THE COMPETITIONS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 17, 31 October 1929, Page 3

THE COMPETITIONS

ANNUAL MEETING HELD.

YEAR’S ACTIVITIES REVIEWED.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The annual meeting of the Ashburton Competitions Society was held last evening, the president (Mr R. <->• Thompson) presiding over a fair- attendance. , . , ~ The annual report stated that the executive had once again the pleasure at announcing another successful yeai s work ihanks to -Messrs lullei-iiaj ward,’ vviio allowed the use of tne Majestic Theatre, and the help of Mr Uadzow (Ashburton manager), patrons were able- to enjoy the festival in comfortable and more artistic surroundings than had been possiolc previously. The weather f too-, was in a kindly incod, so that they were fortunate enough to hold the festival under the most favourable circumstances- Capable- and enthusiastic voluntary assistants made everything go wita a swing. Tlie Society was most fortunate- in having so many enthusiasts who willingly gave.up so much time to its work. The judges, too, gave general satisfaction, the musical judge, Air >'• Hutchens, on whom fell tlie greater part of the judging, being of special assistance to both competitors and officials. The official accompanist (Mr Don Smith) and the piper (Mr G. Robertson) were- also most helpful. The executive decided that it w as not advisable to extend the festival ior more than the usual seven days, consequently only six new classes could ba included. They had now 111 classes, made up of IS instrumental, 37 vocal, 31 elocutionary, and 25 dancing. Entries totalled 726, as compared with 7-10 last year, but last year’s entries included 35 post entries for the oionunciation tests, so that this year s entries may be considered very satisfactory. Concerted items such as duets, quartettes, choirs, etc., wero the most disappointing section tills year. Elocution entries also- dropped uni&countab!y. They hoped to have more support with these two branches next year. Pianoforte playing and dancing weieboth specially strong sections. Six scholarships, two in each of the classes for pianoforte, singing and elocution, were competed for this year. Three were ior open tests and thiee for County competitors only. The solo championship, for the Tucker trophy provided a musical treat very much'appreciated by patrons. The fine sporting spirit among the competitors for this much-coveted trophy was a very pleasing feature. Air R. Tucker had added further to the value of the championship by donating another three guineas, so that, in future, it would carry three cash prizes of five, three and two guineas. They regretted to record the loss to the- Society caused by the removal of Messrs A. Sutherland and T. At. Clark. Both of these gentlemen had been extremely active workers. I heir cheei.v helpfulness had been much appreciated by both their co-workers and the competitors. It was largely Mr Clark s enthusiasm which was responsible lor the success of the. Society during its first few years, and they could ill-afford to lose him. The net result or Hie year’s work was a profit of_£los los 3d, the interest on which would be used to extend the prize-list, probably in the direction of another scholarship. The adoption of the report was seconded by Air H. A. Humphreys. Air T. At. Clark said the. festival had. been one of the most successful the Society had held, and he agreed with the president that this success was due to the unanimity that existed among the members of the executive. He expressed his appreciation of the assistance given to him during his terms' as an offio-r of the Society. The report was adopted. Tlie election of officers resulted as follows: —Patrons. Alessrs D. Jones, ALP., R. Galbraith, James Carr, and T. Al. Clark; president, Air A. P. Raven; vice-presidents, Messrs H. A. Humphreys and L. Alarshall; treasurer, Mr W. Crawford; secretary, Air R. Capst-ick; assistant-secretary, Air L. Alarshall; executive, Alessrs A. H. Todd, J. C. Thompson, L. J. Watt, ]). F. Koir, and Airs A. T. Smith.Mr Crawford 1 said that now the Society had such a handsome balance, the Society should increase the value of some of its .scholarships. He moved, that the executive increase the value of scholarships numbered 6, 46, 47, 79 and 80 on. the schedule. The motion was carried. Air R. J. Thompson gave notice of his intention to move at tlie next meeting that the rules be altered to provide for the election of life members.