WESTLAND COMPETITIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 21 August 1928, Page 1

WESTLAND COMPETITIONS

SECOND DAY, HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL. The Competitions were continued at the Princess Theatre yesterday again in very successful vein, despite very damp weather conditions. Rain fell steadily, increasing in persistence as the day advanced, and the night conditions were particularly unpleasant, but the- spirits of the audience were not damped. There was a large attendance in the afternoon, while at night the Theatre was crowded, testifying to the drawing capabilities of the festival. All the sessions proved very interesting. The applause of the audience was frequent and free. This was demonstrated specially at the night performance, when the plaudits of the audience almost demanded encores. The plnyettes proved very popular, and the final play "From the Soup to the Savoury,” went so well as the three performers had to take a “cuitain.” Naturally great interest centred in the Choir contest, and the public were well entertained. Both choirs sang effectively, and each was praised very highly by the judge. This was a splendid section, and the item was in every way creditable to the reputation of the town. Two challenge trophies were- finally decided last evening. The Seddon Cup for Shakesperean recitation (men) went to Mr IV. McGrath. Last year it was won by Mr P. J. McGrath, who was second on this occasion. The Bose Bowl trophy for Shakespercan recital (ladies) was appropriated by Miss Evans (Ross) last night, Airs Srhoy ( last year’s winner) being runner up. A special feature of the day programme yesterday was the juvenile work, many of tho children doing splendidly. Some of the humorous work was capital. The dancing was again a good feature. Some Greymouth competitors were, on in the daytime. Altogether the programme was of all round excellence, and the fact that the audience stayed on till 11 o’clock to await the end of the proceedings, proved how much the general public was interested ill the day’s doings. The following were the additional results of yesterday's events:—

MONDAY AFTERNOON. Ballet, Pas do Soul, 10-12 (5 entries) Recalls: Betty Cook, Clare Johnston, Florric Hall. Filial—lst. Florrio Hall 75; 2nd. Betty Cooke 74. Ballet Pas de Sen!, 12-14 (10 entries). Recalls—Ella Robertson, Doreen Pickering, Phyllis Andrews, Nancy Yarrall, Nooleeit Wormington. Final—lst. Ella Robertson 76; 2nd. Phyllis Andrews

Humorous Recitation, under 12 (1

entries): Recalls—P. MeGaviii, Nancy McKane, Violet Ross, Ida Macdonald. Piano Duet, “Scconclc Mazurka” (4 entries) : Recalls—M. Fitzgerald and M. Stopforth, G. Jacobs and R. Jacobs. Filial—-Ist. G. Jacobs and It. Jacobs

77; 2nd. M.,Fitzgerald and M. Sto] forth 74. Recitations, 15—18, "The House b

the Side of tho -Road” (3 entries): Ist. Daisy Marshall' and Nancy Wood (equal) 72. Reading at Sight, 12—15 (2 entries) : Ist. Mary McGavin 63; 2nd. Joy Ward 62. Soprano Solo "Sunflakes” (2 entries): Ist. Maureen Hnnntlniii 70: 2nd. Charlotte Wylie 69. Humorous Recitation, under 12:

Final—lst. Nancy ' McKane "Susie Green” 71; 2nd. Ida Macdonald "Susie Green” 70; Y.H.C. Violet Ross and P. McGavin.

MONDAY EVENING. Shake.sperian Recitation, ladies, "Portia’s Reply to Bassanio” (5 entries) —Ist. Miss Evans 70; 2nd. Mrs Srlioy 67; V.11.C. Miss Voalc, Mrs Windsor; H.C. Miss Knight. Shakesperian Recitation, men, "Cassius to Brutus” (3 entries)—lst. W r . McGrath 75; 2nd. P. McGrath 68. Dance, classic solo, over 14 (5 entries) “Anitra’s Dance”—lst. Nancy Wrigh 83; 2nd. Helen Stavolcy 82. Ladies’ Test Recitation, "The Chambered Nautilus” (4 entries) Ist. Miss Veale 71; 2nd. Mrs Windsor 70; V.11.C. Mrs Srlioy and Miss Knight. Baritone Solo, (3 entries) —Ist. Tlios Moore 73 "The Lass of Richmond Hill.” 2nd. J. Stopforth 70 “A Farewell.” Classic Ensemble, under I t (2 entries)—lst. “To the Shrine” 80; 2nd. “Gavotte” 64. Choir—Anthem: "I Waited for tho Lord.” Hymn: “Jcsu, Lover of My Soul.” Ist. St. Andrew’s Choir, anthem 78 and hymn 70—154; 2nd. All Saints’ Choir, anthem 76 and liyrnn 74—150. All Saints’ Clmir won the handsome challenge shield last year. JUDGES’ COMMENT. Speaking in the afternoon Mr Moss said the piano duet had given him very great pleasure. There were four very good performances. Thejo had been a good interpretation of what he wanted. The winning pair had lost marks for altering the tempo, butotlicrwise gave a very excellent performance. He said it was a serious mistake to alter the time set by a composer, and the fault should he avoided. He commended all the players for a good all round performance.

