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The Spike: or, Victoria College Review October 1907

Carnival

Carnival.

"Then rose the the riot and the din,
Above, beneath, without, within."

Scott.

The success of this year's Carnival was most marked, and the more gratifying in view of the fact that until within three weeks of the great day practically nothing had been decided on. Feeling, no doubt, that failure had then been sufficiently courted, the Committee aroused themselves, chorus practices page 17 were arranged, the librettists forwarded their effusions, and general enthusiasm became as keen as it had previously been slack.

Miss Smith once more proved herself a true patriot, and practically devoted her waking moments to details in connection with dress and rehearsal. F. R. Lankshear grasped the conductor's baton in a most determined manner, and toiled like a hero to extract harmony from the festive spirits along the back seats. Miss Strack spent several long evenings at the piano, serene and patient. To these three is due a special word of thanks for their sacrifices made in the interests of a successful Carnival.

Part I of the programme consisted of the usual capping songs, with several additional concert items. The choruses throughout were excellently rendered by a large body of students. Solos were contributed by Miss Martin, Miss Lyon, and Miss Newman, with the evident appreciation of their audience. The Glee Club appeared twice, and a trio and quartette were also provide by its members. Dr. D. N. Isaacs recited "The Languid Man "in a most natural manner, and met with an enthusiastic recall. A. H. Bogle's band of braver gave a thrilling display of old-time Maori customs-hakas, single combats, and tangis being mere items in a comprehensive programme of slaughter and savagery.

Part II was occupied by the presentment of a Musical Extravaganza rejoicing in the name of "The Golden Calf," in which our famous trio of collaborators, S. Eichelbaum, S. S. Mackenzie, and F. A. de la Mare clearly exposed the present-day "prostration of idolatrous before heathen shrines." They are to be congratulated on their spirited attempt to combat the evils of the age, with which they seem remarkably familiar. The rise of the curtain disclosed an alter surmounted by the sacred symbol of a cow's head, round which a picturesque band of Egyptians made deep obeisance and much mournful noise. The chief Egyptian, Prof. Memento Xmori (A. H. Bogle) recounted the sad circumstances surrounding the passing of Mr. Brook's milk-supply, and became increasingly self-laudatory over the subsequent legal proceedings. In the second tableau the question of domestic employment received attention. Miss Newman, most stylishly attired as a mistress, detailed the countless conditions to be observed before one can hope to win the approval of up-to-date servants, while G. W. Reid, cleverly disguised as Bridget Dooley, presented the case from the standpoint of the kitchen.

page 18
In the third tableau, Miss D. Isaacs and D. N. Isaacs, "got up "as a milkmaid and a butcher respectively, fairly brought down the house with a duet full of interesting sidelights on the respective methods of Kirk and Gear in dealing with defunct animals. A band of slaughtermen, with brawny arms and chests generously daubed with vermilion, also appeared, and voiced the ideas an intentions of their craft in a particularly clever song-every line bristling with good points. In the concluding tableau Mr. A. W. Newton held up to general ridicule

"That soporific
Swot specific
And prolific
Noxious weed
The Champion of Cram, O !"

with an attention to distressing detail which should effectually bar the development of any such own midst.

The same programme was repeated on Friday evening before a crowded audience, so large that if the Opera House be available next year, the question of engaging it and limiting the entertainment to one night might well be considered.