PACKED HOUSE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20027, 28 August 1939, Page 4

PACKED HOUSE

HUNDREDS TURNED AWAY COMPETITIONS REVIVAL DEMONSTRATION CONCERT TROPHIES PRESENTED During the .past week there was ample evidence o'f a revival of public interest in the Gisborne Competitions Society’s festival, and this was confirmed in a remarkable manner at the demonstration concert on Saturday night. The house was either full or booked out before 7.30 o'clock, and it is estimated that from 300 to 400 people were refused tickets after that time.

The unexpected rush for admission caused a little confusion, and ‘in the body of the hall a number of those who had purchased tickets at the door invaded a row of reserved seats, with the result that those who had booked seats in that row either had to take the nearest vacant seats or leave the hall. A number chose the latter course,-and had their money refunded.

Apologies Made

This incident was the subject of an apology made from the stage shortly after the start 'by the stage manager, Mr. A. J. Nicol. A little annoyance was apparently felt by a section of the audience, for a brief exchange arose between a member of the- audience and the -stage manager.

Another apology was made to members of the combined choirs, who were among those who were unable to gain admission to th'e house. They were practising with the music judge. Mr. Len Barnes, Christchurch, from before 7 o’clock until shortly before 7.30 p.m., and when they went to the ticket office to secure seats in the house they found them all sold. Apart from the unfortunate incidents on Saturday night, the week’s festival was a most successful one and the first for seven or eight years that had yielded a 'satisfactory financial result. The Competitions Society expects a fair profit from the week's activities, and officials consider that the result is ample proof of increasing interest in the encouragement of the art of entertainment among their own people. During the evening winners of cups received their trophies at the conclusion of their items. The awards were made as follows: — Vocal Championship Ladies (National Tobacco Cup).— Mrs. S. Rutherford, 16 points. Gentlemen (Auto Parts, Cup).—Mr. W. Bentley, Napier, 16 points. In each instance ft was necessary for a competitor to score at least 13 points in order to qualify for the championship. The maximum points were 20. Elocution Championship Ladies (miniature cup presented by society).—Miss Joyce Annan, Napier, 13 points. Gentlemen, (miniature cup presented by society).—(Mr. Norman Lee, 13 points. Possible points totalled 15 'in each instance, and 9£ points were required to qualify for the championship. National Dancing Championship Senior (society’s cup).—Miss Sheila Munro, 21 points, out of a possible of 25 points, while 16 points were required to qualify. Junior Championship.—No award. Miss Colleen Perston secured the award for the highest number of poin ts with 11 points. Sixteen points were required to qualify for the championship. Other Trophies A wristlet watch donated by Messrs. Lee brothers for the junior elocution test was won by Janet Oakden. 'Mr. J. T. Hayes was presented with the medal donated (by Messrs. Jas. Begg and Company, Limited, for the harmonica solo class, while a cup donated by the YJM.C.A. for the junior harmonica solo went to Mervyn Fleming. Mr. I. Birchnail received the choir cups wen by the Presbyterian Church and Whangara choirs. One of the features of the concert was the performance of the combined choirs under the baton of the judge. There were nearly 100 voices, and the combined effort was well received.

The judges, Messrs. Barnes and Errol H. Muir, each gave items. The official accompanist was Mr. Wilfrid Kohn.