WESTLAND COMPETITIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 24 August 1928, Page 1

WESTLAND COMPETITIONS

DEMONSTRATION CONCERT. A REMARKABLE SUCCESS. There, was a capacity house at the Princess Theatre last ; night for the first Demonstration Concert following the Westland Society’s Competitions which closed tho previous day. Folk gathered from all parts, as far north as Greymouth, and from Ross in the south. There wore three and a qunr- [ ter hours of excellent entertainment. Tlie curtain rose promptly at 7.45 and fell finally at 11 o’clock when the large and very pleased audience dispersed. The. attendance, in the face of the wet and boisterous weather, was quite remarkable, and emphasised the drawing qualities of tho fare provided. The whole programme wont with a swing. The concert programme organised by Mr Morris, the Secretary, was carried 1 out in its entirety. The Rev. G. Knowles-Smith filled the duties of stage director admirably, and did not permit tlie proceedings to lag at any stage. All the performers were well received, and each delighted th audience. The elocutionary work was outstanding, there being some ver. notable numbers. The dancing wan also a great pleasure, and the visiting performers from Greymouth were 1 thanked for coming down on such, a rough night. The musical section was a strong one. Tho Convent pupils made a fine impression, and as customary acquitted themselves excellently. The playettes wore well received. The juveniles did very well in “The Old Bull” while tlie seniors in “Between tlie Soup and the Savoury” brought down the liou.se. It was a remarkably even performance, each character excelling in its own line. Tho applause was genuine and hearty in every phase. The following was tlie lengthy programme for tho evening:—Plnyette “The; Old Bull” (junior players) ; Piano

Solo “La. Castagnette” (Aliss Gwen Jacobs) ; Recitation in Character “Prince Edward” (Noloon AA’orniingtoii); Baritone Solo “The Lass of Richmond Hill” (Air T. Moore) ; Dance “Love in a Alist” (Jacqueline Reeves); Recitation “A Pair of Twins’’ (Tda. Macdonald!).

This performer was presented by Rev. Knowles-Smith with a silver cup awarded to the host juvenile performer, the trophy being tho gift of an anonymous donor who found great pleasure in tin' work of the juvenile performers. Recitation “Susie Brown” (N. McKane); Action Chorus (Convent) ; Juvenile Oration (Daisy Marshall); Dance, Bal-

let (Mrs Stavoley’s pupils); Musical Alonologue “Grandpa’s Spectacles” (Violet Ross) ; Song in Character “Rhodn. and her Pagoda” (Nancy AVood); Piano Solo “Gnomes” (P. Tooliey); Solo Dance (Nancy AA’right) ; Recitation “AA’hito Roses” (Aliss Voale); Dance “Sylvia” (Ella Robertson); Humorous Recitation “Keeping a Scat” (Joy AVa.rd) ; Song in Character “Jack in tlie Box” (Alargnret Gillool.y); Dance “Greek” (Alice Rad.eilffe); Convent Choir; Alonologue “Roses’’ (request item, Nancy Wood); Recitation “Tho Four Sunbeams” (Jean Kvlo); Dance, Ballet (Mrs Stavciley’s pupils); Violin Solo “Dream Thoughts” (D. Heinz); Girls’ Song “Little Lady of tho Aloon (Dorothy Stopforth); Dance (Moira. Alurpliy) ; Piano Duet “2nd. Alazurka” (Alisses R. and G. Jacobs);

Recitation in Character “Juliet’’ (Daisy Girls’ Song “Advice” (.Aliss Ada’Lynn) ; Plnyette “Between the Soup and the Savoury” (senior players). Many of the performers received flowers and boxes of sweets

'rom appreciative admirers. Just before the close, and the sing-

I ing of the National Anthem,, the President (Air Evans) thanked the audI ieneo for the magnificent appreciation lof the Competition. He referred to the need of strong financial support to I enable the Society to carry on the I work and further raise the level oif the standard now reached. He invited those approving of what had been done to assist further, and if tlie. So*j ciety had an assured membership of fifty or sixty supporters prepared to contribute at feast £1 each annually, the financial position would lie assured, and the Society would he encouraged to secure outside judges and to add to their programme considerably. He asked those willing to cooperate in the direction indicated to communicate with tho Secretary (Air Alorris) or any member of the Committee. TUESDAY’S CON CEB T. Next Tuesday night tlie.ro will he a. second Demonstration Concert, when an entire change of programme will he .given, and the remainder of the competitors will appear. The box plan for Tuesday will open to the local public to-morrow morning.

TJio programme will open with the “Fairies Scene” from “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and by special request will ooii cl lido with the laughable comedy scene, “Between tlie Soup and the Savoury,” which loses nothing hv being seen a second time. Aliss Evans, tbo lady champion in the Shakcsperean section, will recite, also Airs Windsor, of Ross, who will render “The Chambered Nautilus” and tlw humorous number “The Pudding.” Afaster Gordon AVinclsor will delineate “The French ilia n in London.” There will fresh dancing numbers by Airs Staveley’s pupils, and tbo vocal and instrumental numbers will all b:> new. The juvendes and others will be beard in several recitations and elocutionary numbers - , including dialogues and monologues. St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Choir will render the anthem and hymn of the Competitions. The full programme will appear to-mor-row, and it will be found to be

as attractive as that given last evening. Prices for admission will be as before-. 2s and Is. with Cd extra for booking fee.