Board School Concert at Conisborough

The children attending the Board school, Conisborough, give a concert on Tuesday night in the Board schools, the object being the formation of a form for purchasing prizes for the children for regular attendance.

There was a very large attendance, every seat in the capacious schoolroom been occupied, or many others were obliged to stand stop the proceedings throughout past off very successfully, and everyone present enjoyed the musical feast provided for them, as was shown by the frequent applause which was accorded to each of the performers.

The room was tastefully and pleasingly decorated for the occasion by the teachers of the schools, with evergreens and laurels, while in the windows various plants were placed with advantage.

Doctor Hills, of Conisborough (chairman of the School Board) occupied the chair and in opening the proceedings said:

Ladies and Gentlemen

My duty as your tenants night is a pleasant and an easy one, for it simply consists in bidding you all a hearty welcome to our school children’s entertainment, and thank you for having so cordially responded to an invitation by coming here in such large numbers to be present at, what I hope may prove to be, a happy and successful gathering.

Many of you are no doubt aware that the proceeds of the concert will be devoted to the purchase of prizes, which would be presented to those children whose attendance at the school during the year has been the most satisfactory. I need scarcely remind you, in how larger measure the success of the school the dependent upon the punctual and regular attendance of your children.

We have at all times be most anxious to secure the services of the most efficient masters and mistresses which we could select; masters and mistresses, who not only are capable and willing to work, but whose heart and soul is in their work also. But all their endeavours to do their duty to your children are unavailing unless they are sent to school punctually and regularly, and according to the stringent requirements of the Education Act. This is abundantly proved by the results of the present year’s examination, which, owing to a better attendance, as I am pleased to tell you, been more satisfactory than upon any previous occasion.

Perhaps I may not be thought altogether out of place if I venture to say, on behalf of my fellow members of the school Board that our one soul aim in the management of the school is to secure for every child that is brought within these walls, such an education and training as may befit them to become a credit and comfort to their parents and enable them to become useful and honourable members of society hereafter. If we can only achieve this happy result, we shall feel that we are faithfully discharge the grave responsibilities which we have accepted, and conscientiously fulfil the conditions of the solemn trust which you have reposed in us when did have the honour of electing us as members of the Conisborough School Board.

I do not propose to trespass upon your time making any further introductory remarks. The program is long and the time is short, judging from its attractive contents. I think you all will find me right in proposing that you have a treat in store of no ordinary character, and that what you are about to hear and enable you all to spend a happy and enjoyable evening.

The first piece on the programme was the chorus, “Hail brothers,” which is very nicely well and deservedly applauded, they keeping time very well indeed.

A recent recitation was then given in capital style by Miss E Smith, entitled “The well of Saint Keyne.”

A duet, “Hunting Tower,” was creditably rendered by Master Arthur Wilson and Miss Annie Bell.

A chorus, with whistling accompaniment by the schoolboys, entitled “The whistling farmers boy,” was very nicely given by the children, and was received with loud applause.

An action song, “The clock,” was also capitally done by the infants, who kept good time in their movements.

The song, “I won’t be a nun,” was very prettily rendered by Miss M Trout.

A recitation was well given by Master Wilfred Hagger.

“The wishing cap,” was allotted to Miss Gertrude Handley.

Another action song by the infants was received with applause.

The chorus, “Ringing cheerily,” was nicely rendered by the children

The second part of the programme consisted of a cantata, “The white garland,” the following taking characters:

“The Queen,” Annie Worrall; the punctual scholar, Gertrude Handley; persevering scholar Maud Richardson; generous scholar, Annie Bell; little girl, Lily Warren; the tardy scholar, Joe Handley; quarrelsome scholar Frank Oxley; selfish scholar: W Linton Dixon; and a chorus of scholars. Each did their part exceedingly well, reflecting great credit on the schoolmaster, Mr Snipe to whom great praise is due for the excellent manner in which everything passed off.

Mr Snipe also acted as conductor, and Mrs Knight presided at the piano. A word of praise is due to Miss Parkinson (who had the entire charge of the infants) for the careful training of the children, and to Miss A Worrell for her leading of the action of the infants. Miss Dyer also most materially assisted Mr Snipe in his arrangement of the programme.

Mr Storey moved a vote of thanks to the chairman, to which Doctor Hills responded. He spoke of the pleasure it gave him at being present, and hoped Mr Snipe would give them another such a treat next year. (Applause)