THE COMPETITIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 6 May 1932, Page 5

THE COMPETITIONS

OPENING NIGHT INTERESTING PROGRAMME. The Competitions opened at the Princess Theatre last night. There was a moderate attendance. The Competitions commenced -shortly after 7.30 o’clock 'with the singing of the -.National Anthem after which the President (YD D. J. Evans) introduced the adjudicators to the audience. The judges art 4 : Mrs A. Sprang of Timaru, who has charge of the dancing section, Mr F. A. Bullock of Christchurch, musical section, and Mr Barton Ginger of Wellington, elocutionary judge. The remarks of the President were of a cordial nature, and the lady and gentlemen had a hearty reception a; the hands of the audience. Over thirty items were given during the evening and all the performers were wed received. Some of the tiny tots had a hearty reception. It was noticeable 'that there were not- as many local performers, but visiting -performers made up for the -shortage. The competition in the several sections did net appear as keen as usual, though individual performers were well received, and had a hearty reception. The outside support has been very substantial and | will be a feature of the Competitions j throughout the festival. The standard of the work was not so outstanding 1a,4; night, but there was evidence of j much good work. Doubtless as the sea-1 son progresses, and the competitors warm to their work, the standard will show a wortiiy advance. The juvenile performers were- to the fore last- night and appeared to revel in “heir work. The programme was wall varied and all tiire-' judges were occupied at intervals In most of the classes last night, the competition was limited, and this enabled a variety of items to be presented, thus adding to the interest of the audience. The last item was not rendered till after 11 o’clock, 1 the programme being rather lengthy. Then followed the awards and remarks on the evening’s work, which carried, tile interest of the public till about 11.30 o’clock.

THE AWARDS. Prepared speech, time limit 7 minuses, own selection : Aliss Hazel Perry (Tne Declaration of American Independence) 76 points Ist; Aliss P. Bond (The League of (Nations) 75, 2nd; Miss V. Hogland (The War) 72, 3rd. These were the only competitors. Piano solo (own selection) : Miss Moira Stop forth, 81 points, only competitor.

Soprano solo, ‘‘Song of the Opera”: Miss Ada Lynn, 84 points, Ist. The other competitors were Misses M. Hanrahan and C. Wylie. Recitation (7 years and under) .•‘Igloo’’: D. Woolhouse, 75, Ist; S. Andrews, 72, 2nd. The judge had hoped for better competition in this section. Violin solo, 9 to 13, “Flourette”; L. Sharman, 81, Ist; Lita Austin, 72, 2nd. Two others competed. The judge pleaded for tune in both instrumental and vocal music, considering -that a deciding factor. Character sketch .(humorous): Arthur Jones, “Bosun Smith,” a good effort, but no award made. The judge, was surprised there was not more competition in 'this class.

•Song in Character, 13 to 1 , own selection : Miss M. McDonald, 80, Ist. Two others competed with p’easing items.

Musical Monologue (not humorous) 12 to 15: Sylvia Sanders (The Old Fiont Door) 33, Ist: Valerie Nightinga.e (Our Grandparents’ Yarns) 78, 2nd. There were tour compeii'-ors.

Recitation in Character, 9 -to 13, (own selection): Miss Ida McDonald (The Willow Pattern Plate) 83, Ist; -Miss D. Willis (My Day Out) 79, 2nd ; Arthur Jones HTlie Grandfather) highly commended.

Recitation (own selection) : Miss (Hazel Perry, 79, Ist; Mi s V. Hogland Vo, 2nd. Only compel* I,Ol'S. Baritone Sd.o : Mr J. C. Wright (The Lute Player) 85 points, Ist. Only competitor, the judge passing pleasing remarks uii the singer s effort.

Violin Solo (Thais Medication): D. aJeiYz, Ist; Miss U. Keating 2nd. The jfnage praised the work of these young performers with a difficult piece. He truant emphasised the need oi keeping in Lime. Clvirucier Dance, 15 years ;• Miss V. .Knowles (Russian) 72, Ist; Miss 0* Markland (Indian) 2nd. (July eompe liters. fSong for Girls (own selection) : Miss ;M, Aicliomilil, d.'J, Ist. Two others coliipe'.ed. Character Sketch (dramatic) : Master .Arthur Jones (Uriah Heap) only entry. Thu judge awarded a second place, remarking that the lad was attempting work too heavy for his years, but praising (lie ell’or:, and generally (lie young performer's presentations during the evening. Sevo"n 1 classes were taken in part in addition tj the above, and with oilier et rants to be heard to-day, the awards will be given later.

TU-I’A'AS PROG RAM MU. The festival of (lie Westland Competitions ,Society is being continued today and to-iiigbt. Roth the Princess ■Theatre and Ail Saints’ Hall were in use fids morning and afternoon, and to-night the 'Competitions will be conffniued g-olely in the All Saints’ Hall.

There is. an excellent programme sot down for to-night and a large attendance is expected, Patrons should attend early. Poors-open at 7 and the Competitions resume at 7.30 to-nigh';.

TO-MURROYV’S PROGRAMME. There is another big programme tomorrow. In the morning at 9.45 the dancing section will resume, and be continued .in the afternoon at' 1.45 o’clock. At Afil Saints’ Hal] at 10, the elocutionary section resumes, and the afternoon session at 2 sharp. There is quite a big programme for the afternoon and it is expected it will extend to the evening, resuming ay 7.30 o’clock. A number of senior competitors will attend and a fine entertainment is assured. Monday wi]l be another full day with sessions at both Princess Theatre and All Saints’ Hall, the festival concluding at At! Saints’ Hall on Tuesday with three final (- sessions. On Wednesday and Thursday of next week, demonstration concerts will be held each evening in Princess Theatre. TO-DAY’S PROGRAMME.

The, Competitions were under way well up to time this morning. Dancing sections were taken at the Princess Theatre and Music and Elocutionary numbers at All Saints’ Hall. There was a, fair attendance at both halls during the day—the Competitions being continued also 'through the afternoon.

The dancing classes are all well filled. There are 15 competitors in the Highland Fling (junior) and 13 in the barefoot dance under 15 years’. Eight competed in the sword dance six in the operatic dance. In the elocutionary items, there were 12 entries for the musical monologue (■not humorouw), seven in the recitation under 13, “Radiate Joy”, while, 12 entered for the piano solo, “Miniature Pastorals” under 13 years. The Competitions were all very keenly contested 1 , it being apparent that the competitors had settled down to their work in real earnest. The audience greatly enjoyed the many items, and applause was general in appreciation of'all the individual efforts. z Results of events this morning were as follow: . Musical Monologue (not humorous), under 12, own iselection. Recalls: M. Rae, I. McDonald, and E. Hamilton. Piano Solo, 10 and under 13, '‘Miniature Pastorals”. Recalls: J. Armstrong and A. Ross. Highly Commended, G. Appleton. Recitation, 10 and under 13, “Radiate Joy”—l. McDonald 1;S. Sanders 2; M. Rae 3.