COMPETITIONS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1279, 7 November 1911, Page 6

COMPETITIONS.

NEW ZEALAND SOCIETY'S CARNIVAL. YESTERDAY'S RESULTS. So pronounced is tho success of tho competitions now being held at th.o Town Hall that the finances aro already assured, and if the attendances of the public aro as largo during tho rest of tho -week as anticipated, there should bo a handsome balance to carry forward to next year. Some of tho classes have been disappointing in respect to the number of entries. There must bo hundreds of boys and girls learning th violin in Wellington, yet there have only been a couple of entries for two violin classes, and only tw"o junior 'cello players faced the judge yesterday, though a first prize of .£3 was offered. It is hoped that next year there will be much larger entries in tho instrumental classes for juniors. There were large attendances both morning- and afternoon yesterday to hear the character sketches (in costume), and the duologues (also in make-up aud costumo). With so many actresses and actors in embryo "strutting their little hour upon the stage," the competitions took on quite a theatrical aspect. Thero wero bold Orlandos, modest Rosalinds, love-sick Romeos and Juliets; a stern old Sir Peter Teazle, and quite a fascinating "Lady T." Portia and Nerissa wero heard in sprightly conversation, and Brutus and Cassius plotted darkly against the State and Caesar, Thero were also "A Pair of Lunatic:," a pretty Viola, and haughty Lady Olivia. In such distinguished company passed tho day, and the evening saw many of them once more in tho motley. Tho results of yesterday's competitions are as follow: — CHARACTER SKETCH. (In Costume). Character sketch (in costume, and with make-up), character may bo chosen from standard authors. Timo allowed, 8 minutes. First prize, «£3; second prize, J.l ; third prize, certificate. Entrants-Mr. E. Y. Mills (Wellington), "All Bosh"; Miss Lilian King (Dunedinj, "A Dethroned Queen"; Miss Maisie Carto (Wellington); Miss Thelma Brown (Laiuiceston, Tasmania); Miss Lulu Arnold (Wellington), "Jim Bowler"; Miss Kathleen Major (Auckland), "The Funeral of tho late Mrs. Hodson"; Mr. Kenneth E. Shorney (Wellington). "Gloster's Soliloquy"; Mrs. A. Griffiths (Dunedin), "Mad Sceno from Hamlet"; Miss Lilian Prichard (Melbourne, Victoria); Miss Florence J. Pacey (Dunedin), "A Dethroned Queen"; Miss Ethel Lissack (Wellington), "Aunty Doleful's Visit"; Miss Bartley (Auckland), "Dolly Varden" (adapted and arranged by Elizabeth It. Purdom); Mr. J. P. Delahuntly (Petone), "The Vagabonds"; Mr. Frank J. M'Donald, Christchtirch, "Sergeant Buzfus's Speech"; Miss Laurie Darling (Dunedin), "Rosalind." from "As You Like It"; Miss G. Helen Gard'ner (Dunedin), "Mrs. Green." Selected for final test:—Missis L. Prichard, Thelma Brown, Flo. Pacey, Bartley, and Hamilton Gray. In announcing the "recalls," the judge said that ho had a difficulty in heating some of the competitors, and if'he could not hear them he could not judge them. Final test—Miss L. Prichard, Melbourne, 1 (160 maTks); Miss Thelma Brown, Launceston, and Miss Bartley, Auckland, 2 (130 marks each); Miss Gardner, Dunedin, and Miss Pacey, Dunedin, 3 (121 marks each). ' The winner's work, said tho judge, was marked by splendid significance and gestures, and her make-up a.r,d expression were alike admirable. Her impersonation (of Ophelia in tho mad scene from "Hamlet") was full of subtlety and delicacy of appeal. Ho thought it was about the finest amateur work he had ever seen. It was vastly bettor than much pi-ofcssional acting by aotresr-es of rcputo who had visited New Zealand. Miss Brown's make-up and costuming (as Arr thur in "King John") were good. She showed plenty of temperament, but sliowod some false emphases of sense. She was a littio incoherent boforo tho executioners depart. Miss Brown had great natural ability, which woujd attain fruition with the acquisition of more technique and experience. Miss Ba.rtley's costume and make-up wero good. Her enunciation was capital, but she made some wrong pauses. It was a £ood characterisation, but it was much easier work than the pieces chosen by Miss Prichard and Miss Brown. Her acting was a. trifle more finished than Miss Brown's. Miss Pacey's enunciation was splendid, and her reading intelligent. She rather ovc.r-rccited, but her voico was well sustained. Miss Gardner gave a good charnc~.nsn.Hon, but was at times a little difficult hear. Her voice was well sustained, -uc piece she selected was comparatively easy to do. Mr. Hamilton Gray gave a good characterisation, and had a good make-up. but was rather slow and was often heard with difficulty. The judge commended the work of Mr. K. G. Shorney, of Wellington, Miss Arnold, of Wellington, and Mr. H. Gray. DUOLOGUE (OWN SELECTION). (In Character.) Duologue, own selection (in character; costumes