COMPETITIONS CONCLUDE.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 August 1927, Page 4

COMPETITIONS CONCLUDE.

AN OYER-FLOWING AUDIENCE.

Princess Theatre held one of its largest “houses” last night lor the conclu-

sion of the competitions. .Despite the efforts of the fire authorities and police, the people found their way in long after “ houso full'”, was announced. The audience packed the main body of the hull, overflowed on to the wings of the stage, while many even found their way into the “flies” where they had a wonderful vantage point- Even with all this, hundreds were turned away, indicating that public interest in the Competitions were aroused as never before. The programme was a crowded one, and the motto was “ no encores and no interval.” Some forty-six numbers in all were given, but despite the length it was found possible to crowd the presentation into three very full hours, and l.v eleven o’clock all were homeward bound. The scene outside the Theatre at that time was a very animated one. There were scores of ears about and the street was congested with people, affording some idea of the greatness of the audience. Anticipating the time for commencement Rev. Father Finnerty. Vice-

President of the Competitions, first addressed the audience, expressing pleasure at the success they had been and acknowledging the help contributed by so many to ensure that great success. On behalf of the Society he expressed special thanks to the judges for their good work and the ready helpers they had been. He had to acknowledge too on behalf of the Society, the invaluable services of their Secretary C\i r Morris) for his capable organising, which was evidenced by the smoothness with which the Competitions find passed off. He thanked those who had assisted so well in preparing their pupils, and in congratulating the winners, had a friendly word of encouragement for those who had not succeeded, but who by flieir efforts and experience bad laid tlio foundations for future success. The standard of the work, lie was given to understand by the judges, bad improved greatly, and personally be bad been struck by the excellence shown in many of the numbers, and realised that a great deal of latent talent had been brought out. This advancement was greatly appreciated by the Society for it was the aim and object to secure an improvement and an extension in the different arts cultivated. He wished while the opportunity afforded to thank Miss Daly lor her generous help as accompnnistc to the Society. In that connection also he had been asked by the Musical Judge (Mr Moss) to express thanks and appreciation also for the uniform excellence of Miss Daly s work throughout the Competitions. In concluding, the Rev. Father thanked the public for their I'iberai patronage which was an encouragement to the Society to continue its work for the benefit of the community at large (Applause.) A very lengthy programme was then proceeded with, Mr .1). J. Evans (President) and Itev, G. Ivnowles-Smitn (Vice-President) being stage managers. Accompaniments were played by .Misses Daly, Giese, G. Jacobs, Stopfortk, Paget, Davies. All the items were received with marked enthusiasm, but owing to the length of the programme encores, could not lie permitted. Several of the performers—all of whom did excellently—received bouquets and bon buns as marks of special favour from lreuds, one young lady in particular, Miss Noei'een Wormington. tins winner of the donated cup for the most points in elocution, being loaded with special floral and sweets favours. The tint tots were not forgotten either, ans whether in elocution or dancing were roundly applauded. Mrs Stave ley’s dancing class till did well, their sparkling numbers being much appreciated. The same might be said also of tiro feature character sketches, the young ladies doing capital work. A pleasant surprise as the programme progressed was tuo appearance of some of the Gieymoutli competitors, Messrs McGrath (.3) and Daly, who came down special'y, the former rendering Shakespearean items, and the last-named a

short speech on the Otira Tunnel. ’the visitors had a very cordial reception. THE PROGRAMME. ; The following was the programme rendered:— Miss 11. Ycale, recitation, “ He Beil Among Thieves ” ; Beatrice Stephens, : recitation, “ The ’Xmas Guest ” ; Miss Horton, soprano solo, •• Softly Awakes My Soul Arthur Rodgers, recitation, “'file .Mouse” ; Edna Baker, piano solo, I “ Happy Summer Days”; Junior Girls Classic Dance; Mary McGavin, humor- j nii3 recitation, “ The Bald-headed j Man”; Convent Girls, action chorus, j Beautiful’ Flowers ”; P. McGrath, ; Shakespearean recital, “Hotspur’s 1 Speech ”; Jean Dowell, violin solo, I “ Mimiett in G”; Daisy Marshall. 1 musical monologue, “ A Gentleman ol France”; Misses Morgan and Morris, vocal duct ; Constance Staines, recitation, “A. Sleepv Time ” ; Miss L. Knight, contralto solo, “ Melisande in the Wood”; Alan Coles, recitation.

Shakespearean recital, “ Hotspur’s Speech”; Jean Dowell, violin solo,

“Mimiett in G”; Daisy Marshall, musical monologue, “ A Gentleman ol France”; Misses Morgan and Morris, vocal duct; Constance Staines, recitation, “A. Sleepv Time ” ; Miss L. Knight, contralto solo, “Melisande in the Wood”; Alan Coles, recitation. “ The Thinker ” ; .T. McGrath, mono logue, “ Old Pierott ” ; Senior Girls. Corps do Bali’et; Moira Stoptorth, piano solo. “ Valse 1 Durnndo”; All Saints Choir, Choral Item; Cora Lynn, recitation in character, “ Peter Pan ” : W. McGrath, selected recitation, Gloucester’s Soliloquy ” ; J. Ackers, violin solo, “ Sohon Rosemnrin ” ; Ella Groufsky, recitation, “ The ’Xmas Guest ” ; Coitvent A Girls, Choral Item; Joan Baker, juvenile oration, “ Jewish Disabilities ” ; M. Hanrahan. song, “Laekrnlny ” ; X. Worniington, humorous recitation, “The Last Half Hour”; Mary Sanders, humorous recitation. “ Daddy and Bahsy ”; Cora Lynn, song. “Tn a Cottage Small”; Miss E. Knight, recitation, “The Song of the Market Place M. Daly, prepared speech, “The Otira Tunnel Benefits”; Miss Horton, operatic solo, “ Flower Song ” ; Miss Honey, Shakespearean recitation. “Lorenzo's Eulogy to Music”; Pearl Dowell, song, “ Lackadny ” ; Miss 0. and R. Jacobs, piano duet, “Prelude”; I). Heinz, violin solo, “ Melodie ” ; L. Staines, ballet dance, “Youth”; Jean Dowell, song in character, “ 1 Have No Home”: Miss G. Jacobs, A.T.C.L.. piano soil), “ Baracolle ” ; Joy Ward, recitation in character. " Butterfly”; Nancy Wood, recitation, "His Epitaph”; Misses Jacobs and Lynn, instrumental trio.

“ Lustspiel ” ; Junior girls, ballet, concerted : Miss R. Morris, mezzo soprano solo. "Morning”; D. Hughes, recitation in character, “ Lorna Doone ”; Miss R. Jacobs, piano solo, “ Wedding Dny.”

Before the audience separated, the President thanked the public tor the liberal patronage and apologised to those who could not gain admission. Next year if all went well some different arrangements would Ire made and probably two demonstration concerts would he hol’d.

The proceedings concluded with the hearty singing of the National Anthem.