WESTLAND COMPETITIONS SOCIETY.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 September 1926, Page 1

WESTLAND COMPETITIONS SOCIETY.

The wind-up of the Westland Competitions took the form of a social at tho Soldiers’ Hall List night and it was a pronounced success. There was

a very largo gathering present, and it was evident that a very enjoyable time was being spent, The programme was quite an impromptu one. Tho first part consisted of an hour’s entertainment, when several of the competitors upheld their success at tho competitions. There was music, elocution and highland dancing. The little tots who recited were a great charm in themselves, and did exceedingly well-. The young ladies who supplied tho vocal music were excellently received, and the young ladies and youths who favoured with instrumental numbers also pleased greatly. The recitations were all of a high order. Ah' H. AL Coulson supplemented the progimnnie with a humorous recitation, greatly enjoyed. The whole programme was most enjoyable. Aliss Daly was the accompanist for tlie vocal numbers and the dancing. Hon. H. L. Afichel, M.L.C., Patron of tho Society, gave a short address in which he congratulated one and all on the success of tho recent competitions. lie praised the movement in itself, which was worthy of tho fill lest support of all. He recalled that in former years a literary and debating society flourished here, and tho present was a- timely occasion to revise such a valuable adjunct to tlie amenities of the social life. Air Michel congratulated the officers and committee of the Society on tlie all round success attending their efforts, and hoped all the competitors would benefit from iho special function inaugurated for their advancement.

The prizes won at the Competitions were then presented hv the President (Air D. J- Evans) who congratulated tho successful ones, and hoped all would be to the fore again next year with a. bigger and better competition. A bound volume of Chopin’s waltzes was presented to Aliss Daly, the official accompanist at the Competitions, and the round lady’s work praised very highly. The prize to tho most successful competitor wont 'to Aliss Jean Dowell, who was accorded hearty applause on receiving Air AlcTntosh’s special. A special prize was presented to Master T. Keown wlio competed with marked credit though at the time very unwell. The handsome banner for the action song, to be held this year by the Convent Junior School wps presented to Aliss Gillooly, and the Newman Cup was handed to the Convent School also, the winners of the choral singing. Six gold and silver medals were presented to those successful in the Highland dancing, and a number of envelopes containing other prizes won were handed to the successful competitors, all of whom were 'Accorded hearty rounds of applause by tlmso present. Following the prize giving, supper was served, and then the hall was cleared for a dance which proceeded merrily for a couple of hours. It was indeed a very enjoyable winding up to the Successful Competitions. During tho evening apologies were received for the absence of Afossrs Rush and .Moss, judges, and Dr Kennedy, Vice-President. It- was announced a general meeting of members of tho Society would be held in December to present the annual report and arrange for the next season’s competition”. As a longer season was contemplated more help would ho required in conducting the Competitions, and the support- of those willing to assist was invited.