and accessories permitted). First prize, ; second prize, £2. —Entrants—Miss Lulu Arnold and Miss Una Owen (Wellington), "Portia and Nerissa"; Miss Rita Simpson and Mr. E. Y. Mills (Wellington), "The Reason Why"; Miss E. Lissack and Mr. J. C. Bell (l,owcr Hutt), "A Pair of Lunatics"; Miss Kathleen Major and Mr. F. S. Gardner (Auckland), "Rosalind and Orlando"; Messrs. S. Tingey and K. licenan (Wellington), "Brutus and Cassius"; Miss R. Scott and Mr. N. Aitken (Wellington), "lie and She"; Miss Una H. Owen and Miss . Darling (Dunedin), "Twelfth Night"; Miss Lulu Arnold (Wellington) and Miss F. J. Pacey (Dunedin), "Rosalind and Orlando"; Miss Lali Benbow and Mr. D. W. Gorliam (Wellington), "The fortune Teller"; Miss L. Prichard and Mr. S. H. Osborn (Dunedin), "Tho Quarrel Scene" from "School for Scandal"; xiiss G. n. Gard'ner and Mr. P. A. Devereux (Dunedin), "Romeo and Juliet." Selected for final test—Miss Rita Simpson and Mr. E. Y. Mills, Miss E. Lissack and Mr. J. C. Bell, Miss L. Prichard and Mr. S. 11. Osborn, Miss G. H. Gard'ner and Mr. P. A. Devereux. Final test—Miss Prichard and Mr. Osborn, 1 (12U marks); Miss Simpson and Mr. Mills, and Miss Lissack and Mr. Bell 2 (123 marks); Miss Gardner and Mr. Devereux, 3 (108 marks). I The criticism of the judge (Mr. Baeyertz) was that in the quarrel scene from "The School for Scandal," Miss Prichard managed her busiuess'very well, and played i£ith much charm, but Mr. Osborn did not always play up to her as he should. He fljayed slowly, heavily, and dully—like tragedian. He had. none of Sir Peter's quick irritability. His make-up was good, but the old man's voice was not always sustained. Every word was hoard. In "The Reason Why 1 ' tho lady (51 iss Simpson) looked well, was nicely gowned, aud had good facial expression. Sho was graceful a.nd elegant, but not always perfectly heard. The gentleman (Mr. Mills) was quite at homo on'the stage. He had a good make-up, and played with intelligence, though he made a "few technical slips. His diction was occasionally faulty, as when he said, "Chce-er rup!" Honourable mention was given to Miss Ruby Scott and Mr. Norman Aitken, who played "Ho and She." Tho chief defect was the lady giving the gentleman the opportunity to speak, giving the idea that he was a dumb man, which ho was not. Misses Arnold and Owen and Misses Arnold and Pacey also received honourablo mention. PIANO DUET. Piano Duet (over IG)—Test Piece, "Italv," Moszkowski. First prize, .£2; second prize, .El; third prize, certificate.— Entrants—Miss Mabel_ Fulton and Miss Vera Lindberg (Wellington), Miss Elsie May Chapman and Miss Louise C'addick (Wellington), Miss Kathleen Rita Clark ] and Miss Nita Marion Clark (Wellington), Miss Violet Lewis and Mr. Fred Cro.«sley (Wellington), Miss Mary Gwendolin Mason (Blenheim) and Miss Hazel Cut.hbcrtson (Marlborough), Miss Elsie and Miss Ruby Frost (Masterton). Selected* for final test --Misses Kathleen aud Nita Clark, and Miss Violet Lewis and Mrs. Fred Crosslev. Final test—Miss Lewis and Mrs. Fred. Crossley, Wellington, I (124 marks); Misses Kathleen and Nita Clark, 2 (120 marks); Miss Elsie Chapman and Mi.y Jxiuise Caddick, Wellington, and Misses Elsie aud Ruhy Frost, Masterton, 3 (equal with 111 marks). Tho winners, said Mr. Gregson, played the music better and scored more marks all round. They were short of colour,

but were the only competitors who made the inner laeiudy stand out. The second prize-winners gave a very fair reading, but were a little dull. PREPARED SPEECH. (By lady or gentleman.) Time limit, 8 minutes. Choice of three subjects—l. "Scientific Progress of the Last Half-Century." 2. "Universal Peace: Is it a Dream or a Possibility?" "Tho Future of New Zealand." First prize, .£2; second prize, -El; third prize, certificate. —Entrjnts—Thos. M. lleifeniar (Wellington), Joseph Spillane (Wellington), Daniel Connor (Wellington), Ernest Victor Slyfield (Dunedin), E. Casey (Ohakune), J. P. Delalnint'y (Petone). Result—E. Ca>ey (Ohakunei, "The Future of New Zealand" (ICO out of 3)0), 1; J. P. Delahunty (I'etonei, "The Future of New Zealand" (117), -; E. V. Slyfield (Dunedin), "Universal Peace" (111); 3. In giving his decision, Mr. Baeyertz said that the chief defect of the speakers was the lack of personal appeal. 'The aim of a speaker should be to make each one in the audience feel that the speaker was directly addressing him. Mr. Casey the winner, had personality. niagnet:sni, and grip. His was a common-sense speech, delivered with sincerity. lie disguised tho fact (if it was a fact) that tho speech was to a considerable extent, committed to memory. Ho was quite impressive. Mr. Delahunty had natural oratorical gifts, but was rather inclined to rccite. His pronunciation was not perfect —dropped somo of his "h's" —but was moro impressive than most of the competitors. There was some cogency and coherence in his arguments. Sir. Slyfield showed some lack of cogency in the argument and coherence in the arrangement of the subject matter, but his stylo was natural. 