WESTLAND COMPETITIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 23 August 1928, Page 1

WESTLAND COMPETITIONS

SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED. The Westland Competitions coneluded successfully about 5 o’clock last evening, when the National An'them was sung very heartily by a largo attendance. The morning session extended from 10 o’clock to 12.30, and the afternoon session from 1.30 to 3 o’clock. The interest was sustained to the end. There were more surprises for the judges and the audience during the day some remarkably good work being done. The standard attained in some of the classes was delightfully surprising and indicates how much latent talent there is in the district. The result’s recorded for tho afternoon’s work were:

Recitation in Character, 15-18, (2 entries). —Daisy Marshall, “Juliet,” 81, 1; Nancy Woo'd, “Madame Dcfaye,” 80.

Sacred Solo, (S entries). Recalls.— Mrs Harrison, “There is a Green Hill Far Away-”, Miss Knight, “0 Loving Father,” Miss Morgan, ! ‘Ave Maria.” Final.—Miss Morgan, 74, 1; Miss Knight, 73, 2. Highly commended.—Miss Morris, “Ave Afar in,” Thos. Moore. “Ora Pro Nobis.” Special mention.—Miss Wylie “() Divine Redeemer.”

Special prize donated by Mr Moss for greatest improvement in singing classes:—Miss Rita Morgan.

Special item, elocution. Prize offered by Mr Bush for promising competitor. Nine selected. Anita Stephens wos awarded the trophy. Humorous Solo, (L entry).—Miss Wy!ie, -‘Philosopliy.’’ Choral Singing, (1 entry).—Convent Girls, part song, “Minuet,” 77, unison, “Rain,” 75, 1.

Juvenile Open Recitation, final.— Nancy 'Wood, 73, 1; Daisy Marshall, and N. Wormington, equal, 72, 2. Very highly commended.—Violet Ross, and H. Renton. All other competitor.’. highly commended. When the last item had been rendered, the President expressed thanks to the judges for their painstaking work. He realised that the competitors lin'd, confidence and reliance in. the judges, and many of them were forging ahead in their work by paying attention- to the advice and instruction given. He felt that the audience must have had a special treat that afternoon by some of the work, and the effort of the judges in steadily improving the standard in choice and delivery was appreciated. He was sure the parents appreciated what was being achieved in the resulting culture, and in the raising of a standard in thought and speech which must have a beneficial effect on the community. On that account the Competitions were proving well worth while, and he was glad to see the public supported the festival to tints end.

Mr E. Moss, the judge of the musical section, said die was sorry the Competitions were ended for the year. He thanked the Committee for their help and consideration. He also tnbuted the work of Miss Daly, the official accompanist, of whom he had spoken previously in the highest terms. Ho was so pleased with the advance made l»y several of the pupils sine? his first visit that ho had decided to give a trophy, value two guineas, to the most improved singer. It would be rewarded to Miss Rita Morgan whom he had seen improve during the three years. He also recognised improvement in the singing of Misses .Knight and Lynn. Next and .succeeding Competitions he would give a trophy of equal value for n test piece for lady soloists. Mr Moss went on to praise the performances in the sacred solo, and referred also to the choral singing. He was soiry there was only one competing party. The section should he better supported. He praised the singing of the Convent scholars who brought out a good effect when singing in unison and made a good effort with part singing Mr Bush, tin. judge of elocution said a local resident had offered a trophy for the best juvenile performer, and ho awaided it to Ida McDonald for her appearance in “A Pair of Twins.” Mr Bush gave a special prlw for the most promising elocutionist, and this was awarded to Anita Stephens. Ho passed on to refer to the character recitals that afternoon. There were only two—but they veto gems—ftif-l of merit The presentation was' good and the productions were of a remarkably high standard. In the open recitation, nineteen per formers took part. All the selections were good and appropriate. “Even (the poorest,” said Mr Bush, “wore as good as I would ask for in such a 'Jass.” They were all very dissimilar in character, yet extremely interesting in each instance. The winner fluid much improved. She was infinitely better than last year, and if she maintained her interest in elocution, she would go far. He spoke in praise of the other performers, and offered words of encouragement to n,il. Ho concluded by wishing the Society every success in the future and spoke of the personal pleasure lie had had in being amongst them. TO-NIGHT'S DEMONSTRATION. Princess Theatre will he filled to capacity to-night for the first Demonstration Concert. A very full programme has Leon arranged and judging hy the appreciation in the past patrons will have a most enjoyable time. On Tuesday night there will he a second Demonstration night. Ihe box plan is now open, and seats are in demand."’ The programme will a diversified as that for tins evening, and the audience will find much to their liking in file way of n tip top entertainment.