Mr Dross said he was disappointed the soprano solo did not attract a larger entry. The piece was not- a difficult one and he lioned for a better i espouse. Mr Bush was very complimentary to the elocutionary number “The House by the Side of tho Road.” He said they could not expect to hear a better rendition anywhere in New Zealand. He was not able to separate the two leading performers who did excellent work. The third competitor was very highly complimented. With regard to the sight reading, Mr Bust regret ted there were not more entries. Reading at home was a good practice for intending entrants. The essence of the task was to give the sense of the piece. He hoped this section would draw more entries next occasion. There was .praise also for the humorous recitation, in the capital way tho stories were told. The winner worked up an effective climax which carried the day. The other competitors did creditably.

Speaking briefly late last night, Mr Bush expressed pleasure at the way the competitors handled the “Chambered Nautilus.” All the ladies caught the spirit of the piece and gave good renderings. They held a good atmosphere, sustained a good style and gave a vivid picture. In the Shakesperean recital, too, the ladies gave .him n great deal of pleasure with the excellence of their performances. The metre was well kept. Regarding the mens’ Shakespeare Mr W. McGrath, who is regarded is the best Shakesperean reciter on the Const won with distinction.

On behalf of Mrs Hannan it was stated the dancing was a very good section.

Mr Moss praised the winner in the baritone solo. The choice of the second performer was not a -good one. Regarding tho choirs he spoke very eulogistic-ally. He said he had never heard better choirs, and both were at a standard to compete anywhere in New Zealand. He was delighted absolutely and congratulated the town. In giving the decision, lie said, that although the larger choir won, it did not have the best blending as a choir. That credit was due to All Saints’. But the contest was distinctive and outstanding for its all round quality.

At the Competitions to-night the juvenile plays will bo produced. There are three parties in -competition. There will he, also, some recalls from the afternoon, and the finals will be decided to-night. The programme tonight will consist of music, song, story and tlancc, and should provide a well diversified entertainment. The first item, the juvenile oration, will begin at 7.-15 and patrons should he early.

TO-MORROW’S SESSION. Tho number of entries received for

tlie .Competitions necessitates the festivl being continued to-morrow forenoon and afternoon, to decide all the sections. The session starts to-mor-row morning at 10 with the own selection recitation, 20 performers; violin solo “Dream Thoughts,” 4; song in character, 15 to 18, 2; prepared reading, 15 to 18, 3. The afternoon session

begins at 2 o’clock with tlie humorous solo, 2; choral singing, 1; sacred solo-, 9; and recitation in character, 15 to 18, 2.

The Theatre to-morrow .evening: wiil lie occupied by Everybody’s Pictures. i,'n Thursday evening there will ho i grand demonstration concert at Prin-

loess Theatre, The interest in this event is evidenced by the fact that all seats upstairs have been booked up. Seats are available downstairs, front seats 2s, back seats Is, children halfprice, The programme will be a lengthy one, -and judging by the reception of the items during the Competitions will lie an enjoyable one. SECOND DEMONSTRATION CONCERT. Owing to the heavy hooking for the Demonstration Concert on Thursday night, and the 'fact that many country visitors have been unable to. hook seats it has been decided to liolcl a second Demonstration Concert next' Tuesday

night at the Princess Theatre.’ The plan for this will be open lor country visitors only, up to Saturday morning, and thereafter for tlie general public. The two concerts will enable all the winning competitors to appear, and tlie presentation of two additional plays. Both performances will be well diversified and particulars of each will be given later. Country patrons should book earl}’.