'CELLO SOLO. 'Cello Solo—Test Piece, "Melodio Romantique" (op. 11), Leo Stern. First prize, .£3; second prize, 30s.—EntrantsAlbert Stanley Hilliker (Wellington), ! Norman Lee Martin (Lower llutt). Result—A. S. Hilliker, Wellington, 1 (13ft marks); N. L. Martin, Lower Hutt, 2 (128 marks). VIOLIN SOLO. Violin Solo (open to all)— Test Piece; "Zephir," Jeno Hubay (op. 30). First prize, .£3; second prize, 3(ls. —Entrants— Jane Matthew Mathieson (Wellington South), Miss Greta Orr (Gisborne). Result—Jane Mathieson. Wellington, 1 (137 marks); Miss Greta Orr, Gisborne, 2 MALE QUARTET. Result—Lyric Quartet, Auckland, 1 (121 marks); .Mr. Blandford's quartet, 2 (109 marks). These w;ere the only performers. The judge said that in the "Lyric Four" the first tenor was a littio prominent and piercing in tho ensemble. Tho second syllable in the word "Beloved" was overemphasised by tho bass. The enunciation was not perfect at times, and the middle parts lacked character. There was a geed balance and blend, and they were only a sliado flat at the end. Mr. Blandford's party showed a tendency to clip their words. The Txi-sses were too heavy for tho tenors, when the latter W'C-re singing in the lower register. Their intonation was faulty, and their singing dull and heavy. The breathing was defective—enunciation good. THE EVENING PERFORMANCE. SOME CAPITAL AMATEUR ACTING. Last evening's programme at tho Town Hall was full of variety and charm. The outstanding feature was the very admirable display of amateur acting oil tho part of those who had been selected from the competitions held during tho day. Once moro pride of place must be given to Miss Lillian Prickard, who covered herseit with honour in both her appearances last evening. This talented young lady selected for the character sketch competition Ophelia's mad scene from "Hamlet," one of tho most difficult slio could select in the entire range of tho drama, in that it depicts a menta!ly-do-ra,nged Ophelia, whoso mind is . shot here and there with a gleam of sanity, as for instance when she refers to her brother. The character calls for subtlety, power, whimsicality, and absolute self-uncon-sciousness, and each of these qualities Miss Prichard displayed. Her performance earned the visitor an ovation. She was also charming as Lady Teazle in tho ouarrel scene from "The School for Scandal." Her performance was graceful and bewitching, and she appears to have a special facility for the intelligent speaking of Sheridan's pretty language. In this sccne she was assisted by Mr. S. H. Osborn, of Diuiedin, who did verv well indeed, though a trifle'slow, even for the ancient Benedict. Another u.eliTbalanced performance was that of the sketch "The Reason Why," plaved quite smartly and with good finish and stylo by Mips Rita Simpson and Mr. E. F. Mills,"of Wellington, whose performance was well worth second place. Mr. James C. Bell and Miss Lissack, of the llutt, appeared to advantage in "A Pair of Lunatics," and while the lady was inclined to be over Hcepful aud lachrymose, Mr. Bell gave a bright and breezy performance, wliich was altogether delightful. Miss Thclma ' Brown gavo a clever impassioned reading of Young Arthur's scene with Hubert in "King John" —the scene in which Hubert is about to burn out the eyes of tho youth according to instructions. Tho ■ young lady showed herself imbued with the proper dramatic sense, and throw herself into tho spirit of the scene with an earnestness and zest which carried conviction. Miss Bartly, of Auckland, was dainty and clever in her "Dolly Varden" sketch. The Blenheim quartet sang Baraby's "Sweet aud Low" creditably' and the "Lyric Four," of Auckland, and a local male quartet contributed to tho vocal side of the programme. An amusing item was Mr. Alan M'Elwain's comic recital, "The Tale of the 11.G9," to which he had to append the quaint story of "Jim Bowker." TO-DAY'S PROGRAMME. IMPROMPTU DEBATES. There is only one competition set down for to-day, but that is an important ono —the impromptu debate. This battle of words aud ideas will commence in tho large hall at 2 p.m., and as the subjects to be selected will be of a character which will afford the competitors every opportunity of creating entertainment and amusement, there is bound lo be a large attendance of the public. Ten teams have entered the lists, and as many include skilled debaters there is bound to bo somo lively encounters. In reference to Mr. Charles Wilson's remarks as to the meagreness of tho prizes given in the literary section, it should be explained that in addition to the special prizes of .£3 35., given by the proprietors of the "Free Lance," they also paid ss. for tho right of publishing the stories.