THE COMPETITIONS SOCIETY FINAL SESSION.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1929, Page 6

THE COMPETITIONS SOCIETY

FINAL SESSION.

The Competitions concluded yesterday as they began t on Monday, very successfully. Both sessions yesterday were well attended, the afternoon particularly well. The programme was an excellent one in both variety and quality and the large audiences were well entertained. The school choir items were all loudly applauded, and the choirs are to be congratulated on their good work.- Several classes were particularly well filled. The contest for the cup for the poem by a New Zealand author was one 6f the best of the festival, and it is pleasing to find the trophy creating so fine a competition. The boys singing was good, and the violin playing showed much advance. Of special note was some of the humorous items, including the stories without words (all mirth-pro-voking) and the humorous recitations. The recitation in character by the young people brought out some of the best work of the Competitions, while the humorous sketches were a special delight. ' As before the Competitions were excellently conducted, and despite a very long programme, was: brought to a close about-6 o’clock; .. <■ : RESULTS.

Recitation,'ls to 18 years, test piece “To Althea from Prison.” Final: N. Dunford, 166 ... 1 B. McDiarmid, 152 ... ... 2 J. Veale, 150 3

Character Sketch, humorous.—Joy Ward “Yes Papa,” Jessie Veale “It May be Life.” . Joy Ward, 160 1 Jessie Veale, 140 .... ••• 2

Recitation from New Zealand Author for Corsair Bay Social Club’s Lyttelton Cup. Those competing were: —Jean Kyle “'The Grey House,” Mary McGavin “ God’s Own Country,” Noeline Wormington “The Passing of the Forest,” Ena Clark “ Bugler Allan,” Jessie May Veale “ Silver Stream,” Mary Preston “ Butterflies,” Edith .Knight “Maoriland Hymn,” Noelle Dunford “ Evening,” Violet Ross “The Bush Mother,” Edna May Fowler “The Orphan Isles,” Pat McGavin “Song of. the Open Road,” Ella Groufsky “Wellington,” James Stopforth “Not Understood,” H. Perry “ The Rata Tree.” Jas. Stopforth, 182 ... ... 1 Hazel 'Perry, 162 2 Edith Knight, 156 3 Action Chorus, under 12 years. State School, 1.66 1 Convent Girls, 152 2

In making the announcement of the result, which was applauded, the judge said, in certain choruses scenic or dressing did not carry many points. The first choms won for the better developed singing, though either was not very good, and the winner was also the better in the actions, which were in better time. •

Violin Solo, “ Londonderry Air,” 12 to 15 years. The competitions were:— Eva Randall, Cecilia Keating, M. Haig Morgan, Duncan Heinz. C. Keating,: 170 1 M. H. Morgan, 160 ... ... 2 E. Randall, 110 3 / Sacred Solo, girls under 16, own selection. Those competing were:— Dorothy Inwood “ A Little Prayer,” Audrey Olsen ‘‘My Task,” Peggy Gillooly “ Evening Hymn,” Phyllis Restieaux “ Hold Thou My Hand,” Milly McKay “ Christ’s Garden;” ' Audrey Olsen, 122 1 P. Restieaux, 116 2 D. Inwood, 110' ••• 3 'Recitation, 7 years and under, “ The Christening.” The competitors were: — Mary Nillson, Patricia Wells, Paul Sparkes, Ngaire Harcourt. Paul Sparkes, 156 1 M. Nillson, 152 2 P. Wells, 142 3 In the Violin Solo, 15 to 18, “ Schon Rosmarin,” Duncan Heinz was the only competitor and was awarded 138 marks, Ist. Violin Solo, 9 to 12 years, “ Fairies’ Waltz.” The competitors were:—R. J. Fitzgerald, Coleeii Phillips, J. D. Ryan, Colin George Goad. R. J. Fitzgerald, 150 ... 1 C. Phillips, 144 2 C. G. Goad, 140 3 CHALLENGE TROPHIES. WINNERS. Choral Singing.—Newman Cup. 1926: Convent Girls. 1927: Convent Girls A. 1928: Convent Girls. 1929: Convent Girls. Action Chorus. —Banner. 1926 : Convent Junior Girls. 1927: Convent Junior Girls. 1928: Convent Junior Girls. 1929: State School Juniors. Shakesperean Recitation, Ladies.— Evans’ Rose Bowl. 1927: Miss L. Honey. 1928: Miss I. Evans. 1929: Miss F. Sparkes. Shakesperean Recitation, Men.—Seddon Cup. 1927: Mr P. J. McGrath. 1928: Mr W. McGrath. 1929: Mr W. McGrath. Choir.—Shield. 1927: All Saints’ Church Choir. 1928: St. Andrew’s Choir. 1929: All Saints’ Church CTioir. Lyttelton Cup.—New Zealand Author. " 1929: James Stopifortli. DEMONSTRATION CONCERT. All streets led to the Princess Theatre last night and by 7.30 o’clock 1

there was a crowded house for the final feature of the Competitions. A generous programme was outlined in last evening’s issue, and that even was added to with request and other items, the result being that over fifty numbers were presented to what proved a delighted audience. The applause was frequent and free, and though encores weie not permitted, many of the informers received numerous favours from the audience, including sweets and bouquets. The concert commenced punctually at 7.30, and concluded at 11, the only regret being the onus mm of the Church Choir for which the audience waited in pleasant anticipation, but’ no apology was offered for its non-appearance. In disposing of fifty items in three hours and a-half, the management had its hands full. The direction of the stage was in the hands o': Revd. G. Knowles-Smith and Mr R. Lynn, while Mr H. Osmers, Secretary, assisted in the organisation of the programme, which was given with such good effect. Miss Daly assisted with most of the accompaniments, while several other ladies also helped with special items, including Misses Miller, Adkins, and Bush, of Greymouth. A very generous measure of entertainment was afforded the large audience, and it is not too much to say that every item of a remarkably fine programme was enjoyed to the full. The entertainment disclosed in a very marked way the all-round excellence of the Competitions, and the high standard of general excellence attained at the festival, reflecting credit all round.

