COMPETITIONS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1269, 26 October 1911, Page 2

COMPETITIONS.

4 VOCAL, INSTRUMENTAL AND ELOCUTIONARY. NEW ZEALAND SOCIETY'S FIRST UAMNIVAL. A SUCCESSFUL OPENING. Whether competitions in music, vocal and instrumental, and elocution are uplifting or not irill ever remain within the bounds of Hie del>atablo, but Unit the spirit of competition is popular with tho public there ran bo no question. For anno years Wellington has stood alcof, a littlo proud, disdainful, conservative, and rend rather with a sense of amusement about such competitions elsewhere. ■\Ye. looked upon them in perspective with an indulgent eye, fooling rather superior in u way that Wellington had not fallen n slavo to the fashion so readily taken up by the other centres. A year njjo Mr. J. M. Clark, of this, city, was called upon to adjudicate in elocution at tho Auckland competition?, and what ho saw there convinced him that competitions were a good thing tor a city and a good thing for art. Scon after "his return to Wellington he eauva&sed a, few of Wellington's citizens, in duo course a committee was formed, the ideas of those experienced in competitions were obtained and eifled, a "yllabus was prepared, speeial prizes I'.nd entries poured in, and a date was fixed for tho opening—yesterday. There in a nutshell is tho history of the New Zealand Competitions Society, which its ih-st carnival with over MOO entries, and a special pmo list second lo none ever offered in Australasia. Such a result indicate* clearly flint competitions are wanted. That they aro an artistic uplift only limn can tell. THE OFFICIALS. The following are the officers of the new eocimy :— President, Mr. T. M. Wilford, M.P.; vice-presidents, Dr. Arnold Izard, Messrs. Gro-rgu Shirtclilfe, 11. C. Tewsley, D. M. Findlay; committee, Rev. E. O. Bkimire?, Rev. Father Hickson, Messrs. ,T. M. Clark, J. D. Sievwright, W. A. Flavell, If. Plimmcr, E. A. Mundell, D. A. Craig, .1. 11. llelliwell. W. E. Fuller, J. M.'Gcddis, A. W. Newton, A. 11. Casev, A. 11. Kernot, AY. A, Allan, W.'H. Ataek, G. Winder, T. Hush, R. T. liobertronj treasurer. Mr. R. A. Iveeiinn; Mr. James Dykes. The judges aro as follow:—lnstrumental music, .Mr. Harold Grcgson; vecal music, Mr. C. N. Baeyc-rtz; okicntion, Mr. C. N. Daeyertz; literature, Mr. Charles Wilson; origin.il verso, Mr. R. A. Singer; oratory and debating, Mr. C. N. llaeyertz; dramatic, Mr. C. N. Uaeverlz; physical drill, Maior Hume, R.N".Z.A., and Mr. 'Royd Gnrliclc; scouts (first), Dr. Rogg, Dr. Herbert; scouts (bridge buildim?), Captain J. E. Duigaa and Lieut. ,1. li. Macfarl.ine. Mr. F. Montaguf is official accompanist, and Mr. Alan M'Elwain (of Auckland) is stage director. THE CONTEST OPENED. Without any ceremony, Mr. C. N. Baeyorl?., tho judge of elocution, took his ssat on an elevated chair, in the Concert Chamber at 9 a.m. yesterday, and started in on tho dramatic recital competition, the test piece for which was Rudvard Kiniing's "Ballad of the Bolivar." 'The poem is not an easy one to do effectively. It inquires a good deal of savage force, vocal robustness, and a personality to suit to lveilo the "ballad" with conviction. . • Truth to tell, the standard of merit was not high. Tho competitors wore:—James C. Bell (Lower Hutt), Samuel If. Osbom (Dunedin), Hamilton Gray (Wellington), Ernest V. Slyliclil (Dunedin), Francis S. Gardner (Auckland), Kenneth E. Shorncy (Wellington). Stanley V. Croft (Greymouth), Oswald I). Avis.