand in it himself. As soeH as the game was over Juan declared himself ready, nnd within a few minutes afterwards the Judge pud Sheriff satisfactorily performed his duly as hangman.” It should Im added that. “The Mikado” had been produced some time before this occurrc«>co. *' •-■•••'—?*;— --

Secondary Schools’ Distribution of Prizes.

PRINCE ALBERT COLLEGE. The annual distribution of prises In connection with Prlaco Albert College took place in St James' Hall last Wednesday eveninc. Ths Rev. Dewsbury preMlded, and amongst those on the plat* form were: Mrs Goldie, wife of the Mayor; the Revs. W. Gray Dixon. W. J. Williams, R. Harding (from England), 8. Griffin (Onehunga), and Mr G. Fowlds, M.H.R. An apology was received from Mr D. Goldie, the Mayor, whom an Irnportant City Council meeting prevented from being present. The chairman, in his opening remarks, paid the purpose of the College was to combine with a sound commercial and classical education soundness in the principles of morality, religion, and godliness. They were to-day laying the foundations of the country, which in the course of another hundred years would become a powerful and populous State. But its prosperity depended entirely upon whether they were laying the foun-dation-stones rightly. He fully agreed with the principle laid down by Gladstone, that it was as much the duty of the State to be religious as it was of the individual. What was their great want in their public and private life, in their commerce, their halls of justice, their legislature? Conscience—individual and public conscience. And unless there was instruction in the principles of religion, conscience could have nothing upon which it could operate. So long as Prince Albert College was fulfilling the purpose of Its existence they could wish it all prosperity. (Applause.) The Rev. Gray Dixon also addressed the children, dwelling on the true meaning of education, and the Importance of religious instruction in schools. The headmaster (Mr T. Jackson) read the sixth annual report of the College, which stated inter alia: —“Our numbers have been steadily maintained throughout the year, which, although several boys have left somewhat suddenly to enter suddenly presented commercial openings, we close with a roll-call of nearly 200. I am able to say, taking a general view of the whole year’s work, that on both sides of the College it has been satisfactory. The order, conduct, and tone of the pupils have been, in general, equal to those of any former year. We have been free from epidemics or case of serious illness. . . . This year we sent in one girl. Miss Rhoda Collins, and one boy, A. Lawry, for the junior University scholarship examination; one boy, D. Rosewarne, for the medical preliminary examination; besides seven girls and five boys for matriculation. Three girls, Ruth Utting, Jessie Thorne, and Susan Forrest, passed the junior Civil t -rvice examination last January, taking fair positions among the Auckland candidates. We are sending in next January 2 girls for the senior and 6 boys for the junior Civil Service examination .... Il is pleasing to chronicle the first academic successes of old boys ln fields. A. C. McMaster and D. W. Sibbald have both passed part 1 of J’ he -“ r l t professional examination for the M.B. degree at the University of Edinburgh, and both give promise of a successful career. I hope it will not be imagined, however, that we work for public examinations alone. A considerable number of Prince Albert College boys and girls have entered offices, trades, and tne teaching profession, and the main part of the teaching of the College is given to those who do not compete in examinations '• After detailing past and prospective changes in the teaching staff, the report continued:—"The large schoolroom of each college has been adorned during the last term by the erection of Honours Boards, containing respectively, the names of the first boy and the first girl of the school for each year since Its beginning In 1895. This Is an addition we have long been wishful to possess, and I wish I could thank the generous donor by name, but he prefers to remain anonymous. l!he names on the boards at present are:—Boys: A. Gray, F. Thorne (twice). J. C. Simmonds, and A. Lawry. Girls: M. Bayly, J. Hetherington (twice), and L. Button. The names which are to be added for 1900 are In the prize list. The playground of the Boys* College has been for some time sadly in want of repair, and its surface Is now undergoing, at considerable expense, a thorough reconstruction. It will probably be ready fof use when school reassembles on February 12, Likewise, a large part of the lower grounds of the Girls’ College Is to ba Improved, both In appearance and In Providing fresh available space for the girls’ recreation. I must express my thanks to the Board of Governors for these and similar signs of interest In the welfare of the College; also to my colleagues, and particularly Miss Ratnforth and Mr Stephenson, for their loyal co-operation. In conclusion, I must again, with Cato-llke pemfcrtenee, press our three great needs on the attention of those who have the means of honouring themselves by becoming benefactors of the College. We need, and badly need, first foundation scholarships; second, foundation prizes; and thirdly, a field for cricket and football.”

