COMPETITIONS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1608, 27 November 1912, Page 8

COMPETITIONS.

; —o : THE SONGS OF SCOTI.AND. CHARACTER AND ORIGINAL SKETCHES, AN INTERESTING DAY. The Competitions wero resumed at tlio Town Hall yesterday in wretched weather. It rained steadily, remorsolessly throughout tho entire day, much to tho disgust of both competitors and executive. Tho day classes wero fairly interesting, particularly the Scotch song contest, and'the original recitations, which were diverting ill patches. The oxcciitivo liavo arranged two great programmes for tho two Demonstration nights, on Priday and Snturiiay next, and already tho plan for those two concluding evenings is generously figured with "reserves. The ordinary season tickets, it is pointed out, do not admit to tlicso concerts.

A FEW IMPRESSIONS. One of tho most interesting classes heard yesterday afternoon was tho original recitation or sketch (in which tho matter recited had to be, written by or for tlio competitor). Miss Betty Purdom produced a bit of Australian verso, in which tho usual black horso saves tho farm from the clutch of tho wicked mortgagee. The stuff was rather trite, but was given a certain life by Miss Purdom's native vivacity. Once moro little six-year-old Cecile Hainos romped into popularity with a deliciously-acted skit on "Peoplo You- Meet at the Competitions." Tho tiuy comedienne, gifted far beyond her years, was absolutely inimitable, and, when encored, she was ready with a skjt on Mr. James Dykes, tho secretary, announcing the next evening's programme. Air. J. P. Delahunty, who recited distinctly good-jingle of his own a few days ago, was hardly as good yesterday, and . Mrs. M. A. T. Potts was inadeqiiato in elocutionary idea. Mr. Byron Brown was rather good in a littlo sketch entitled "The Scandalmonger." Only one "recall" (Miss -Haines) was announced. Tho character sketch class (in costume) only induced two entrants, and in view of the meagre response it might be wise of the to curtail the number of' costume sketch classes _ and offer larger prizes for those ' retained. Theso classes are most interesting to tho public, and should in a way form a training ground for budding amateur players.' The two who entered were Mr. Girdlestone (who personated Lancelot Gribbo in his ono big scene in the first act of "The Merchant of Venice") and Miss Bender, who recited "Aunt Tabitha" in Dutch dress. - Why in Dutch dress it very difficult to' imagine. Neither was very successful, and the judge at first announced that he would make no award, but subsequently" awarded a second prize to Miss Bender. .. ' The Scotch song class induced a bifr entry. Some of the performers affected o, Scotch accent, others sang their Scotch in. the best English. Pew were able to represent that native'character which mean" so much in a Scotch song. Vocally the class was very satisfactory.

- THE RESULTS. The following are the results of -the day's work:—

Soprano Solo. Soprano solo—Test piece, "Night" (Mallin- ' son), No. 2 Song Album (Fredk. Har- ; ris), .1, .'JBI j" .2, 10s. i 3, certificate. Entrants—Miss Ivy Jones,. Wellington,Miss B. Brittain, AVellingtonMiss Elsie Florence, Wellington) Miss Vera, I. Bain, ford,' Nelson. '- Recalls—Misses Brittain and Bamford. Result—l, Miss Bamford (130 marks); 2, Miss Brittain (125 marks).

Piano Solo'. - ■ ' Piano Solo—Sight reading (under 16). 1, silver medal; 2, bronze medal; 3, certificate. ■ ■ Entrants —Miss Elsie Judd, Otaki; Miss Ruby Jones, T>oVin-;>Master M. Dixon, Berhampore; Master 'N. 0. Izett, Wellington; Master L. E. Von Keisenbcrg, Wellington. Result—l, Master Dixon; 2,-.Master Von Keisenberg; 3, Master Izett. ..

Gentlemen's Song,. Song (gentleman)— Own selection, accompanied ,by self. 1, .£2; 2, <£1; 3, certificate.' ... - • _ . . Entrants—Mr. Herbert Harro ( Thmo Only"), Cliristclmrch; Mr. Alfred Geo. Thompson,, Nelson; Mr. William John Spratt, ("Still 'as the Night"), Christchurch; Mr. Gerald Bell ("1 Know of rwo Bright Eves"), Wellington; Mr. William Robert Millier ("Waiata Pol ), Wellington; Mr. Stanley Rankin, Wellington. Recalls—Messrs. Thompson and Rankin. Result—l, Mr. Thompson (131' marks); 2, Mr. Rankin (129 marks).

Character Sketch.., Character sketch, humorous (in costume and "svitli make-up) 1 . 10s.; -» los., 3, certificate. ■ Tlntvants-T-Miss Amy Bender ( AimtTabitha"), Wellington; Mr. C. Girdlestono (Launcelot GobbO ' in "The Merchant of Venice").' Wellington. Miss Bender was awarded .a .second prize. The judge stated that her enunciation was faulty, but there was promise in her work. It was a class the executive wished to encourage. • .