-.n (Hastings), Marcus St. John (Mastorton), Francis R. Picot (Wellington), Frank De J. Robin (Wellington), E. Cawy (Ohakune), Claud Smith (Wellington), P. J. De'filumtv (Petone), S. G. August (Invereargill), John Withers (Wellington). Ernest G. Petk (Wellington),. Edmund R. Wilson (Masterton), Frank J. M'Don.i.M (Christehurch), and Peter Alexander Devereus (Dunedin). One would have thought that the judge would liavo had enough of tho "Bolivar" after hearing it a score of times, hut ho recalled Messrs. Bell,' Osborn, Slyfield, Casey, "Withers, and Devereux to recito it all through again. Selected for final tost: Messrs. Bell, Osborne, and Slvfield. Final Result-S. H. Oslxirn. 1; E. V. Slyfield, 2; James C. Bell, !,. In giving his decision the judge (Mr. Baeyerlzl said thai none of the competitors quite realised his idea of Kipling's poem, but Mr. Osborn had more style and technique than the others, and though bo left out n Thole verse that evening he still thought hia effort was tho best. PIANO SOLO (Under 10). Test piece "Soldiers' March and Reapers' Song" (Schumann). First prize, silver medal; second, bronze medal; third, certificate. Entrants: I.eith Alex. Riddell (Wellington), Wilfrid Kolm (Lower Il'utl), Yiolct Edith Hemory (Wellington), Mollie Shannon (Newtown), George'Mackay (Newtown), . Charles Tavlor Robb (Christehurch), Alexia Tavlor (Tawa Flat), Elsie Calwell (Newtown), May Evatt (Island Bay), Rawe Una James (Wanganni). Mary Edna Emerson (Berhampore), Emily Alice Dorgan (Wellington). Selected for first test: Violet E. Hemery, Mollie Shannon, ami May Evatt. Final Result.—Violet llomcrv, 1 (135 marks out of a possible of 200); May Evatt, 2 (132 marks); Mollie Shannon, .') (125 marks). Mr. Grcgson remarked that the playing was very good throughout. Miss Heinerv won because her performance was tho most even and hor choice of tompo tho ocst of the competitors. MANDOLIN SOLO. Mmidolim Solo (own choice). First prize, .£2; second, .Ct; third, certificateEntrants: Ettie Thomson (Christchurch), Myrtle Twoss (Christchurch), L. Sparks (t'hristchurch), and Kate Bauntou (Christchurch). Selected for final lest: Myrtle Twoso and L. Sparks. Final Result.—Mvrtle Twose, 1 (145 marks out of 200); L. Sparks, 2 (143 marks). This competition aroused no interest on tho part of the public It is one of tho items tliat might bo omitted from future programmes without serious loss. HUMOROUS RECITAL (Ladies). numerous Recital (ladies, own selection!. First prize, £2; second, .£1; third, certificate. Entrants: Mrs. Arthur Griffiths (Dunedin), "The Telegram"; Mrs. M. Bradley (Wellington). "The Art of Making Up One's Mind"; Lilian Pritchard (Melbourne), "Tho Bride's First Call on the Butcher": Kathlcdn Bolton (Nelson), "Minding the Babv"; Flora JPDonald (Wellington). "In tho Usual Way"; Trono Pearson (Wellington), "Mr. Potts's nat"; Maisie Carto (Wellington); Rosie Carto (Eastbourne), "Matinee Hat"; Sybil Rapley (Wellington), "A French Account of Adam's Fall"; Miss Farrell (Auckland). "A Cold Proposal"; Molly Flux (Wellington), "The Freckled Face Girl"; Lanrie Darling (Roslyn), "Travellin' as is Travellin'"; G. Helen Gardner (Dunedin), "Tho Competitions"; Lilv Oliapma.n (Greymouth), ' "Out of Her Reokoniiig"; Mabel St. Clair Polo (Otaki), 'Hatching the Sparking"; Berenice Egpers (Wellington). "What the CTioir Sang About Ihc N"w Bonnet"; Thelnin Brown (Laiinceston. Tasmania), "Wavbaok Family Visit the Zoo"; Lulu Arnold (Wellington). "Bill Smith": Kathleen Major (.Auckland), "Bill Smith": Ethel Li«sark (Wellinglonl. "The, Obstructive Hat"; Mrs. J. G. Robl. (Christ-church), "A Fair Terror": Miss G. D. Shepherd (Wellington!, "Tim Dressing Machine"; Lucy Olater (Wellington), "Taking an Elevator"; Mrs. A. M. Lewis (Wellingtonl, "L'e'itente Cordiale"; Mrs. K. L.' Gilchrist (Palnierstoa North), "AYhen Papa's Sick." Selected for final lest: Miss Pricliard, Mrs. Arthur Griffiths, mid Mi-wi G. Helen , Gardner. This contest lasted from 11..10 1 a.m. until 2 p.m., and was by j a. fairly large audienco in tho Concert | Chamber. Final. Result.