WESTLAND COMPETITIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 20 August 1928, Page 4

WESTLAND COMPETITIONS

SUCCESSFUL OPENING. Despite unfavourable weather all day on Saturday, there was quite a successful opening tor the AYestland Competitions. The rain was very persistent at periods, but the Competitions had their drawing power, and large audiences were present for the three sessions. The forenoon session when the Competitions opened informally was attended numerously. There was a much larger attendance in the afternoon, while at night the audience was large—overflowing upstairs, and a well filled downstairs. Proceedings commenced at 10.30 o'clock in the morning, and with only intervals of an hour at midday, and another hour in the evening, were continuous till 11 o’clock at night when the final decisions for the evening s performances were given.

The Competitions went with a swing. Rev. G. Knowles-Smitli was supervisor, and no time was lost behind the scenes. Mr Morris, Secretary, had all matters of detail attended to. The members of the Committee were at their posts and the festival passed off very pleasingly. At tho evening session the President (.Mr Evans) declared the Competitions opened. In doing so Mr Evans sketched the progress of the Society for tho past three years, detailing its growth, and pointing to its usefulness. Tie spoke of the friendly help received by the assistance of the lady and gentlemen from Greymouth who helped so much with the judging. Mr Evans said he was looking forward to the revival of local clubs to take part in debates and speeches and other team work, and maintain the interest and influence of that section. Pleasure was expressed at the sustained entries, and it was gratifying to see the choirs in friendly rivalry. The good work performed by the Secretary (Mr Morris) in organising a four or five days function was alluded to, as was also the hearty co-operation and assistance of the Committee. ,Tn concluding Mr Evans said lie had much pleasure in declaring the Competitions opened, and trusted the festival would be a success, and an incentive to greater success in the years to come. RESULTS. Recitation, 9-12. (17 entries), “The Pour Sunbeams.” Recalls.—Sylvie Toohey, Kathleen Coakley, Jean Kyle.

Highly Commended. —Mary Preston, p. McGavin, Joyce Andrews, Helen Kenton, M. Dwan, Violet Ross. ■Final.—lean Kyle, 73, 1 ; Kathleen Coakley, 71, 2; Sylvie Tooliey, 69, 3. Song in Character, 12-15, (2 entries). —-Margaret Gillooly, 99, 1; Dorothy Inwood, 85 2. Piano Solo, 12-15 years, (6 entries) “Golliwog’s Cake "Walk.” Recalls.— Moira Stop forth, Elva lireeze-, Pearl Dowell. Final.—Pearl Dowell, 76. 1; Moira Stopforth, 74, 2; Elva Breeze, 71, 3. Corps do- Ballet, 10-12 years.—iris Staveley’s pupils, 70, 1. Corps de Ballet, 12-14 years.—-Mrs Staveley’s pupils, rod ha I let, 74, 1 ; Mrs Staveley’s pupils, blue ballet, 71, 2.

Recitation in Character, 9-12 years, (6 entries). Recalls.—Gordon Windsor, “A Frenchman in London,” Violet Ross, “Little Lord Fauiitleroy,” P. McGavin, “Uos’n Smith.” Highly Commended. —Helen Renton, Sheila Keller, Mary Preston. Final.—Gordon Windsor, 72, 1 ; Violet Ross, 71, 2; P. McGavin, 70, 3.

Musical Monologue, under 12 yeais, (5 entries). Recalls.—P McGavin “Peg Away,” Violet Ross “Granddad’s Spectacles.” Highly commended.—Gwymie Appleton, S. Sanders, Mary Preston. Final.—Violet Ross, 78, 1; P. AlcOavin, 75, 2.

Recitation, “What the Chimney Sang;” 12-15 years. (7 entries). Recalls.—N. Wormington, Annie Orr, Edna Fowler.

Final.—N. Wormington. 69, 1; A. Orr and E. Fowler, 68 each. Pianoforte Solo, 9-12 years, (10 entries), “Gnomes.” Recalls.—Valeric Nightingale, Patricia Toohey, Edna Baker. -Highly commended.—-Marg-aret Moore.

Filial.—Patricia Toohey, 78, *1; Valerie Nightingale, 77. 2; E. Baker, 75, 3. Ballet, Pas de Seal, over 14 years, (5 entries). —Helen Stavelev, 85, 1; Lily Staines, 84, 2. Mezzo Soprano Solo, “A SpiritFlower, (4 entries). —Miss Rita Moreau, 75, 1; Miss Rita .Morris, 73, 2. Musical Monologue, open, (7 entries).- —Miss Evans (Ross) “Playmate,” Air 4V. Afc-Grath (Greymouth) each 79, I ; ALiss Veale, 78, 3. Very highly commended.—Air P. McGrath. At iss E. Knight. Commended. —Aliss King and Airs Srhoy. Recitation, humorous, open, (6 competed).—Airs Windsor, (Ross), “The Pudding,” 70, 1; Air W. McGrath, (Greymouth), “Tho Waxwork’s Watchman,” 69, 2. Very highly commended.—Aliss Veale. Highly commended —Misses Evans and Knight. In addition, the playetto section and Shakespcrian section (men) was not completed, further entries to be heard to-night. SPLENDID ENT ER T AIN A 1 ENT.