The prises were then presented to th* successful scholars by Mrs Goldie, sfter wMch Mr G. Fowlds addressed the scholars. expressing hie high appredatlea of the work of the College. The headmaster, on behalf of the boys, preaented a cricket bat

to Mr A. H. Crump, who la leaving the College, aud a phutamwfh of the girl candidate* for matriculation was presented to Miss Halnsfortb by Miss Rhoda Collins, dux of the girls' side, os behalf of the candidates. Selections were played by the school orchestra, under Mr Paque. At the doae of the proceedings votes of thanks were accorded to Mrs Goldie, the speakers of the evening, the orchestra and Mr Paque, and "Dulce Dornum” and the National Anthem were sung by the pupils before dispersing. The following Is the prise list:— BOYB. Lower School.—Writing: W. Klllott. Improvement: C. Virtue, 1; J. B. McFarlane, 2. Dux: S. Brakenrig. Form 11.—English: F. Woifgramm (Ist. A. Lush). Improvement: A. Knight, 1; M. Caughey, 2. Dux: A. Lush. Form lll.—Eugllsh: A. Butler. Improvement: R. Brown, 1; N. Purdy, 2; J. Dadley and C. Brown, honourable mention. Dux (presented by Mr T. W. Jones); E. Wooiby. Form IV.—English: R. Dellow (Ist, M. ’ Hampson). Languages: W. Brooksmlth. Mathematics and science: H. Lawry. Dux: M. Hampson. Form V.—Languages: L. R. Brakenrig. Improvement: E. Chitty. Special Prizes.—Scripture: A. Butler, 1; M. Hampson and A. Lush, honourable mention. Reading: R. Dellow, 1; L. Browne, 2. Writing: W. Dumper, 1; G. Whiteside, 2; E. Brakenrig and C. Burton, honourable mention. Arithmetic: A. Lawry, 1; B. Wooiby, 2; F. Woifgramm, 3. Drawing: W. Ba Udon, 1; L. Rowe, 2; R. Morrison, honourable mention. Shorthand (presented by Mr Colwlll): W. Baildon, 1; T. Hodgson, 2. Gymnastics: W. O'Meara, 1; A. Knight, 2. Mathematical problems (presented by Mr Stephenson): A. Lawry, 1; B. Buddle, 2. Examination prizes: M. Hampson, 1; A. Lush, 2. Dux of school (presented by Mr ('. E. Button): A. Lawry. Sports championship: D. Rosewarne, 1; W. McKinney, 2; R. H. Gilbert, 3. GIRLS. Lower School.—Writing: Vera Shalders (Ist Eleanor Withy). Arithmetic: Dot Wood (Ist Eleanor Withy). Dnx, Standard III.: Hazel Lindsay. Dux, Standard IV.: Eleanor Withy. Form ll.—English: Muriel Smith. Improvement: Nora Buttle. Dux: Madge Buttle. Form IH.—English: Edith Collins (Ist, Winifred Mellsop). Languages: Ruth I’hlllipps. Mathematics: Jessie Brooks. Improvement: Eveline Hale. Dux: Winifred Mellsop. Form IV.—English: Elsie Collins (Ist Flossie Jones). Languages: Marion Laseron. Mathematics: Ruth Utting. Improvement: Agnes Monro. Dux: Flossie Jones. Lower V.—Civil Service work: Margaret Gilmour.

ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE. A large number of ladies and gentlemen interested In the institution visited St. John’s College, Tamaki, on Wednesday afternoon, when the annual distribution of prizes took place. The Rev. G. MacMurray presided and apologised for the absence of the Primate. The chairman referred to the good work of the school, and expressed his belief that both the moral and physical sides of the boys’ characters were being attended to. The speaker made feeling reference to the late Corporal Devereux, an old pupil of the school, and hoped that his example would animate the boys with the spirit of patriotism. Though he was no advocate for militarism, yet he saw the great Importance of military training, and it was to our schools we must look for the training of the officers for our future regiments. He congratulated Mr Smallfleld on the position attained by the school. The headmaster (the Rev. P. S. Smallfleld) then read the annual report, of which the following are extracts:— This is the tenth occasion, since I became headmaster of this school In 1891, on which I have had the pleasure of seeing the parents and friends of the boys assemble together In this hall to witness the distribution of the prizes. This time last year there were 64 boys on the school roll. This term there are 66, of whom 39 have been boarders'. It is encouraging to notice that there has been an Increase In the number, evn If that Increase be only a small one. Our old boys certainly do not forget their old school, and have given us most generous help this year In the carrying out of our athletic sports, and In many other ways. For the first time during the ten years I have been In charge of this school I have to chronicle the death of an old pupil. We were all exceedingly sorry when the news came to Auckland of the death of that gallant young soldier, the late Corporal Devereux, who was lately killed In action In South Africa. He joined this school in February, 1892, at th® age of 12 years, having before that time attended the Mount Hobson district school; and he left school at the end of 1894, at the ago of 15. While a schoolboy he was foremost In all games and sports, and a great favourite with his companions. The deepest sympathy Is felt for his bereaved parents by masters and boys alike. He fell facing the enemy and serving his country, and though we deplore his untimely end, we feel glad that Now Zealand's sons are found willing to stand forth at the call of duty, endure the tolls of a soldier's life, and take the risks of battle for home and Empire. A increment Is on foot among the old boys of this school to plsee a brass tablet in some suitable place at St. John's College In memory of the late Corporal Devereux. Mr Crad-

