BLENHEIM.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVI, Issue I, 5 January 1901, Page 38

BLENHEIM.

Dear Bee, December 24. There seems to be little to tell you of except the concerts that formed the conclusion to the instruction given to their pupils by Mrs Lucas and Mr Cheek before their dispersal for the holidays. Mr Cheek’s took place on Monday evening in the Presbyterian schoolroom, and tlie crowded state of the hall indicated the interest taken in the performers, and the pleasure anticipated. The instruments used were organ, violin, piano, flute aud clarionet, which shows Mr Cheek's versatility as a teacher, for all the pupils acquitted themselves remark* ably well. To the regret of those who prefer vocal to instrumental music, there was only one song, “The Raft,” which was snug by Mr C. Powell very creditably. Mrs Lueas’ breaking up entertainment took place in the same ball on Wednesday evening, and as programmes were provided the items and the performers were more readily distinguished. Miss Hammond, who has, a powerful voice, which further instruction will develop and improve, sang "Beauty Sleep” and afterwards joined in the duet “Slowly and Softly Music Should Flow” with Miss Bessie Smith, the latter also, in spite of nervousness, singing “An Evening Lullaby” pleasingly. The beautiful trio “Ti .Prego” was sung by . the Misses ■Jessica Horne and Brewer.and Mrl7. ■ Griffith. Mrs Lueas sang “The Love Tide,” and with Miss Brewer a duet. The Misses Violet and Mabel Mclntosh, Belle Griffiths, Pritchard and Mary Lucas played piano solos and duets with precision and facility. A quartette, sung .by the Misses Hammond and Brewer arid Messrs Griffiths and L. Bartlett, and a solo and chorus, . “Poor Wandering Due,” in which Miss Jessica Horne look the solo, were also on the programme. Miss McLaurin’s school broke up on Tuesday afternoon at her house in Maxwell Road, and matting and seats were placed under the trees for the parents and friends invited to witness the prize giving. The children were grouped on the verandah, which was draped with flags and deeorated with foliage and flowers, and the smaller girls, crowned with wreaths of flowers and accompanied by Miss McLaurin on the piano, sang some pretty action songs. The elder girls and boys gave an exhibition of Indian club swinging, directed by Miss Mabin.' Immediately afterwards the prizes were distributed by Archdeacon Grace to the pupils, but there were.still.left two .mysterious parcels, which were found to be an exceedingly pretty vase given by the children io Miss McLaurin, and a pretty workbasket lined with green satin and furbished with silver thimble. a pair of scissors in a case, for Miss Mabin, who, to the regret of all, has resigned her position in the school in view of her approaching marriage. Afternoon tea and a delicious variety of cakes were handed round, the. children waiting on their elders most attentively. The Garrison Band concert held in Ewart’s Hall last night was successful in every way. The selections by the band were meet tastefully played, Mr Curry conducting, and the solo and quartette “When I Can Head My Title Clear,” Miss E. Rose taking the srdo, and tsete and charus “Nearer, My God, to Uwe,” Mr J. Base taking Medb<

I»rt. were partk-o’arly enjoyed. Mrs Hak-h, of CbevKrt, who is spending Christmas with her mother, Mrs Simson, sang "The Holy City" charmingly, Mr J. Rose “St. Agnes’ Eve” with expression and taste, and Mr B. A. Moore “Consider the Lilies.”

Mrs Grace lias gone to spend Christmas in Nelson with her mother. Mrs Colt. - .

Miss Beatrice Horton, who has born in the North Island for a considerable time, is visiting- her home here once more, and her old friends are pleased to have an opportunity of seeing lier again. Miss Mabin left tor Nelson last Friday. 1 must elose this now. wishing you a pleasant Christmas and a prosjterous New Year. FKII'A.