FINE PERFORMANCES

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 59, 7 September 1926, Page 6

FINE PERFORMANCES

GOOD IMPROMPTU DEBATE.

There wero not so many items decided at the musical and elocutionary competitions yesterday, but nevertheless performances were of a high standard. The impromptu debate in the evening, "Are Women Moro Intelligent Than Men?" gave competitors plenty of scope, and provided much amusement. The winners were Messrs. A. E. Hurley and A. D. Priestley (Wellington). A good deal of interest was taken in the operatic solo (mezzo-soprano), which was won by Miss Eileen Higgins (Thorndon) with 90 points. The following awards were made:—

DAY SESSION.

Chief Piano Solo (open to any amateur over 16).—Section A ("Caprice Espagnol") was heard. Section B (own selection) will be taken to-day. Men's Scottish Song (any voice). "Folk or Traditional. Own selection.—Recalls: Mr. R. Madigan (Wadestown), "Jock o' Hazeldean"; Sir. Allan Cadman (Wellington), "Scots Wha Ha'e"; Mr. Arthur Lungley (Dunedin), "Annie Laurie." Highly commended: Mr. K. Francis CWanganui) and Mr. G. Neel (Seatoun). Ladies' Vocal Solo (over 21). Societ/s Scholarship, (a) Soprano, "The Wind's in the South"; mezzo soprano, "Rondel"; contralto, "The Novice."—Section A was heard. Section B (own selection, operatic) will be taken ito-day. Ladies' Character Sketch (Dickens). Own selection.—Recalls: Miss Effie Brice (Kilbirnie), "Dolly Varden"; Miss May M'Donal'd (Wellington), "Nancy"; Miss V. M. Wilson (Palmerston), "Jenny Wren." ' Highly commended: Miss Eliza Grant (Masterton). ! Men's Humorous Recitation. Own selection.—Recalls: Mr. W. J. Mather (Wanganui), "Choosing a Wedding Present"; Mr. Owen Warnock (Wanganui), "The Crossing Keeper"; Mr. Leslie Anderson (Wellington), "Trying a Magistrate." v Three Humorous Stories. Own selection.—Recalls: Mr. Fred Graynes (Wellington) and Mr. W. Stock (Wellington).

EVENING SESSIONS.

Operatic Solo (mezzo-soprano).—Miss Eileen Higgins (Thorndon), 90 points, 1; Miss Florence Sumner (Dunedin), 83 points, 2; Miss Eileen Warnock (Wanganui), 81 points, 3. Mr. Bennett North remarked that Miss Higgins's voice wai of beautiful quality, warmth of tone, and certain resource. She hed sure intonation, and improved aa she proceeded, having musical taste and a refined style. Children's Chorus (12 to 16 years); 15 to 25 voice;, (a) Two-part song, accompanied, "A Shepherd's Lullaby." (b) Two-part song, accompanied, "Owls."— Guildford Terrace Convent School A, 183 points, 1. Men's • Humorous Recitation.—Mr. Leslie Anderson (Wellington), 86 points, 1; Mr. W. J. Mather (Wanganui), 81 points, 2. Men's Scottish Song.—Mr. Arthur Lungley (Dunedin), 93 points, 1; Mr. R. Madigan (Wadestown), 89 points, 2; Mr. Allan Cadman (Wellington), 86 points, 3. Dickens Sketch, ladies.—Miss May M'Donald (Wellington), 86 points, 1; Miss V M. Wilson (Palmerston North), 83 points, 2; Miss Effie Brice (Kilbirnie), 81 points, 3. Baritone Solo; New Zealand composer. —Mr. Arthur Lungley (Dunedin), "Crossing the Bar," 90 points, 1; Mr. T. Collins (Wellington), "Crossing the Bar," 83 points, 2. "The winner gave a good rendering," said the judge. "He has a. gopd voice, and is very alert for finer details.Mr. Collins will give a good account of himself in a year or so." Humorous Stories.—Mr. W. Stock (Wellington), If point*, 1; Mr. F. Graynea (Wellington), 71 points, 2. Impromptu Debate.—Messrs. A. E. Hurley and A. D. Priestley (Wellington), 86 points, 1. The judge remarked that he had rio uncertainty in, awarding first place to Mr. Hurley and partner.