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March 15, 1902.] Whole College, 910 boys examined 841 boys or 92 per cent. passed.
On the whole, this is the best examination within my memory for many years. There is a manifest improvement in the non-Chinese sec- tions. The excellence of the English Com. position in the Chinese Classes IA-IVC inclusive was, in my opinion, the chief feature of the Examination. English Grammar and History were abjects specially good in all classes. The results at the Oxford Local Examinations held at this centre were most encouraging, the number of certificates obtained last July by boys of this College being far in excess of pr vigns successes for many years, there being 4 Junior, and 9 Preliminaey.
Two years ago, the Honourable the Colonial Secretary, in his address at the prize-distribu- | tion in this ball, expressed a hope that a gymnasium might be provided for the use of our boys. The matter has been under the consideration of the Government and plans were submitted some months ago by the Hon- ourable the Director of Public Works. The
issue is awaited with interest.
The playground accommodation originally intended for 700 boys is naturally barely suffi- cient for 1,000. It has been suggested that a triangular piece of waste ground to the south-west of the College might be given for this purpose by the Government, The cost of levelling and enclosing the College might be given for this purpose by the Government. The cost of levelling and enclosing would not appear to be a very serious consideration. It might, however, be more advantageons to erect the gymnasium on this site, instead of encroaching on the lower playground.
THE CHINA ASSOCIATION
MEETING AT SHANGHAI,
CHINA OVERLAND TRADE REPORT.
and it seems certain that importers generally are not convinced that the prospective com- pensation is worth the certain increase in the duty.
MR. A. G❘ WARD'S SUBSCRIP-
L
24
TION CONCERT.
14
Mr.
The first of the two subscription concerts arranged by Mr A. G. Ward was given on the 11th inst. in S. Andrew's Hall, and was attended with the success which the promoter deserved. There was a large audience present (notwith standing the rival attraction. A Trip to China- town, at the Theatre) and they showed com- plete apppreciation of the excellent programm put before them and were rightly liberal in their bestowal of applause. Part I was to Folo songs and instrumental devoted music; Part II to the charming song-cycle entitled' The Daisy Chain." The concert was suitably opened with a pianoforte du by Messrs. Galluzzi and Ward, their selec. ion being a Waltz by Scharwenka; this was rendered in the misterly style which was to be expected from these artist Following upon this came a song by Mr Gen. P. Lammert, "Bid me to love," with violin obligato by Mrs. Ough. The number was well suited to Mr. Lammert's robust tenor voice and won the singer hearty plaudits, as the rendition of the obligato did the instrumentalist. Lammert, though a trifle hoarse, put great Mrs. Ough receive.i feeling into his singing. a grand reception for all her contributions: from her instrument the tone she drew Was excellent!
In the allegretto and allegro and molto
from Greig's viruce passages
Mrs. "Sonata for Violin and Pianoforte Ongh and Mr. Ward performed excellently together. Later on in the evening, Mrs. solos Ough gare two
Elgar's Salut d'Amour and Geens's "Scherzo "both of The N-C Daily News of the 4th inst. says:-
which brought out markedly her executional she gave The special meeting of the China Association ability and artistic skill: as un encore held yesterday at the Shanghai Club “to discuss a Madrigal" by Seminetti. Mrs. Badeley the reported proposal of a 15 per cent. dnty on sang sweetly and tastefully two songs, imports and the abolition of lekin" was well at- the Pedlar" and "Ecstacy" (Beach) and for a tended, Mr. J. L. Scott being in the chair. The recall Snowflakes (Cowan). In "Pleurez! first resolution: That this meeting deprecates Mes Yeux." & fine air from Massanet's well- any agreement being entered into with the known opera Le Cid, Mrs. D. E. Brown's Chinese Gor rnment, involving any increase of splendidly trained voice and dramatic rendi ion the present rate of import duty, viz., 5 per cent. were heard to perfection. Responding to the ad valorem whether subject to the abolition of unanimous applause, Mrs. Brown gave Nevin's all lekin or not, as judging by past experience
"The Rosary." Mrs. Mudio excellently ren- and pledges given by the Chinese Government dered "A Wayside Posy" (Watson) and quite could not be held to be an effective guarantee a new song by Somery lle, "When Crocuses of their fulfilment," was proposed by Mr. E. A. upon the Green," al o, as Probst, seconded by Mr. E. S. Little, and Skye Boat Song," and well sustained the emi- carried by a considerable majority, the meeting nent artistic reputation she has gained by her evidently appreciating the argument that by several appearances. Mrs. Mudie, by the way, agreeing to the reported proposal they would be made her debut on the Hongkong concert plat- sacrificing the substance and grasping a shadow. form at a concert given by Messrs. Marsh”aad Mr. J. O. P. Bland and Mr. W. B. Jameson Ward in October, 1900, Mr. C. H P. Hay gave both spoke well and at considerable length two new songs by Ward, There were against the resolution. which was ably Stars" and The Countryman." pretty com- defended by Mr. E. S. Little, but the Compositions both, in respect to which music-lovers mittee of the Association OD whose in the Colony have to thank Mr. Ward for their inspiration it is stated that Sir James Mackay is introduction on so fitting an occasion and Mr. acting, made no sign. A second resolution: Hay for the pleasing interpretation given by *That whilst viewing with disfavour the system him. The only other item in the first part of lekin and recognising the difficulties attend- of the programme was the lovely pianoforte solo, ing its immediate abolition, it is expedient to Chopin's Polonaise in C sharp minor," per- obtain safeguards against any increase in the formed by Mr. Ward with his accustomed said tax as at present levied, and to urge the ability. Chinese Government to reform. and regulato the collection thereof whereby the Provincial | Treasuries may be more directly benefited," had the same propos-r and sec: nder. and was carried with only one or two dissentients. Far- ther resolutions ou the same subject which had been sent in to the Chairman were stopped by an amendment moved by Mr. W. D. Little and seconded by Mr. Skottowe.
