Entertainment at Matawhero.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 438, 8 April 1890, Page 3

Entertainment at Matawhero.

The Matawhero Schoolhouse was not large enough for the big attendance on Thursday evening, when an entertainment was given in aid of the school library. So great was the crush that many could not get in and had to content themselves with trying to get a peep through the open windows. Of those who did get in many had to stand up, including some of the ladies present. That the latter was the case, indeed, did not seem to occur to some of • the males who were accommodated with seats, and their want of manners was such as has fortunately not often to be complained of. An impromptu stage had been erected at one corner of the room, and was a very convenient structure. A spirited pianoforte duet was played as an overture by Mrs and Miss Wright, and then the school children, very prettily dressed, Bang the glee " See our Oars,” tha excellent manner in which it was sung being very creditable to whoever had the task of training the children. The only adult who took part in the vocal portion of the entertainment was Mr Harris, who attempted to sing " In happy moments,” but some mischievous person at the back made an inteiruption which disconcerted the singer, who was thus not so successful as he might otherwise have been. Tbe pretty action song, " Here we stand," was given by the younger school children, who created a very pleasing impression. Miss Annie Smith played a pianoforte selection, but tbe noise at the back prevented a good hearing. The pretty Birell sisters, Maggie and Bessie, could nut fail to charm any person with taste by their clear, sweet voices and correct singing of some simple Scotch airs, the first being "’Within a mile of Edinboro’ town,” and later on tbe ever pleasing song, " Doming thro' the Bye." The little girls were enthusiastically applauded, and encores had to be given in each case. Miss Tarr recited tbe “ Three black crows,” with telling f fleet. The leading portion of the programme was of course representations from Shakespeare, the first act ot" The Merchant ot Venice,” tha characters being : Duke, B. Greene; Shylook, H. Smith ; Portis, L. Greene; Antonio, J. Ricbaidson ; Bassanio, K. Johnstone; Gratiano, B. Arthur; Salerio, H. Caldwell; Neriesa, N. Sargent; Clerk, V 7. McCulloch, Careful attention had been paid to the costumes, and it was evident, from tbe way each part was taken, that the masterpiece which it was sought to represent had been assiduously studied and tbe meaning grasped by the performers. Of course it would be absurd to expect that the representation would be any way near perfection, but all circumstances being considered it was really well done. Shylock was the weakest part, but the weakness was such that it was to be desired: Master Smith’s honest, open countenance, disguised though it was by a f owing beard, would no more suit him for the part of the villainous skinflint Shylock than the latter would be suited tor a saint. The other parts were taken very well. There was no great dramatic effect, but the articulation was clear and distinct, and many of the passages were finely rendered. Mr Harris is to be complimented on the euccess which has attended hie endeavor to instil the pliable mind of youth with a taste for the works of onr greatest writers. The Shakespearian representation was followed by tbe old gem, "Where are you going to, my pretty maid!” which was sung, in character, by a cheery little pair, Patience Wall and Willie Harris. And they did it so well that there was an attempt to recall them for a third appearance. Beckham Arthur gave the amusing recitation, “ Vat you please,” in a very comical style, causing continuous laughter, and of course be bad to make a reappearance. The school children gave another company song, “ Swinging,” and the national anthem was then song. Among those who attended the entertainment were many from town, and also residents on all parts of the plain.