Dominican Convent, Invercargill.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 17, 24 April 1902, Page 20

Dominican Convent, Invercargill.

The pupils of the Dominican Convent, Invercargill (says the Southland Times, Apiil 19). have gained an enviable reputation for the novelty and excellence of their entertainments, and the invitation to spend an evening in the clouds w ith them was gladly accepted last night, when the theatre was packed in every part. The expectant audience was not disappointed, and the young ladies of the convent, with their patient tutorp, are to be congratulated on the most charming concert which they have yet presented The title was aptly chosen, and no other phrase could convey a better impression of the dainty picture made in the fairy operetta. The little sprites of the air were charmirjgly robed in gauzy muslins covered with flashing spangles, and with bright wands and waving ribands they flitted to and fro in the changing lights, chanting soft choiuses ana making a picture of kaleidoscopic beauty. There was an endless variety of picturesque groupings and posing*, and when the little revellers vaoished on the rays of the rising sun, a delighted audience applauded again and again. The idea was unique, and it was carnea out so artistically and so smoothly that it deserves nothing but the highest praise. The grand military march by sixteen pupils i f St. Joseph's School was another pretty item. The movements were neatly executed and the martial performers were accorded rounds of applause. Miss Dunsmuir, a mezzo-soprano from St. Dominion Priory. Dunedin, made her first appearance here and pleased so well that she was encored for each of her songs. She showed a very promising voice of some richness, and her expression and manner were not the least of her qualifications. Miss Jessie McLeod and Miss Lora Godby contributed recitations surprisingly well. Both enunciated clearly and controlled their voices well. Miss Hebe Marshall also recited ' The Pride of Battery B ' very prettily indeed for to young a child, and she thoroughly deserved the applause bestowed upon her. Miss N. Ford has also a pleasant voice in the middle register, and her two songs were well rendered and heartily received. A piano duet by Misses Rodie, C. Sheehan, N. Shepherd, and A. Collins was capit illy played, and the introduced dance by 12 little maids in white was very effective. The whole programme was er joy able and creditable to all concerned, and Miss May Wilson deserves special mention for her teaching of the march and dances. A capable orchestra under Mr. W. Ferguson lent valuable assistance and contributed largely to the pleasure of the evening. At the close two oil paintings were drawn for, each person present having a chance of securing a prize. The winning numbers were announced by the Mayor and were : For the painting of Milford Sound, Miss Stone, Gladstone ; and for ' By Falling Water,' Mr. Peace, Clilton.