I
It is well arguable that the entire abolition of internal taxation, if it could be assured, would not be dearly purchased by the proposed increase of the import duty; but the if," as Mr. Probst said, is a very large one; there is no certainty that the Chinese Government would accept the proposal in the face of the dismay it would cause to the provincial officials; and it is very doubtful whether other Foreign Powers would agree to it. We are not in possession of the arguments that have persuaded the British Commissioner to this proposal; but we very much fear that in devoting his time to it, he is beating the air;
|
S.
an encore,
Love
The
no
Part II was taken up entirely with "The Daisy Chain." The composition of Liz Leh- mann, this song-cycle hasattained to a degree of popularity at home which has put all other similar compositions into something approach. ing eclipse. Is is arranged for four voices, and the words have been borrowed from such auri- ferous sources as the child-songs of Alma Tad - ma, R. L. Stevenson, Norm'in Gale, and W. B. Rands. Thearrangement of the music, consonant with the lyrics, is light and playful, and tuneful
withal.
Under Mr. Ward's direction. the piece was undertaken by Mrs D. E. Brown, Miss Ramsay, Messrs. Geo. P. Lammert and C. H. P. Hay In its preparation, Mr. Ward has had to battle with no inconsiderable difficulties, for both the contralto and tenor, who it had been originally intended should appear, were com- bo termed polled at what might almost the last moment to forego their intention. soon filled, however, and The breach was as the result of hard and untiring rehearsal
in
The Daisy Chain”
**
manner
203
was rendered last evening that did credit to all concerned. Thers w.re in all four quartets, and two solos for each voice. Mrs. Brown's Bumbers were "If no one ever marries me" and "The Swing"; Miss Ramsay, who has Я sweat-toned contralto voice, sang "Fairies" and "The ship that sailed into the sun"; while Mr. Lammert gave "Stara and "The Moon," and Mr. Hay "Keepsake Mill and Mustard and Cress." All acquitted them- seires so well that mention of any one in parti- enlar would be invidious. Each item was excellently done, and elicited frequent applause. The lisping simplicity in words and score of
· Foreign Children" and "Seeing the World' was well brought out. Some natural curiosity had been felt as to what would be the effect of Mr. Ward's boldness in slightly changing Liza Lehmann's arrangement of the songs. It had appeared to the conductor that the concluding quartet Blind Man's Buff," with its rollicking, laughing music, constituted rather an anti- climax, and that the substitution
more
indeed
*
+
of the much
you very would provide $ those who By all
fervid Thank
in its stead more fitting finale. heard last night's concert it must be admitted that this slight altoration had the happiest result. The last quartet formed an imposing climax and that which it displaced went to relieve the effect of four solos coming together consecutively. The Daisy Chain" completely caught the fancy of the audience. The whole concert, to quote the opinion of one of the fine." Mr. Ward's accom. lady singers, was panying could not have been improved on. The concert torminated at a few minutes past
eleven.
S
It is worthy of special mention that the concert was commenced punctually at nine o'clock, which is rather exceptional for this Colony. Nearly half of the audience arrived late, and it was very annoying to those who were punctual as well as a slight to the instrumentalists-to have their enjoyment militated by the rustling of skirts and creaking of chairs. One thing. however, we were pleased to observe, viz, those present did not, as usually occurs, compliment (sic) the performers by applauding during the piano interludes.
Mr. Ward's second concert has been arranged for Tuesday, 1st April, when it is hoped to revi e
In a Persian Garden " and possibly to repeat "The Daisy Chain."
Appended is the programme :---
<3
"
Scharwenka.
Barnard.
PART FIRST.
Waltz 1. Pianoforte Duet...
Messrs. GALLUZZI and WARD. 2. Song.... "Bid me to Love
(With Violin Obligato, playe by Mrs. Ongh.) Mr. Geo. P. LAMMERT,
"Love the Pedlar "
Mrs. BADELEY.
3. Song
4. Allegrotto and
Allegro, Molto Vivace ...
5. Song..
6.
7.
German.
from Sonita for
Violin and
Grieg,
Pianoforte
Watson.
Mrs. Queн and Mr. A. G. WARD.
"A WAYSIDE Posy"
Thore were no Stars"
Mrs. MUDIE,
Songs... (4)
+
་་
(b) The Countryman
Mr. C. H. P. HAY.
Pianoforte ("Polonaise in C sharp
Solo......
minor"
Mr. A. G. WARD.
Warl.
...... Ward.
Chopin.
8. Ária" Pleurez! Mes Yeux" ("Le Cid") Massanet. Mrs. D. E. BROWN,
9. Song...
is
Ecstasy Mrs. BADELEY.
10. Violin Solos (a) “Salut d'amour”
(c) "Scherzo”.
Mrs. OuGн. When Crocuses upon 11. Song the Green
Mrs. MUDIE. Interval of 10 minutes. PART SECOND.
Beach,
Elgar. Goens.
Somerville
Song Cycle... "The Daisy Chain" Liza Lehmann. Mrs. D. E. BROWN, Miss RAMSAY, Mr. GEO. P.
LAMMERT, and Mr. C. H. P. HAY.
Telegraphic advice has been received from the Shanghai Race Club to the effect that st their forthcoming Spring Race Meeting three races are open to Hongkong subscription waler griffins of any season, entries for which will close in Shanghai on the 5th April next.