dock, who left New Zealand about the middle of the year to pay a visit to England. had been captain of our cadet corps for four years. He had brought the cadet corps to a state of efficiency, and the patient and thorough work he did in the school will not be forgotten by his old pupils. His place In the school has been most efficiently filled by Mr Robt. McIlroy, M.A., and the command of ths cadet corps has been taken over by Mr R. M. V. Abbott. Our boys were successful in another firing match held last Saturday morning. Dr. Campbell has presented a handsome vase to be fired tor annually by teams from the various cadet corps In Auckland. The match resulted In St. John’s College team winning the vase with a score of 406 out of a possible 800 points. I wish to express my great indebtedness to the assistant masters for their work during the year, tor their Interest In the boys' sports, and In their welfare generally; for the good example they have consistently set, and for their kind and willing co-operation wtth myself. Mr Lancaster has undertaken the preparation of the candidates for the public examinations, and any credit that they may gain will be due to him. I wish also to thank the visiting masters, Mr R. Leslie Hunt, Professor Carollo, and Herr Dittmer, for their most efficient assistance, and for their Interest in the boys. At the end of last year three pupils of this school, viz., S. Green, E. F. Luks, and W. Wallace, passed the Civil Service junior examination; and three pupils, viz., E. F. Luks, J. W. May. and W. L. H. Morrison, passed the examination for matriculation. Thus about 9.5 per cent, of the number of boys on the school roll passed public examinations at the end of last year. This month we have sent up six pupils for the matriculation examination and one for the medical preliminary examination. In January next we shall send up seven pupils for the Civil Service junior examination. Assisted by the masters I have just concluded an examination of the whole of the school. The results have satisfied me that the boys have made good progress during the year. The results of the public examinations for matriculation and the Civil Service junior examinations, which will be published early next year, will show those Interested in the school whether good work has been done, as I am confident it has, In the fifth form.

The chairman then presented the school prizes, and Mrs G. P. Pierce presented the athletic- prizes, after which afternoon tea was dispensed, and the visitors after Inspecting the buildings and grounds left for town. KING’S COLLEGE. King’s College, Remuera, was en fete on Wednesday when the annual distribution of prizes took place. The guests assembled in the College gymnasium where the reports were read and the prizes distributed. The Rev. W. Beatty presided. The report of the principal (Mr Graham Bruce) stated this was the fifth year of the College’s existence, and there were now 123 boys in the school, of whom 38 were boarders. Captain Major’s departure for South Africa was a great loss to the school, but the place had been capably filled by Mr Wither, and much gratitude was due to that gentleman for his hearty and loyal assistance in a time of difficulty and heavy pressure. Of the other members of the staff, Messrs Strong and Worley, both old Nelson College boys, had joined at the beginning of this year. Mr Stuckey, who had proved himself an energetic and capable teacher, was about to leave, as as to devote his whole time to University work. With the assistance of Mr Wither the principal had examined the lower school, and considered the results of the examination most satisfactory. A marked Improvement had been shown on last year’s work, especially in arithmetic, mental arithmetic, .and writing. Many of the boys showed promise of excellent ability, particularly in the second form. Speaking of the successes at last year’s public examinations, the report said:—ln the senior district scholarship examinations of the Auckland Board of Education, one of the boys came within a few marks of winning a scholarship, and he was offered, and accepted, free tuition at this school for three years. Two boys were sent In for the junior University scholarship examination for a first trial. One of these passed with credit, and the other matriculated on the results of the examination. Both of these boys have just sat for the same examination this year. In the matriculation examination four of the boys were successful; five boys passed the junior Civil Service, and two boys passed the senior Cfvll Service, one of whom gained distinction and obtained the second place in New Zealand. The report then continued:—The teaching of the Holy Scripture has been In the hands of the Rev. F. Smith, who reports very favourably on the work the boys have done during the year. Six of the elder boys were confirmed by the Primate. In shorthand most creditable work has been done. Some of the "boys in Mr OolwiU’s senior class are able to write. at the rate of 80 or 100 words a minute. As regards French and German, the former is taught as a general form subjeet throughout the school, while in the latter there is at present only a small class. Looking at It from a commercial point of view, it would be better to see this state of things reversed, and it would be of much more advantage to New Zealand boys