Original Recitation or Sketch. Original Recitation or Sketch, not in char- ■ acter, composed for or by competitor. To be judged both oil composition anil delivery. 1, £2; 2, M; 3, certificate.. Entrants—Miss Violet Johnson ' ("lho Heroic lfireman"), Wellington; Mr. Wm. J Harvey ("The. Talking Dog^), Island Bay; Mrs. G. S. Cook ("The..Haunted Hut"), Wellington; Mr. Byron Brown, Otaki: Mt. Thomas Watson ("Zealandia s Call"), Feilding; Miss • Betty Purdom ("Bali, the Circus Waif"), Island Boy; Miss Cecile Haines ("Folks One Meets at the Competitions"), Wellington; .Mrs. M. A T. Potts ("Deceit and Hypocrisy ), Wellington; Mr. J. P. Delahunty ("Paperha" Cookery"), Petone; Mt. Thomas Watson ("The Motherland's Reply' to New Zealand's Gift of a Dreadnought");, Feilding; Master Leonard Power, -Wellington.. Result-rl, Miss .Cecile : Haines .(164 marks); 2 Miss .Betty Purdom (147 marks); 3 ,Mr.' Byron Brown and Master L. PoweT (146 marks each).

Soys' Recitation. > Recitation (boys under 14 who .have never won o first prize at this, or . similar competitions)— Test piece, "Tho Slave's Dream" (Longfellow).; 1, silver medal; 2, bronze medal; 3, certificate. Entrants—Master E. Tonka, Wellington; Master F. Reeves, Wellington; Master L. A. Riddell, Wellington; Master A. Lancaster, Wellington. Recalls—Messrs. Reeves and Riddell. Result—l. Master Reeves (138 marks); ,2, Master Riddell (131 marks). ,In this class,'.the judge remarked the work was superlatively good, and he had been altogether charmed with the boys. It .was very much better than that usually given by young boys. Tho girls could always be relied upon to do well, but boys as a rule did not excel as reciters.

Scotch Song. Scotch .Song (lady or pentleman)—Own selection. 1, ,62; 2, /;1; 3, certificate. ■ Entrants—Mr. Itenrv Fitzhorbert Green ("Mary"), Ma.sterton; Mrs. I. Symes ("My Boy Tammy"). Wanijanui; Mr. G. N. Howe ("Mary"). Auckland; Mrs. P. Lewis ("Turn Yo to Me"), Wnnpamii; Mr. W. E. Saunders ("Bonny Mary"), Lower Hutt; Mr. Or. S. Davidson ("The Bonnio Bunks o' Loch Lomond"), Wellington; Miss Ethel V. C.irt.?r ("Annie Lain'ie"), Auckland; Miss Geor?ie M'Donald ("Afton Water"). Auckland; Mr.' Arthur jf'Donald ("Jhe Cameron Men"), Cliristchurch; John Snmtt ("Annte. Laurie"), Ohristchhrch; Miss Elsie Florence. Northlands: Miss Adeline Goldman ("The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond"). Christclmrch; Miss Muriel Benr.ett ("Within a Mils o'. Edinburgh Toin''), Wellington: Mis" .T'vin F. ptewrrt ("Caller. 0"). .Tohnwmvillo: Miss Wyatt ("Tfobin A'lair"). Wellington: Mr. ))an J. Evans, Wellington; Mi?s .Tonnio Smith ("Angus M'Bonold")'. Wellington; Miss Kathleen Wood ("CnrrvV Thro' tile I've"). Wanganui; Mr. A. G. Thompson, Nelson.

Recalls —M<ss Bennett, Mrs. T.ewis, M*«srs. A. G. Thompson and A. M'Donaid.

Result—l, 'Miss Muriel Bennett (1.13 morlw) |. Si Mr. Thnmwon ft 32. .marlco) j •/Mtj./P.-LOTrita' :(lßoi " ■

CHARACTER SKETCH. Character Sketch-, Humorous (in costumo and with maltc-up). Character may be chosen from standard authors. 'I'imo limit, 8 minutes. Helection to bo submitted at fcimo of entry. Pirat prize, £3; second, .£1; third. Certificate. Entrants—Mr. James Clifford 801 l ("Mrs. Gamp"), Lower Hutt; Mr. Norman Aitken ("Dick Phenyl's Drink Sceno"), Wellington; Mr. Hyron Brown ("Montague Tigg"), Otalii; Miss Betty Pui'doin ("Dolly Vnrdon"), Wellington. liesiilt—l, Mr. Norman Aitken (151 marks); 2, Miss I'urdoni (151 marks); 3, Mr. Bell (13!) marks); 4, Mr. B. Brown (137 marks).

