WESTLAND COMPETITIONS SOCIETY

Hokitika Guardian, 5 April 1927, Page 1

WESTLAND COMPETITIONS SOCIETY

annual .meeting. Jhe annual meeting of the above was held at the County Chambers last evening at 8.20 o’clock. There was not: a large attendance. .Mr D. J. Evans, President, presided. The lion. Secretary (Mr ,J. W. Morris) presented the minimi' balance sheet, showing receipts Cl 12 2s, and the expenditure C(.".*) Its, leaving a surplus on the year’s transactions of £4G IPs Od.—Received with expressions of satisfaction. ANNUAL REPORT. A public meeting was called for May, 1020, to discuss the advisability of forming a society with the object of fostering and encouraging elocutionary and musical ability in the district by means of public competitions. The suggestion was enthusiastically taken up, and a sub-committee was appointed to draft rules and report to a meeting to be held on 2'tli .May, when the Westland Competitions Society was formally constituted, officers elected, and a programme drawn up for the

yea r. The programme provided for competitions in elocution, instrumental and vocal music, and dancing, and drew ISO entries, which must he considered very satisfactory as an initial elfort. The competitions wore held in the Town Hall, Hokitika, on Monday and Tuesday, 2rd and 2!tli August, and on the evening of 24th there was a recital by prize winners in the theatre, and as evidence of the popularity of the competitions the building was crowded. Several special prizes were o(fared lor different sections, and a handsome cup, now known as the Newman Challenge Cup. for choral singing, was presented b.v Air and .Mrs AV. 11. Newman. ol Hokitika. To the donors of special prizes, to the judges for their advice and services. in Miss Daly, who so efficiently and kindly acted as accompanist!.;, and to the press for assistance given, the thankus of the Society are flue, and ii is hoped that an enthusiastic backing will' be given io the new Committee, so that this year's inaugural effort will he maintained, and even greater public interest stimulated to encourage the continuance of so excellent a proied as fostering of elocutionary and musical ability. Received and adopted. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Patron.—Hon. 11. L. .Michel, .AI.L.C. President.—Mr I). .1. Evans. Vice-Presidents. Father Finnert.v and Rev. G. Kuowles-Smilh. Hon. .Secretary.-—Mr J. AY. Morris. Hon. Treasurer.—Mr ,T. Conning. Committee.—Rev. J. AV. Hayward, Messrs Lynn, Partridge. Sweuey. Richards and Stapleton. Oliicia! aeeompnniste.—Miss Daly, A.T.C.L. THE NEXT COMPETITIONS. The dates for the next competition were fixed provisionally for August 22. 2,'1 and 21. to he held in the Soi'diors’ Hall and Princess Theatre. It, was decided to communicate with Messrs Moss (music) and Bush (elocution) with regard to judging, and to ask the judges to select the choice for competition. As soon as available the hook of words to he issued, and placed on sale at fid per copy. The A'iee-Presidcnts intimated a desire to contribute to the prize hind, for which also other special prizes were available. Gratification was expressed at the success of lasi year’s cll’ort, and th»* present indications were most satislaetorv giving promise lor an extended Micros-; this year. The meeting concluded at fi.3o,