WESTLAND COMPETITIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 25 August 1926, Page 1

WESTLAND COMPETITIONS

SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED. The initial competitions of the Westland Society were brought to a close at the Town Hall and Princess Theatre yesterday. The whole gathering 'has proved a pronounced success, and well repaid the efforts of the promoters in organising so large a function. The following was the prize list completed during yesterday afternoon at die Town Hall in the presence of a large attendance. Correction.—The final result of the recitation “Off to Poppy Land” published yesterday should have read—Aliss A. Stephens 1-11, first; Afaster J. Gillooly and T. Ward, equal, 140, second ; B. Staines and T. Keown commended.

Piano duet. “ Capricante.”—ALisses B. and G. Jacobs, 173, 1; Alisses P. Thompson and L. Dale, 166, 3. Two others competed. School Choral Singing (part and unison) Convent School (Hokitika) 323. 1 ; Grey .Main School, 317, second. Kanicri State School competed creditably also. This competition was for the Newman Cup which the winners will hold for the year. Action Chorus (Banner Competition) Convent School Hokitika 1. The only competition, but a most pleasing performance, “The Handkerchief Song,” was given. Operatic Solo.—Atiss Gillooly 1, Afiss Pascoe 2. Two others competed. Baritone Solo, “ I Did not Know.”— Air Stopforth 1. The only competitor. Recitation, “Dr Dan’s Secret.”— Afiss Rita Morgan, 149, 1; Misses A. AL Token and Al. Groufsky, 134 each, equal 2. Recitation, “ It Couldn’t he Done.” —Alisses "Ward. Clark and Moore, equal 146, 1; Aliss. E. Fowler, 145, 2; Afiss AA’ormington and Afaster Heinz, 142, 3. Afaster Saunders, 140, highly commended.

Sacred Solo.—Afiss Borton, L 57, 1; Aliss M. Jones, 156, 2; Aliss Pascoe, 155, 3. Four others competed. Prepared Reading, “ Beneath the Stars.”—Aliss N. Dunford, 150, 1; Miss N. -Wood. 149, 2; Aliss B. Stephens, 146, 3. Recitation, “ Vitai Lainpada ” (The Torch of Life).—Afiss N. Dunford, 150.}, jl; Aliss X. Wood, 150, 2; Aliss R. Clarke and D. Hughes, 149, 3. Master AV. Blair very highly commended. This was a hard class to finalise. There were eight recalls, and five were equal. The latter were recalled for one verse each, with the final result arrived at.

The judges in announcing the results shortly before six o’clock yesterday afternoon praised the work of the competitors. AD- Aloss thanked the Committee for courtesies extended, and complimented them o)i the good work achieved at the initial effort. Air Moss referred specially to the official accompanist, Aliss A. Daly, and Hokitika should 1)0 very proud, he said, to have the services of so talented a young laily, at disposal. Air Bush spoke appreciatively of the good English spoken generally by the competitors. They' were rather free here from dialects and the speech was pleasingly pure. He proceeded to give the competitors many hints about tlieir work and generally praised what had been done. DANCING SECTION. The following were the medal winners in the section for which Air A. Barrowman, of Ruatapu, was judge. The piping was supplied hv Piper Hay of Greymouth, who by request gave a special item at the concert in the evening ,and was applauded loudly:— Highland Fling.—N. Gibbons. Sword Dance.—l. Tul loch, Sean Truiblmis. —N. Gibbons Hornpipe.—P. Gillooly. Irish Jig.—N. Gibbons. DEMONSTRATION CONCERT. AN OUTSTANDING SUCCESS. The concert at the Princess Theatre at night was a very remarkable success. By 7.30 p.m. the building was crowded and when the entertainment began a quarter of an hour later, the place was packed, and many were turned away. It was one of the largest audiences the Theatre has ever held. The programme consisted of upwards of 40 items. All the winners appeared in their success at the competitions and the result was a well diversified programme which was greatly enjoyed by the vast audience. The performers had a wonderful reception, there being much enthusiasm displayed all through the performance, and many gifts of flowers and sweets were sent up to the successful ones.

Tn the absence of the Mayor, Mr H. M. Coulson, Deputy Mayor, spoke appreciatively of the Competitions, remarking on their excellent management and the smoothness with which the event had gone off. He complimented the judges on their good work and praised the performers at the competitions for their interest in promoting the liberal arts. Mr Coulson referred to the approaching departure of Miss Gibbons, thanked her for her great assistance to local entertainments and wished her success in the future. When Miss Gibbons appeared later ill a farewell Highland dance, the young lady was accorded an ovation, and on the conclusion of the number was recalled in an unmistakeable manner and again applauded to the echo. Before the curtain fell, the IRev. G. Knowles-Smith, Vice-President, in a happy speech, presented the Newman Cup to Miss Maloney, pianist for the Convent School choral party. Tn doing so ho regretted the absence of his co-Vice-President. Dr Kennedy, who would have been pleased to witness the success of the choir, the work of which was complimented. The remarks were well received and at the invitation of the reverend gentleman the whole ot , the audience stood and remained standing for the singing of the National Antliem in honour of tlieir King and Country. Tt was a very pleasing and fitting ending to a very enjoyable evening’s programme. Owing to Mr Morris, the Secretary, being called away to-day, the result for the aggregate and some other details arc not available yet. Tt is the intention of the management after the school holidays to have an evening in the Soldiers’ Hall when the prizes will be presented and an announcement made in connection with next- year s competitions. Judges individual criticisms of the Competition work as far as available, are now obtainable at the County office.