THE COMPETITIONS.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15894, 7 May 1917, Page 2

THE COMPETITIONS.

CHILDREN'S DAY. In Bpito of tho bad v/oathcr on Saturday., the children's day at tho Competitions Festival was outstandingly successful. The entries were largo and practically every entrant turned up. As an' instance of keenness it may 'bo mentioned that in one class of 28 every competitor appeared sav© one, from Ashburton. Tho largo entries in, the elocutionary classes mado tho afternoon session in tho Alexandra Hall rather long, but tho quality was pleasingly good. In the King's Theatre some very excellent musical clasdfes wero heard, tho result being that tho evening concert, when the finals were heard, was very pleasing to tho audience, which filled 111© building. Probably the best class of tho day was tho character song for children under 16. This produced two performers of decided originality—Miss Doreen McClatchy, of Invercafgill, and Master Douglas Martin, of Addington—of whom more should bo heard in tho future. Miss McClatchy especially received enthusiastic commendation from the judge and :l special prize waa awarded to Master Martin. Details are as follows; — PIANO SOLO, under 10. "A Morning Song." Miss May Kiddey (St. Albans), 138 points 1 Miss Edna Crockett (Riccarton),' 137 points 2 Miss Joan Carter (Christchuich), 136 points 3 Miss Enid Jakins (Christchurch), 135 points 4 Highly commended (in order of merit): Miss Natalie Wood (Alerivale), Miss Mary Clayton (Christchurch), and Miss Colleen Cioatello (Christchurch). Other competitors were: Miss Lily Lattiraoro (Darfiold), Master Duncan Walli3 (New Brighton), Miss Audrey Naumann (St. Albans), Miss Olive Schneider (Woolston), Miss Dorothy Nevillo (Belfast), Miss Jessie McMillan (Fendalton), Miss Dorothy Morgan (St. Albans), Master Arthur Reid (Sydenham), Miss Gladys Kiddey (St. Albans), Miss Janet Watson (Christchurch), Miss Ellis Gilders (St. Albans), Miss Carma Prisk (New Brighton), Master Waller Hillsdon (St. Albans), Mis 9 Enid Bennett (Christchurch), Misa Cecilia Reilly (Christchurch;, Master ■ Kim Keanc (Christchurch), Miss Marie Bown (Christchurch), Miss Beatrice Mason (Christchurch), Miss Dorothy O'Brien (Christchurch), Miss Mavia O'Brien (Christchurch). Mt Gregson said this was a very interesting class indeed, tho standard being fairly high. Great excellence was shown by eonio performers of immature years, and the winner is a child in that category, whose playing had delighted him. She was unquestionably musical, ar.d. should develop into si good player. Her coriccption was really more accurate than that of the older girls with the exception of one clioTd, which her tiny hands could not quite stretch. VIOLIN SOLO, 12 and under IC, own selection. Master Esmond Harper (St. Albans), "Capriccio," ICI points ... ..1 Miss Norma "Middleton (Christchurch)', "Un | Soir a Portici," 131 points .. .. 2 Master Eric Naumann (St. Albans), 1 I "Dance Bizarre," 12G points .. . - 3 1 The only competitors. Mr Gregson said | this was a pleasing section. The winner had a very good attitude, pleasant tone, and ' played with much expression. Ho was a j ! talented boy. Miss Middleton had decided | talent, and good execution, but her bowing 1 was not sure. Th© piece was a little beyond hor capacity r.t present. SONG IN CHARACTER, boy or girl, 12 and under. Own selection. Miss Doreen McClatchy (Invcrcargill), •Gretchen," £05 points .. .. 1 Mies Gladys Cross (Riccartona), "Caller Herrln'," 174 points .. . • • • . 