MARLBOROUGH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXII, Issue I, 2 January 1904, Page 44

MARLBOROUGH.

Dear Bee, December 22. Once more our hopes of seeing things settled in regard to the Flaxbourne Estate, and the commencement of the railway down South are relegated to the bright future, when the needs of the West Coast are supplied, and there remains a little money in the Government coffers to help Marlborough and Marlborough people. Oui- patience—unlike. the jiroverbial mercy —is strained resentful at last.. The Judge and Commissioners and. > Council, and all their following have come and gone leaving us just as we were before ever thehy visited our shores, to raise our expectations high, and then to do nothing after all. Concerts, to celebrate the end of the year’s work, were given by Mrs Lucas’ and Air Cheek's pupils in Blenheim and I’ieton this week. The teachers of the Blenheim Borough School presented the headmaster, Air D. A. Sturroek, with a handsome clock as an acknowledgment of his instructions in drawing. The excursion from Seddon and Blenheim on Thursday last was well patronised, and, accompanied by the Garrison Band, a large party spent an enjoyable day in Queen Charlotte Sound. The distribution of prizes at the Alarlborough High School was a distinct success. Several of the visitors made congratulatory on the advance of education in the district, and the number of pupils attending the school. Hyland’s Circus had its meed of support’ although so many other functions during the week, in which the public were interested drew large numbers who would otherwise have attended the ever-fresh circus. In Pieton no one need complain of dullness —the circus, two concerts, and the animal distribution of prizes in connection with the Alisses Alien’s Collegiate School. The function this year ”was held in the Public Hall, and quite a large and fashionable audience attended, all of whom were charmed and delighted with the proficiency of the pupils. The Aiayoress (Airs Redman). who was presented by one of the youngest pupils with a handsome shower bouquet of white flowers, and carnations, presented the prizes, after the principal, Aliss E. Al. Allen, ALA., had made a speech in regard to the year's work, and the exceedingly pleasant year with beginners, those studying for Civil Service exams., and also her teachers’ classes. After that the youngest children in the school went through quite a long programme, which elicited praise and admiration both for the pupils and teacher, Aliss Belle Allen, who had instructed them so carefully and efficiently. The following is the programme: -Song, “The Old Black Cat,” pupils; “The Sleeping Camp,” solo by Alex. AlcNab, the rest, joining in the chorus; “Indian Club Drill,” Bebe Stuart, Doris Thompson, Charles Taylor, and Albert Skerten; recitation, Strategy,” Constance Thompson; song. “Polywog,” Constance Thompson, Alay Braddock, Daisy Burlase, and Edith Kenny; “dumbbell drill,” Bebe Stuart, Katherine Braddock, Doris Thompson, Constance Thompson, Alay Braddock, and Daisy Burlase. This item was so beautifully performed that a repetition was asked for, and when the little ones were rested the request was complied with. Piano solo, Alarion Stuart; recitation, “The Loss of the Birkenhead,” Katherine Braddock; song, “The Cats' Concert,” with bones and tambourine accompaniment; song, “The Dolls,” Daisy Burlase, Constance Thompson, Alay Braddock, and Edith Kenny; recitation, “The Fairy King,” Alay Braddock; “The Hen Convention,” adapted to local wants, by all the young pupils, and the play, “Alice in Wonderland,” which the audience declared was the best play ever performed on the Picton stage. Miss Allen wore her academical robes; Aliss Belle Allen, black skirt and white bodice with laee yoke; Airs Allen, who was assisting her daughters, was in black relieved with white; Miss Nora Allen, black skirt and pink blouse; Mrs Redman wore a handsome white

silk gown with lace coatee; Mrs Wolff, white Hilkj Mm Riddell, pink. Others present were: Mrs and the Misses Chaytor (2); Mr Henry Chaytor; Mm Scott; Dr. Redman; Mr and Mrs John Duncan who had hired n steamer to be present at the function, and whose presence added not a little to the enjoyment of it; Mr and Mrs Stow; Mieses Harris (2); Misses Greensill (2), Miss Western, Misses Speed (2), Misses Greensill (Waikawa) (3); Mr and Mrs Stuart; Airs Thompson; Miss Pasley (Nelson); Mr and Mrs Taylor; Miss Card; Mrs Skerten; and Mr ■ — Skerten; Mrs and the Misses Fuller (2); Mrs and Alisa Miles; Misses Macalister (3); Mrs Macshane (Blenheim); Miss Card; Mrs Esson; Misses Smith; Aliss Williams: Mrs and the Misses Nash (3); Mr and Airs Le Coeq; Airs and the Misses Lloyd (2), Misses Cragg (4), Aliss AlcCormiek; Air and Airs Swanwick; Airs Howard; Messrs. Robertson, Smith, AleIntosh (2), AleCormick, Jeffries, William etc. The older pupils assisted the Alisses Allen in preparing the stage as a supper-room, and very toon the guests were enjoying one of Pieton’s perfect suppers. Afterwards dancing amused everybody till twelve o’clock, when “Sir Roger de Coverley” was joyfully danced, and all joined hands in “Auld Lang Syne,” and three cheers for the Misses Alien. The piano and “bones” played by the Alisses Nora and Belle Allen, made capital dance music. The Alisses Allen gave afternoon tea on the tennis grounds on Saturday, and a good long afternoon was spent in practising for the tug-of-war on Christmas Day.

MIRANDA.