Chefoo, 28th November.
The ud Mission Schools, An Express issued on Wednesday announcing that owing to a case of mousles there will be no public prize-giving at the IM. Boys' School" caused keen disappointment, not only to the teachers and scholars of the schools but to many of the community who have learned to look forward to the school functions with considerable anticipation. However in spite of forced alteration of original arrangements an opportunity was afforded for enjoying some of the items.
A fair number of parents and friends spent a very pleasant afternoon on Wednesday at the Preparatory School. Musical drill in the dining room at 2.30 was the first item. It was a pretty sight, and the precision with which the little ones went through their exercises did great credit. to heir teacher, Miss Begg, who accompanied, them on the. At the entertainment. m Miss Nora Fishe, the much appreciated kindergarten teacher, presided at the piano, and the results of her careful patient training were seen in the singing and recitations of the small children. The extract from "Alice's Dream" was very prettily recited in dialogue form and the clear pronunciation of some of the girls was worthy of remark. The boys did better in their song "The Oak and the Union Jack" and one or woof the little fellows sang out right bravely. The girls' pianoforte solos were very creditable, considering the short time they had been learning (less than one year).
Amongst the prizes, which were chiefly books, were two beautiful dolls gained by Sarah Cornwell and Mary Sears, which were greatly admired. Whilst partaking of afternoon tea visitors had an opportunity for inspecting an exhibition of the children's work which included some neat and. pretty specimens of brush work, paper folding, basket work, clay modelling, etc. Some specimens of writing by children 7 yeas of age were much admired.
'At the girls' school on Thursday afternoon adeeply interested though rather small andience spent a most delightful three hours. The highest credit is due not only to the young performers but to the staff of teachers for the high standard of quality, not only aimed at but reached in every department work. No idea of the afternoon's performance can be gained by the modest. programme, and. it is difficult to detail much Tess criticise the various'items, The graceful movements of the girls with their "Indian clubs" and "barbells" at the calisthenic exhibition were much admired, also the precision with which they went through their maze" and other complicnted movements in drill. Mist M. Baller led the performance with a small but powerful organ, The concert was held in the bij school room, the platform beautified with flowers and palms. Dr. H. Parry, of Chengtu, modestly but very efficiently performed the duties of chairman, A few words of fervent thanksgiving to God for His goodness and favour shown to the school during the year were offered by the Rev. F. Baller, then as Miss Norris took her sent at one of the pianos the audience settled down for a musical treat, in which no one war disappointed. To the strains of a lively marching tune, the girls stepped down from their raised seats nnd filed down to their assigned positions. The "song" was really a series of songs, oe air merged into another as the upper and lower schools changed and exchanged positions, sometimes singing collectively and sometimes separately, "Night," "Pitter Pat," "Re-Jjoice" ud then the pretty action son; twinkle Little Star," which was given with great success on Foundation Day. The performances of Jessie Cassels and Edith Coulthard in the " piano solo" were much admired. The song ''Flopsey" by the Tower school was an exceedingly pretty little song story, and its pathos must have touched many hearts, 'The "piano wartette" was played by eight girls and V. Adamson, D. Clarke, A. Bostick, L. Parry, E. Cranston. and Clarke, and it was a brilliant' performance. During the prize-giving the intense excitement and eager manner of the girls showed that the names of the winners had been kept secret; each recipient w: greeted with hearty applause. The hi coveted conduct prize waa gained by Lily Parry, and it must have been a proud moment for the chairman when he had the pleasure of handing it to his daughter. After a. ver} lig nage address to the pupils by Dr. Parry, came whut was undoubtedly the piece of the day, musical rendering of the 121st Psxlm.' A strong impression prevails that the benutifal arrangement is Miss Norris's own opportunity is not given fora much larger composition. It will bea great pity if an
audience to judge of its merits as a composition and to enjoy theexquisitely sympathetic rendering. The passage Ho will neither slumber," arranged as a duet, was delightfully sung by the clear young voices, and a pretty effect was the singing of "The Lord is thy keeper upon thy right hand" by the four youngest children of the school. We cannot do justice to Miss Norris's musical talent. he China Inland Mission is fortunate in having such a lady on its teaching staff, and the residents of Chefoo are fortunate in having the privilege of occasionally listening to Miss Nortis's performances. Specimens of drawing, painting, needlework, ete, were on view in one of the class toms and were carefully and admiringly inspect: d by the visitors, after tea had been serv.d in the dining room. Much sympathy is felt for the masters and pupils of the Boys' School in their disappuintment. We understand that the prizes were given informally in the school library. Everyone is rejoicing in the beautiful weather, for the many groups of children now travelling to their homes etc.; very:
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.