2 Master Douglas Martin (Addington)—Special prize. Also competed:—Miss Valerie Anderson (Spreydon). Miss Lilian H-anliam (Riccarton). Mr Gregson said that h<> did not often enthuso or indulge in superfluities, but he thought they would all agree that they had had a decided treat in tho work of that talented girl Miss McClatchy, who | rceived 205 points out of a possible 250. I She had very gTeat natural talent, and as tho years went on they should hear a good deal more of this young- lady. Undoubtedly , her place later on would be in comic opera j or musical comedy for which, undoubtedly,* she had a natural talent. Master Martin's work was rather more of a character recital than a character song, but h» work in "Tho South Pole" sketch was so good that ho had asked tho committee to give the boy a special prize, and they had agreed. His was a'very good piece of characterisation. SONG FOR BOYS under 16. Own selection. Tho recalls wero: Edgar Farrant (Dunedin). "A May Morning"; Howard Machon, Linw'ood, "Somewhere a Voice i 3 Calling'; and Douglaa Martin, Addington, "Tho Thin competed: Alex. Black (Christchurch), Jack Mounaey (Riccarton). . Tho finid will be heard to-morrow evening, RECITATION. Boy or girl, 9 and under 13, in character. Own selection. Recalls: Miss Alva Cadle (Christchurch), -Tommv Atkins"; Miss Mavis Ritchie (Mmvalel VHarrv Walmcra," and Miss i.dna Mills (St. Albans). "Topsy." Highly commended (in the order named): Master Arthur Eaton (Lower Riccarton), Miss Ethel Blackie (Dunedin), and Mbs S Mavis Martin (Addington). I Also competed: Master Edgar Tarrant I (Dunedin), Miss Eleanore Robinson (RlO- - carton), Miss Florence Brewins (Christchurch) Mis 3 Irene Kennedy (Christchurch), m;«ki Kathleen Thomas (Auckland), aad Master Reginald Harrop (Christchurch). Somo very good work wa3 given in this scction. tho final of which will be heard tomorrow evening. j CHILDREN'S ACTION SONG. Twelve ! voices. Own eolcctior. I St. Mary's Cpllegiatc School, 165 points 1 Wharenui School, 163 points .. ..2

The only competitors, and their work wes not up to tho etundnrtl of past years. "UTiarcnui School guvo tlie "Song of the Flowers," but unity was noticeably lacking in both music and action. "The Belgian Children's Song" was tho other selection. In this tho enunciation of tho children was slightly better, and their actions were more uniform, although not so diverse as those in Wharenui's selection. JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP HESITATION, boys under 16. Own selection. Th© recalls were: Alan Ockwell (Dunedin), "The Kingdom of tho Sea"; James Martin (Fisherton), "After an Old Legend''; Edgar Farrant (Dunedin), "Tho Knight's Toast." Highly commended: John C. llomt> (Timaru). Other competitors: Joseph Mochan vLyttelton), A. Eaton (Riccarton), Gordon Braithwaito (Spreydon). Huia Hunt (Linwood), Reginald Harrop (Christchurch). This was a very interesting class. Gordon Branthwaito broke down in memory, but on bcir.g given a. second chance did very well indeed although a marked fault in pausation cost him many marks. The final will bo heard to-morrow evening. lIANO I)UET, JO and under 13. "March Militaire." Miss Muriel Johns and Miss Helena Keano (Christchurch), 132 points 1 Mies Elsie lyes and Miss Madge O'Malley (Christch*Kh), 130 points .. .. 2 Mre3 Teresa Keano and Miss Lulu Lcdsham (Christchurch), 129 ]>oint3 .. •'( Misses Jessie Rosewarno and Hi ma Popo were highly commended, and other competitors were Miss Naomi Bailey and Master dive Pulley (Loburn), Misses Mcril Purse and Doris Minson (Christchurch), Misses Eileen Moore and Nell Burn 3 (Christchurch), Misses Beryl Kingan and Edna Harper (Christchurch), Misses Doris Middleton and Marie O'Brien (Christchurch), and Misses Katio Cassidy and Vera Nutt (Christchurch). CHILDREN'S CHORUS, any age, minimum of 10 voices. Own selection. St. Mary's Collegiate High School, "May Day," 132 points .. .. .. 