THE COMPETITIONS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1278, 6 November 1911, Page 6

THE COMPETITIONS.

SATURDAY'S DOINGS. THE MUSIC AND ELOCUTION. AND LITERARY HONOURS. Saturday's competitions wero of tho solid variety rather than light and attractive. It was, as a matter of fact, a poorly-arranged .programme in that It lacked light and shade in the vocal sections. Also the fibre of tho one elocutionary competition set for tho day (ilark Antony's oration over tho body ot Caesar, from Shakespeare), did not tend to lighten tho gloom. One contingent of bassos wore asked to sing an exceedingly dreary, difficult, colourless number from Halevy s little-known "Jewess." It would have been much more entertaining, and equally as good a test, if they had been set Mephisto's "The Calf of Gold, or "Serenade" from "Faust," or the colourSome "Toreador" song from "Carmen. Tho same bassos had to ba endured in "Ich Grollo Nicht"-a dolorous song by Schumann, very fine in its way, but rather depressing when heard mpro than thrice. Then tho contraltos—keyed to the grey spirit of- the day—were put through a solemn recitative and aria from St. Paul"—also,good in its place, "but a) trillo wearisome out of it. One came away from Saturday afternoon's session with tho feeling that tho joyous, spirited side of song had been obscured. Only tho entrances and exits of that cheerful one, Mr. Alan M'Elwain, the competent and obliging stago manager, saved the audience from utter despair. There are better things next week. ' The following are the results of Saturday's competitions, and also those of the dramatic sketch and literary contests :— PIANO SOLO. (Sight Reading for Players over 16.) First prize, £1 Vh.; second prize, 155.; third prize, certificate.—Entrants-Cecil Henry Worsley (Wellington), Agnes Shearsby (Wanganui), Christian Augustus Nielsen (Wellington), Albert Staulev Hi - liker (Wellington), Alice Snelgrovo (Teilding), 3trs. H. Low (Newtown), Dorns Rosa Watkins (Wellington). Result-Cecil 11. Worsley, of Wellington, J (HI marks); Agnes Shearsby, of Wanganui, 2 (106 marks); A.bert S. Hilliker, of Wellington,' 3 (99 marks). Thero was a good response m the section, said the judge, and he added, witn a twinkle in his cyo, ""We had some varied readings." PIANO SOLO. (For players over 18.) . Test Piece, "Rhapsodie Hongroisc in E Flat." First prize, trophy viluct! .So 55.; eecond prize, £1; third prize, certificate.— Entrants—N. Green (Longburn), Mina Ward (Nelson), Gwendolino Dagmar Shepherd (Wellington), Jfrs. H. Low (Wellington), Jlary Gwendoline Mason. Final test-Miss Mina Ward, of Ne.son, 1 (147 marks); Miss N. Green, of Longburn, 2 (130 marks); Miss Jlary Mason, 8 (121 marks). 3lr. Grcgson, in delivering judgment, said .'that Miss Ward's win was well deserved. • She was tho young lady who find won in the Concerto class earlier in the competitions. Her tone and technique wero good, and there was a good _ deal of refinement in her work. The judge extended his congratulations. SACRED BASS SOLO. Sacred Bass Solo-Test Piece, "Though Faithless Jlen" (Se il rigor), from 'The Jewess," by Halevy. First prize, £2; second £1; third, certificate.—Entrants— A. G. Jl'Lean (Wanganui), R. S. JJaloney (Christchurch), E. E. Orr (Lower Hutt), A. G. Thomson (Nelson), O. E. Farrow (Auckland). Filial test-Mr. O. E. Farrow, of Auckland, 1 (133 marks); A. G. Thomson, of Nelson, 2 (120 marks). The judge (Jlr. Baeyertz) remarked that Mr. Jlaloney had sung very well in tho afternoon, but, owing evidently to nervousness, ho was off tho pitch at night. Jlr. Orr v.-as also slightly out of tuno that night. The winner (3lr. Farrow) haJd a very tiae. resonant voice, and his. tuno was excellent except when ho opened out too much. He had given a most interesting reading of the solo—much better than any of the others. Tho second prize had.Eono.tp Mr. Thomson (of Neltan), whom'ho had heard sing during the day bofoie, as ho had had to leave Wellington. He save a new reading, and was t,!i9 possessor of a sympathetic voice. There would bo no third prizo in tho section.' SACRED CONTRALTO SOLO. Test Piece, Recit. and Aria, from "St. Panl," "But the Lord is Jtindful of His Ooti." First prize. £2; second prize, £1; third prize, certificate.