—Misses Gardner and . Pricliard. equal (1.13 marks out of 200); 1 Mrs. Griffiths, 3 (117 marks). ] Though the styles of the two ladies , bracketed for first place was entirely dif- J ferent, the judge (Mr. Baeyertz) was of | eninion lh.it they wcreoriuafin merit. Miss > Pricliard had an excellent sense of refined comedy, well expressed, and Miss Gardner's imitations were very clever. SOPRANO SOLO. ' Soprano $010. Test piece, tho "Jewel Soait," from "Faust" (Gounod), or tko 1

aria "All, lo so" from Mozart' 9 opera "The Millie Flute." First prize, £2; second, ill; third certificate. Entrants: Flora Sutherland <j.'ordcll), Mrs. C. Taiaroa R-eid (Kilbirnic) G. B. Price (Wellington)) Of. I). Barker (Wellington), M. Grant (Clrrislchureh), G. S. Palmer (Christcliurch), If. Lyons (Auckland), Mrs. I'. Lewis (Wanganui), L. Hill (Auckland), Mrs. A. Dunn (Wellington), 1- 0. G. Jonas (Wellington), Vera C. Edwards (Master! on). Sc-Icctrd for final tost: Muses G. I). Barker, M. Grant, a.nd K. Lyons. Final Result.—Miss K. IJvons. 1 (135 marks); Misses G. J\ Barker and M. Grant, equal (131 marks}; Mifes Flora Sutherland, lion, mention. Miss Lyons won because her phrasing, style, and nuance were tattor than llio others. Miss Barker has n nice coloratura voice in the maid 115, and Miss Grant, who clouted (o sing Mozart's aria, (in the judge's opinion a more beautiful work than the "Jewel Song-" and more difficult), sang most carefully, and gave signs of promise. HUMOROUS SONG (lady or Gentleman). Humorous Sang (lady or gentleman). Own selection, not in character. First prize, Jii; second, J;l; Ihird, certificate. Entrants: Prank J. M'Donald (C-hrifrt-church), "Bridget"; Gilford Remmington (Napier), "The Baby ou the Shore"; F. Blandford (Wellington), "Tlie Ladies' Penny Paper"; Dr. 11. N. Isaacs (Wellington), Leslie Fleming (Cliristclnirch), Rowland F. Digby (Saaloun), Clias. H. Gray (Pctone). Francis S. Gardner (Auckland), J. B. M'Xc-ill (Wellington), 0. D. Avippii (listings), Florence J. Paery (Dunodin). "Just for Ones"; It. G. House (Lower Hutt), "Her"; Mrs. G. 11. Gardner (Duncdinj, "A Lesson With a Fan"; Mn. A. Edwards (Mastorlon), "Barnev O'Hea." . Selection for Final Test.—Mv. F. Blandford, Misses Gardner and Paccy. Pinal Result-Mr. Blandford, 1; Miss G.-irdner, 2; Miss Paccy, 3. As he had remarked" in tho afternoon, said (he judge, the competitors, if they had scoured the music shops' of New Zenland, could not have found less suitable fangs than had been selected. Mr. Blandford displayed a certain naive humour and played his accompaniment verv well indeed. Though the efforts of the two Indies wore praiseworthy, their songs were onlv faintly humorous." ORIGINAL VKKSE. During the evening Mr. R. A. Singer gave his decision in tho original verse competition. The result was as follows: —Miss Joyo Eggtrs, Newtown, 1; Mr. Wm. F. Chambers, Wellington, 2; Mr. S. G. August, Inverojivgill, 3. THE EVENING PERFORMANCE. A VAEIED PROGRAMS. The first evening performance in connection, with tho competitions drew what must be considered a large audience, considering