Half-way through the programme cc-cas-ion was taken by the President iMr Evans) to introduce Mr Cliffe Stanford, the judge of music and elocution, to the audience. In doing so, the Jr resident thanked Mr Stanford for J.is courtesy, patience, and sympathy throughout the contest, and congratulated him on the expeditious manner in which the arduous duties had been t(i> charged. Mr L. Cliffe Stanford, who spoke in a very happy vein, regretted he !> id rot been brought up on a competition stage so that he might the better express himself. The items given had afforded him an impression of the standard of the work, and in piano, violin, vocal and elocutionary work he had been very favourably impressed. After a happy reference to his relations with the competitors, he expressed thanks to the President, the Secretary, Mr Knowles-Smitli, and all associated with the Society for the results achieved at the Competitions. The Competitions stood high in sta idard, and he was taken by surprise at the class of entertainment provided. Perhaps all his decisions had not given satisfaction. If there were any matters on which there were doubt, he wou J be glad on the morrow morning to talk them' over with the teachers, parents, nr competitors. He went on to speak ••t the educational value of Competitions, which were complementary to the education system of the country. Our system of education in this country was still young, and it needed auxiliary forces to aid it. The Competitions were one channel .to that a’d. Personally he often looked forward to the time when the education s.vsv.om of New Zealand would be wider than it was to-day, and such an auxiliary as competitions would yet come to be recognised for its valuable subsidiary work. The Competitions were destined to do valuable work in an educational way and they were very desirable in any community. r l he local standard was high and in the juvenile section in particular it was of a very high order. He wished the Society well in the .good ■work it had in hand.

Mr Evans (President) said be wished to thank the public for their patronage and encouragement. He referred to the financial help given, and asked for more to assure the stability ot the Society. Mr Evans went on to suggest after what the judge had said about the instrumental work, that something should be done in the way of' A scholarship or bursary to help promising instrumentalists. The good work of Miss Daly as official accompanist, and Mr Osmers as Secretary were appreciated. in thanking the competitors the visitors were mentioned specially, and a vote of acclamation carried for their valuable co-operation. At 11 o’clock the curtain was rung down on the 1929 Competitions with the hearty singing of the National Anthem by the large audience present. PUPILS SUCCESSES. The following pupils of Mr R. T. Bush, Greymouth, were successful at the festival: —

Miss Edith Knight: Ist Ladies’ Test Recitation, 2nd Humorous Recitation, 2nd Recitation open, 3rd N.Z. Recitation.

J. P. Stopforth: Ist N.Z. Recitation, 2nd Men’s Test Recitation; 3rd Own selection recitation.

Miss Hazel Perry: Ist humorous recitation open, 2nd monologue open, 2nd N.Z. recitation.

Miss Noele Dunford: Ist ladies’ recitation open, recitation 15 to 18, reading 15 to 18, 2nd monologue! 15 to 18, oration; 3rd open monologue, ladies’ Shakesperian recitation. Miss Flo Sparkes: Ist Shakespearian recitation, ladies’ ; 3rd reading 15 to 18, humorous recitation. Miss Dorothy Hughes: Ist character recitation 15 to 18, 3rd oration open.

Miss ALaiy McGavin: Ist reading 12 to 15, 2nd humorous recitation 12 to 18, dialogue (with Violet Ross), 3rd character recitation, story without words (with Pat McGavin). Miss Helen Renton: Ist monologue under 12, recitation in character under 12, humorous recitation under 12, 2nd recitation 9 to 12.

Miss Ella Grout'sky: 2nd reading 12 to 15.

Miss Edna Fowler: 3rd reading 12 to

Miss Noelene Wormington: Ist story without words (with Miss Ena Clarke), 3rd dialogue (with Ena Clarke).

Miss Ena Clarke : Ist story without words (with Noelene Wormington), 3rd dialogue (with Noelene Wormington). Miss Sylvia Sanders: 2nd recitation 9 to 12, own selection.

Miss Nita Stephens : Ist recitation under 9 own selection.

Alan Coles: Ist recitation own flection 12 to 18, 2nd monologue 12 to 15, 3rd men’s Shakespearian recitation open.

Sidney Blank: Ist dialogue (with Pat McGavin), 2nd recitation 12 to 18, own selection, humorous recitation, 3rd humorous monologue 12 to 18. Pat McGavin: Ist dialogue (with Sidney Blank), 2nd reading at sight 12 to 15, 3rd prepared reading 12 to 15, story without words (with Mary McGavin). Miss Violet Ross: 2nd dialogue (with Mary McGavin). Miss Alary Preston: 2nd monologue under 12. M iss B'. Brooks: 3rd recitation 9 to 12.