if German, and not French, were the lan- , guage to which most alter tion was given. The athletic sports gathering was a most successful function this term. Football, cricket, tennis, and swimming kava all been fully up to the standard of previous years. Up to the present the boys have suffered from the lack of a goodsized playground for the proper carrying on of these games, but the new paddock In the lower part of the grounds, which has just been levelled and sown in grass at a cost of about £5OO, is completed, and should be ready for use for the next football season. The report concluded with an expression of thanks to Mrs Bruce, the Rev. W. Beatty, and the members of the staff. Dr. McArthur then read his report on the examination of the school, conducted by himself. The report stated that the work of the whole school had been very good. The mathematics of VI.B and A, and the science of V.A and V.B were specially worthy of commendation. The chairman expressed his pleasure at the two previous reports. He was satisfied that parents would have their sons educated as good and honest upright gentlemen. In addition to being taught how to earn their living boys should be taught how to use money, and how to enjoy it. They should also be taught to defend their country, and for this moral as well as physical courage was required. Addresses were given by several other gentlemen, after which the chairman presented the various prizes. Votes of thanks were accorded by acclamation to the chairman, the staff, and Mrs Bruce. The company then adjourned to the grounds, where a most beautiful sight was to be seen. The grounds were hung with Chinese lanterns and fairy lights, and as the guests strolled about and listened to the music, the effect was most beautiful. The German band played throughout the evening, while a most enjovable concert progfkmme was given, consisting of part songs, by Mr Connell 3 Glee Club, and songs by Miss Annie Taylor and Messrs Charles Kissling and W. Cousins. The musical arrangements were In the hands of Mr Connell. Supper was served in one of the schoolrooms, and everyone left with the conviction that they had thoroughly enjoyed themselves. LADIES’ COLLEGE, REMUERA. A large number of friends visited the Ladies’ College, Remuera, on Thursday afternoon, on the occasion of the annual distribution of prizes. Mrs Moore-Jones, principal, had made lavish arrangements for the accommodation of the guests and a most enjoyable afternoon was spent. Music was supplied by the German Band and by some of the pupils of the College, and afternoon tea was dispensed. The ceremony of “hoisting the flag” was performed by Colonel Dawson, who made a suitable speech. The prizes were presented by the Rev. W. Beatty as follow:— ' . . PRIZE LIST. Medals.—Form L; Flora Scott, gold, highest exam, percentage for year. Form II.: Marjory -Towle, silver and gold. Form III.: Lorna Towle, silver. Flora Scott, Scholarship. Sybil Payton, geography; W. Hume, geography; E. Tylden, Greek literature; K. Smith, French; Hilda Morrin, English history; Elsie Court, Scripture; K. Clark, languages, French, Latin, and German; Elinor Galbraith, general knowledge; Kathleen Shera, general knowledge; Mary Lowe, highest examination marks; Elsie Tylden, French; Hilda Klngswell, history; Sybil Payton, English; Elsie Court, Latin; Lena Cleave, drawMig; Elinor Galbraith, Scripture (verbatim); Olive Witheford, Latin; Ruth Galbraith, Scripture; Mavis Clark, highest examination marks; Dorothy Cheeseman, English; Annie Ralph, spelling; Una Headdy, Scripture; Katie Ralph, French; Flora Scott, mathematics; Katie Ralph,.arithmetic; Olive Witheford, mathematics; W. Smallfield, English and science; Gladys Wigmore, history; Hilda Morrin. botany; K. Hume, literature; Daisy Galbraith, French; Lily Browning, arithmetic; Rose Stevens, music; Lily Brown- ' ing, English; Lily Headdy, conversational French; Mary Towle, highest yearly marks; Marjory Towle, highest yearly marks; M. Lovett, drawing; Dorothy Nolan, conversational French (given by Madame Albegianne); K. Hume, music (given by Miss Tilly); M. Lovett, general Improvement; Lorna Towle, highest yearly marks; Dolly Peach, Scripture; Dorothy Morton, highest yearly marks; Elsie Tylden, general knowledge; Dolly Peach, algebra; Dorothy Holin, highest examination marks, Form V.; Bessie Williams, general Improvement; Ntdlte : Richardson, highest yearly marks,- Form IV. B; V. Walsh, English and literature; . Hilda Tucker, steady work; Doris Warn- . er, writing; V. Walsh, Science; Bertha Cleave, Arithmetic; Lily Tanner, general Improvement. HARLE GILES’ COMMERCIAL COtleGe. 7 .7 Mr T. Harle Giles’ College, closed a subcessful year on Tuesday. During the past year Mr Giles has personally supervised the commercial side of the College, while the classical and mathematical side tee been under Mr Hugh McLeod, 8.A., wka . succeeded Dr. McArthur In this department at the beginning of the year.