1 "Wharenui School, "Barcarolle," 130 points 2 Tho only competitors. Tho judge said that tho Y/harenui children had tho botter voices but they Jost marks through not keeping togethor. HUMOROUS RECITATION girls under 11. Own selection. Miss Kathleen Thoms (Auckland) .. 1 Miss Mavis Ritcliio (Morivale) .. ..2. Miss Ponnio Marshall (Fcndalton) .. 3 Highly commended (in order) —Miss Edna Miles (St. Albans), Mis 3 Kathleen Brewins (Christchurch), Mies Juanita Manhiro (Beckenharn). Miss Elsie Whitta (Riccarton). Also competed—Mifls Ethel Biackio (Dunedin), Mire Doris Potter (Hiccarton), Mis 3 Alva Cadi© (Christchurch). Miss Molli© Cadlo (ChristchurcU), Miss Ivy Evans (St. Albans), Miss Inez Day (Woolston). HUMOROUS RECITATION, L'oys under 11. Ovn selection. Eric Daly (St. Albans) .. .. ..1 Edgar larrant (Dunedin) .. ..2 Reg. Harrop (Christchurch) .. .. 3 Other competitors were—Eric Milne (Hiccarton). A. iiaton (Riccarton;, and J. Lunn (Ashburton). READING AT SIGHT, boy or girl, under IC. Miss Mollio Williamson, Dunedin, 76 points .. .. .. .. 1 Master E. Smith, St. Albans, 73 points.. 2 Miss Jessie Rosewamo, Woolston, 73 ' points . ■ .. .. .. 3 AJ3O compoted: Master Geoffrey Alley (Riccarton), Miss Florence Brewins (Christchurch), Mis 3 Ircr.e Kennedy (Christchurch), Master Eric Milne (Riccarton), and Miss Ivy Evans (St. Albans). j RECITATION, boys, 0 and under 12, "The Flag Goes By." J. K. Martin (Fisherton) .. .. ..1 R. Cressweil (Burwood) .. .. 2 W. Bennett (Burwood) .. .. ..3 Other competitors were: L. Hamlin (Addington), A. Eaton (Riccarton), J. C- Homo (Timaru), E. Milno (Riccarton), J. .Lunn v Ashburton), L. Edginton (Riccarton), J. Martin (Riccarton), R. Harrop (Christchurch), and E. Farrant (Dunedin). Some good performers appeared in this class. RECITATION, girls under 9. "Children oft are such a Trouble." Miss Alice Chapman (Sydenham), 78 points 1 Miss Pennie Marshall (Fcndalton), 74 pts 2 Miss Kathleen Brewins (Christchurch), 73 points .. .. .. .. 3 High commended (in order) —Miss Noreen Rooks (Christchurch), Miss Phyllis Newth (Riccarton), Miss Mollie Cadlo (Christchurch). Also competed—Miss Maysio Andrew (Christchurch), Miss Ada Staples (Riccarton), I Miss Joyce Alley (Riccarton), Miss Rita Cor- | bctt (Christchurch). Miss Irene Snook (Christchurch), and Miss Elaa AVhittn (Riccarton). I GENTLEMAN'S RECITATION, amateur, "Antony to Cleopatra." Mr H. McD. Vincent (Christchurch), So points .. ■ .. .. .. 1 Mr We, Fredericks (Christchurch) .. 2 Also competed—Mt F. Haxgreaves (Grevmouth). The winner save a fine performance. TENOR SOLO, amat-eurs. Own selection. Mr L. C. Quane (Richmind), 115 points 1 Mr L. Prebble (Riccarton), 106 points .. 2 Mr H. Bellshaw (Sydenham). 99 points .. 3 Also competed—Mr Alex. Archibald (Beckenham). STORY "WITHOUT WORDS. , In this section Mr V. G. Carter gave a very clever item, "A Lady's Visit to the Dentist." Both halls will* be fully occupied to-day. In the Alexandra Hall soni© -very promising elocutionary classes will be heard, and in I the King's Theatre large entries in the musical sections will face the judge. There are 110 fewer than 28 entrants in the pianoforte solo for children between 13 and 16. Other interesting classes should be the gentlemen's Scotch song and the ladies' patriotic eong. Tho tonor sacred solo al3o promisee to bo interesting. The evening programme will be as usual, a full and interesting one. Miss Doreen McClatchy, of Invexcargill, who* is hailed by Mr Gregson as a girl of exceptional talent-, will be one of the competitors in the solo darce, of which the third scction will bo taken.