There was great variety and interest in the entertainment provided. The young folk showed interest and enthusiasm in their work while their seniors were also keyed up to do their best. The audience was well entertained throughout. There were many good sections, and several of the items were outstanding. From a general entertainment point of view the fare provided was excellent. The elocutionary items were good, and there was not a weak number. The visiting competitors were in good form, and added to the interest and the standard of the performances. The musical section wag not as strong as previously, though there is more music to come. The vocal items on Saturday night were indicative of an improving standard. The dancing was a pleasing variety. The frocking was bright and the presentations no loss bright. A pleasing variety were the two short plays in which local amateurs acquitted themselves very well. There are two further plays to-night

to complete this section, when also tho Sccldon Cup Shnkesperean recital will ho decided, as well as tho ladies recital for tho President’s silver howl.

JUDGES’ REMARKS. Mr Bush iii commenting said he was pleased to note the improvements in numbers, hut in the earlier sessions the quality was disappointing, particularly in the section 9 to 12. In the children’s section nearly every competitor failed to get the story—tho meaning of the piece, this was so particularly in the “Fouit Sunbeams.” Mr Bush spoke well of the character recitals. The choice was good and well portrayed. “What the Chimney Sang” was quite a good section, hut hardly enough change was brought into tho verses. He enjoyed ihc children’s monologues. They were quite good and pleasing. K was essential the music anil speakers should bo together, and that needed practice. He praised the winners very highly. Mr Bush spoke very highly of the humorous section which was of a high standard. It could hardly have been better as far as standard was concerned. All did well and tho choice of pieces was good. Mr Bush also praised tho work in the senior monologue, and expressed satisfaction at the standard reached.

Mr Moss in passing comment on the musical section, expressed pleasure at the entries being so well maintained, though this was his third year as judge. “The Golliwogs Cake Walk” was difficult and perhaps not an interesting piece. The presentation was somewhat disappointing, though the winner gave a very good reading when recalled. The character song was quite a good' performance, the winner having a sweet voice. In the piano solo “Gnomes,” the winner gave a good reading. The second player displayed some hesitation, while the third player missed the repeat. Mr Moss praised the ladies’ singing, the winner having a good quality voice, with nice colouring and producing a

very good performance. Mrs Hannan’s remarks on the dancing were of a favourable nature. Ihe youngest party hardly kept to the music, and were out of step, but it was a good performance for ones so young. The seniors were good, and were hard to separate. TO-DAY’S SESSIONS. Tho Competitions resumed at the Theatre at 9.30 o’clock this morning. TU !<:SD Av ’S PR 0011 AM ME. The Competitions will bo continued to-morrow at the Princess Theatre, and a lengthy programme is set down, covering the three sessions, as follows :

Morning.— 9.30 o’clock, Humorous recitation (12 to 18) 5 competitors; Girl’s song (9-14) 6 competitors; Ballet pas do Seal, (under 10) 4 competitors; Musical Monologue (12-15), 4 competitors; Recitation, “A Pair ot Twins,” 9 competitors; Operatic or Dramatic Solo, 4 competitors; Classic Solo, (under 10, and 12-14), 3 competitors; Prepared Reading, (.12-15), 7 competitors. Afternoon session.—2 o’clock. Action Chorus, 1 competitor; Violin Solo, “Mazurka,” 1 competitor; Character Dance, (under 12), 11 competitors; Recitation in character, (12-15), 4 competitors; Children’s Dialogue, (12-15), 3 competitors; Contralto Solo, “A Song Remembered,” 1 competitor: Piano Solo. “La Castagnette,” 1 competitor; Classic ensemble, (over 14), 1 competitor; Musical Monologue, (1518), 2 competitors; Recitation, own selection, ladies, 6 competitors; Roy’s Song, (9-14), .1 competitor; Piano Solo, •‘Dance of the Gnomes,” 1 competitor; Reading at sight (15-18), 2 competitors; Recalls. Evening session.—7.4s o’clock, Oration, Juvenile, 1 competitor; Girl’s Song, (14-18), 4 competitors; Character Dance, (under 12), recalls; Instrumental Trio, 3 competitors; ltecitaion, ladies', own selection, recalls; Bass Solo, 2 competitors; Corps do Bullet, (over 14). 1 competitor; Plnyettes, 3 competitors.

WEDNESDAY’S DOINGS. On Wednesday there will he morning, anil afternoon sessions only, no night programme, the theatre being engaged for pictures. . CONCLUDING NIGHT. Tho Competitions >vill wind tip on Thursday night with a grand demonstration concert, and already there is evidence by the hooking that the Princess Theatre will he packed out. From the iutmost evinced in progress of tlie Competitions it is evident that are much to the popular taste. The Committee will certainly be encouraged to do all in its power to ensure the popularity of this annual festival so useful to the town being maintained at the highest standard.