THE EVENING CONCERT. The audiences for the ovening concerts are rather increasing than otherwise at tlio competitions. Taking into consideration the heavy rain lust ovening, tho attendance must count as extremely good. Tha programme was a really excellent ono. Tho performances of tlio "recalls" in tho Scotch song class gave particular pleasure. Mrs. I'oter Lewis (of Wnnganui) gave a vory charming reading of tlio old Gnolic song "Turn Yo to Me," which Mr. Andrew Black made popular in Now Zealand some years ago. Another lino effort was the singing of "Tho -March of tho Cameron Men," by Mr. Arthur M'Don■a'ld (of Christchurch), whoso musical baritone has a silver quality that is particularly pleasing. Tho third samplo of "Scotch" was from Miss Muriel Bennett, who sang "Within a Mile o' Edinburgh Toon" pleasingly. Tho unmistakable "hit" of tho oVcning was made by Miss Cecile Haines, in her clever and original sketch entitled "People Ono Meets at tlio Competitions." Her imitations, facial expression, and quaint inflections, captivated tho big audience, and sho had to respond to a double encore. One was an imitation of Mr. Jas. Dykes (tho Competitions secretary), and' the second w;as "Domestic Asides," in which tho child was inimitable. Mr. Thomas Watson (of PciMing), tho winner of tho oratory contest of Priday last, ■ delivered Patrick Henry's Speech on American Independence with good emphuses and conviction. Mr. A. G. Thompson (of Nelson) 6ang "The Unknown Goddess" to his own accompaniment, and also contributed 'The Satigs of Scotland" very artistically. Tho character sketches from Btandurd novels was a distinctly welcome class. Mr. J. C. Bell presented Mrs. Gamp on the broadest lines; Mr. Norman Aitken selected Dick Phenyll (from "Sweet Lavender"), and Miss Betty Purdom mado a very cnarming Doliy. Vardon. Mr. Alan M'Elwain gave a humorous sketch in hie usual bright style, and for an encore recited "Jiin Bowkcr."

THE JUDGES'COMMENTS. The judges arc becoming com mend ably l>rief in their, remarks. They aro beginning to realiss that the audience, which, by tho time they arrive on the platform, has listened to a long concert programme, desire them to "cut the cackle and git to the 'osses'-' (as the Texas farmer remarked to the auctioneer). In the.soprano solo, "Night," said' Mr. Wolf, there had been a duel between artistry and voice, and artistry had won, .for Miss Bamford was awarded the firse prize. Miss Brittain (her'opponent) had a fine voice, but there was little colour in her work. Miss Bamford had yet to learn how to control her voice, but she was a little artist in whatever she. did.-. Coming to the Scotch song, Mr. Wolf remarked .that ho had been, musical director to a Scottish society for 17 years, and should know something about ho<r a Scotch song should be sung. He awarded the first prize to Miss Bennett, the second to ? Mr.- Thompson, who had a very musical, voice, and the third to Mrs. Lewis, who sang very beautifully, though her song, did not strike : him as very Scotch in character. Mr. MDonald, the only Scotchman in the: class, had sung "The March of the Cameron Men," but he did not tlijnk lie had sung it well. He did not. infuse' enough life in it. That, perhaps, was because ,he was not one of the Camerons. ' Mr. Montague, referring to the boys' recitation (won by Master Reeves),' said, that Master Riddel] did not do quite so well as in the afternoon. . Then it was quite a delightful performance, but he was not so well heard tlmt eveiiinrr'.'"p6rhaps owin<r to the size of the hall. Master Reeves's English was delightful. He noted , that he' had dropped. gesticulating altogether,' which was-per.haps on account, of some remarks he had mnde on the point. Anyhow, he had adopted the safe course, by, not making any...gestures at all, but hoped he would not.-continue to do so, but would use his hands- when there was a proper call for him to do so. Tn the character sketch,' Miss: Purdom selected a character'and scene-that was not so humorous perhaps as it was Pathetic. She had done the best work of- the lot, but in tho endeavour to mako it humorous had been inclined to forco it. Respecting "Mrs. Gamp," he had a sense of disappointment in the work of so. excellent an artist as Mr. Bell. He did not think that he had the right' conception of the character, ns Mrs. Gamp did not and never' could. sneak the. lines at such a pace as Mr. Bell had.

TO-DAY'S PROGRAMME, Town Hall—9 a.m., B flat cornet solo; 10 a.m., mezzo soprano solo, "Rosa Softly Blooming"; 11.15 a.m.,' piano duet; 2 p.m., Irish .song (owii selection). « Concert Chamber—2 p.m., Prepared speech (gentlemen); 3.15 p.m., prepared speech (ladies); 3.35 p.m., character sketch; 4.15 p.m.. Shakespearean recital (gentlemen), "Othello's Defence"; 5.10 p.m., impromptu speech (ladies). Last evening Mr. Dykes announced that it had been decided to allow the audience to bo tho- judges of the drawing-room entertainment' contest, to be given on Thursday evening. For that purpose voting papers would be. given jto everyone present, on which they would record which party (of twelve) in their opinion provided the best entertainment.