MATAWHERO CONCERT.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 987, 5 September 1903, Page 3

MATAWHERO CONCERT.

A SUCCESSFUL AFFAIR. Thursday overling saw fche Matawhoro schoolroom crowded to overflowing, when a concert in aid of the school funds was given. The seating accommodation was taxed to the utmost, thore being over 250 porsons present. A capital programme had been arranged for the occasion, and judging by the encores demanded and the rapturous applause with which the items were receivod, the concert must have been heartily enjoyed by those present. The proceedings were opened with a pianoforte solo by . Mrs Muir, who played the selection in a finished manner. To an inspiriting tuno by Miss Stephenson the cadets of the school marched in, keeping splondid time, and looking resplendent in their new uniforms of blue and khaki. Under Mr Marshall’s (headmaster) direction the boys went through physical and manual exercises, with a precision of movement which earned for them and the master hoarty rounds of applause. As the., lads made their exit, a goodly number tpf girls mado their entry to perform Jitie next item—club N drill. The manner in which the itorn was performed met with rapturous plaudits from the audience. The girls, in a costume of- white blouse with blue ribbons and black skirt, and with the clubs ever swinging, presented a very pretty picture indeed, and it was no wonder the item Was so much appreciated. -The vocal items were next presented, Miss giving such a sweet rendering of Auntie " that she had to respond to an undouiable encore, singing “ Zuider Zee.” In the recitation, Not .in the Programme,” Mr J. Von Pern showed his abilities as a reciter, the item meeting with much approval. Mr W. C. Parker, who is the possessor of a splendid voico, showed to advantage in his singing of “ Please Mr Conductor,” and on an encore being demanded he gavo “ Mothorlaud ” with good effect. The song given by Mr S. Bolton was rendered in good style, receiving hearty applause. Tho girls came on again to present the wand drill, and, as in their former exhibition, they sooted a great success. In the following item, extension oxercises by the boys and girls combined, the movements were executed with splendid time, the marchiDg and extension boing exceedingly well done. In fact the drill items were the best that have been presented for many a long day in any of the school concerts held throughout the district, and reflected the greatest credit upon the master (Mr Marshall), who must have exercised great patience and perseverance in bringing the children to the pitch of perfection in the items as presented by them. A recitation given by Mr VV. Roland, 11 The Dutchman’s Lament,” followed the drill, and being a humorous piece an encore was demanded, but Mr Roland could not be persuaded to do more than bow his acknowledgments. The pianoforte duet, “ Frozen Nest,” by the two little Miss Howarths, was performed with such finesse that- they had perforce tc repeat tho item. Mr Ellerbeck gave a splendid interpretation of “Island ol Dreams,” the song meeting with heartj applause. In her singing of “ Dublin Bay,” Mrs McCoomb was heard to advantage) being warmly applauded. As showing that the audience had a decided inclination for the comic, Mr Parker, in his rendering of “The Whistling Coon,” brought down the house, and responding to ropoated calls he gave “ What ho she bumps,” which aroused great enthusiasm. A number of gramophone selections were given by Mr C. Neild, and wore much enjoyed, As a finale to the concert, a one-aet comedy, “Miss Burton’s Troubles,” was presented, in which the performers scored a great success, the indi vidual parts being well sustained. Miss Carson took tho part of Miss Burton, Mr J. Doylo the irrepressible pageboy, Mr L. East, the drunken coachman ; Miss N. Markie, cook; Miss W. Wallace, house- | maid ; Mr Ellerbeck, gentloman friend ; and Miss V. Davey and E. Wallace, servants. Tho comedy was received in a very appreciative manuor, hearty applause bo-, iu,» evoked. Tho accompaniments for the concert were played by Mrs Muir, who gave every satisfaction, On behalf of the Committee, Mr Nasmith expressed thanks to those who had assisted in any way to make tho concert such a success. Adanco followed the concert, the music being provided by Mrs Muir and Miss Ivirk. Refroshmonts were handed round during the evening, and wore much appreciated. Dancing was continued to an early hour, wbon all wended their way homo thoroughly satisfied with the evening s eniovmont. The Committee, Messrs Nasmith Hay, Brocklebank, Bartram, and O’Donnell, are to bo congratulated on the success of the concert, and j should feel highly gratified at the successful outcome of their efforts.