tha wretched weather. In the absence of his Excellency the Governor and Sir Joseph Ward, Mr. Arnold Izard, vice-president o; the society, welcomed those prrfent, and extended his congratulation;; 10 ihe society on tho auspicious start it had made with its first competitions, which he thought were a very good medium for the eucouragemont of'musical, elocutionary, and literary talent. Of the performers, one can with confidence single out at least throe young ladies whoso work is far above the average amateur standard—Miss Frichard, of Melbourne, whoso humorous recitation displayed the spirit of a polished comedienne; Mi<« Gardner, whose powers as a mimic nre varied, a.nd her stylo bright and winniug; and Miss Rita Lyons, whoso singing of "The Jewel Song" 'from "Faust" was highly commendable, although, perhaps, bordering on the ultravivacious, which fault became almost a virtue when compared with the laboured interpretations of tho solo given during •the afternoon. Her voice is a light, flexible lyric soprano of musical quality; lior phrasing is good, and she realised the spirit of tho sceno in which the bolo is placed. In giving his decisions (embodied iu the above report), Mr. C. N. Bacyortz, tho judge of vocal music and elocution, congratulated the society 011 its successful inauguration of. tho: competitions in Wellington, and ho also extended his hearty eonqrahilatitms . to. the. peoplo and press of tho city for the manner in' which thoy had strengthened the hands of the committee, and to the indofatigablo and übiquitous secretary, Mr. J. Dykes. It was no part of his plan to humiliate or embarrass young competitors from tho ; platform, but each competitor would, on application, be banded a written criticism ot his or her performance, and these would bo obtainable immediately on tho completion of each, section of "the competitions. He would devoto a dav or two towards the end of tho competition to giving to competitors any advice which lay in bis power. (Applause.) The dramatic (comedietta) section is being taken piece-meal—one performance given at the termination of each evening's entertainment. A trio of Auckland competitors were to have presented the comedietta "A Busy Day" last evening, but withdrew their nomination after the programme was printed. Their place was taken by tho Wellington Dramatic Society, who presented tlio first act of "The Guv'nor," with fair success onlv. The comedy proved that (he Town Hall is far from ideal as a habitat for such forms of entertainment. Far back in the gallery the dialogue could not bo hoard at all, under which circumstances it was not (0 be expected that tho humour of this well-worn, old comedy would carry. TO-DAY'S PROGRAMME, At 9 a.m., in Concert Chamber.—Shakcspcarcani recital (for ladies). Test—Speech from "Macbeth." At 10 a.m., in Town Hall—Piano Solo (under 12). Tost piece—"Sonata in C" (Mozart). At 11.30 a.m., in Town Hall—Violin 1 Solo (over 1G and under 21). Test piece— • Alfred Hill's "Humorosque." At noon, in Concert Chamber.—Mediation (girls under 11).—Test piece, "Tho I XJnsesci Playmate" (It. L. Stevenson). At 2 p.m., in Town Hall.—Baritone 1 Solo. Test piece, Wolfram's Solo from "Tnnnhanser" (Wagner). 1 At i p.m., in Town Hall.—Sacred So- • prauo Solo. Test piece, "How Beautiful 1 arc tho Feet," from Handel's "Messiah." i Tho evening performance will consist of 1 tho best thrco competitors iu each of the j sections, and tho dramatic sketch "Tho < Actress," to b? played by Mr. Vivian | Hhiud, Miss Lali Bcubo.w, and Miss Stella 1 Putnam. \