—Entrants—Jlrs. I. Symes (Wanganui), M. Knight (Auckland), Jlrs. A. M. Willis (Thorndon); G. Jf. Watkins (Petone), L. Ivimcy (Dunedin), R. P. Livingstone (Christchurch). Final tost—Miss Jlndeline Knight, of Auckland, 1 (130 marks); Jliss Ray Livingstone, of Christchurch, and Jlrs. Symes, of Wanganui, 2 (122 marks); Jliss L. Ivimcy, of Duncdin, 3 (110 marks). Tho winner in this section, said tho judge, sang; the Tecitativo very nicely indeed. Recitative singing seemed to bo a stumbling block with most singers, and it v.-as regrettable that moro study was not given to it. The winner had sung with nico emotion, and on the whole had given a beautiful reading of the solo. He bracketed 31iss Livingstone aud Jlrs. Symes together, remarking that the former was inclined to rush through her work, which was refined and elegant. She had not so much voice as Jlrs! Svmes, who really had the best voico of all, though she did not sing so well. . BASS SOLO. (For those who have never received a fee.) Bass Solo (for competitors who have never received a fee)— Test Piece, "Ich Grollo Nicht," ("I Will Not Grieve") (Schumann). First prize, silver medal; second prize, bronze.medal; third prize, certificate.—Entrants—A. L. Scoullar (Wellington), R. S. Jlaloney (Christchurch), W. W. Goutlio (Wellington), T. 31. Pearn (Wellington), A. H. Robins (Wellington), F. W.'Laycock (Brooklyn), R. R. Orr (Lower Hutt), C. G. Chambers (Wanganui), R. J. Young (Jlasterton). Final't<m—Jlr. W. Laycock, of Wellington, 1 (122 marks); C. G. Chambers, of Wanganui, 2 (121 marks;, R. R. Orr, ot Lower Hutt, 3 (119 marks). Jlr. 3laloncy, said tho judge, had sung sjiarp, and, through being ovor-anxious, had not done himself justice. He went out of tune, and his accents got all wrong. The winner (Jlr. Laycock) sang very well, but was inclined to clip his words. The diction of the second prize winner (3ir. Chambers) was not quite perfect, and he was too much incliud to sing into his book. » PREPARED SPEECH. (By lady or gentleman.) Timo limit, 8 minutes. Choice of three subjects—l. ' Scientific Progress of tho last hali-ccntury." 2. "Universal Peace; is it a Dream or a Possibility?" 3. "The Future of New Zealand." First prize, £2; second prize, .El; third prize, certificateEntrants—Thos. 31. lieft'eruar (Wellington), Joseph Spillano (Wellington); Daniel Connor (Wellington), Ernest Victor Slvfield (Duncdin), E. Casey (Ohakune). This competition (partly heard) will be resumed to-day. DRAMATIC RECITAL. (For gentlemen.) Test Piece, "Jlark Antony's Oration," "Julius Caesar" (Shakespeare). First prize, £2; second prize, £1; third, certificate.—Entrants—Edmund R. Wilson (Jlasterton), Frank J. Jl'Donald (Christchurch). Mr. Jloriarty (Greymouth), F. Blandford (Wellingtan), Claud Smith (Wellington)'. IJene't '1. W ; "' (""« i. linglon). J. P. Delahiuitly (Petone), Ernest G. Peek IWclhrwUm), Ymi. uum.v (Wellington),' James C. Bell (Lower Hutt), R. Duffy (Wellington), Samuel 11. Osborn (Dunedin), Hamilton Gray (Wellington). James Nicol (Wellington), Joseph Duff (Wellington), Ernest Victor Slyfield (Dunedin), Marcus St. John (Jlasterton), Henry Breakspenro (Wellington). Francis R. Picot (Wellington), David riutlge (Duncdin), E. Casey (Ohakune), R. O. House (Lower Hutt), Kenneth E. Shorney (Wellington). William Parker (Up:.i'r Waikato), Sydney Tingey (Wclling- ' n). John Withers (Wellington), Chris. '\ Mill (Wellington), Peter Alexander ! "bvtT"US (Dunedin), S. G. August (Inver■argill). Final test—S. H. Osborn, of Dunedin, 1 '119 marks); C. Bell, of Lower Hutt. and E. V. Slyfield, of Dunedin, 2 (114 marks ■'.■ich); S. Tingey, Wellington, 3 (110 narks). The feature of this speech, said the "idge, was the gradual persuasion with hich .Mark Antony wins the crowd. It - onlv when he sees that ho has won over •iii- fourth citizen that he sets out to ruffle up the spirits of the assemblage in general. It was a gradual crescendo from the passage in which lie states quite ordinarily, "I camo to bury Caesar, not to

praise him," until he finds the whole, populnco with him. Tho competitors did not all appreciate that point in their readings. The winner, who was a littlo heavy, had good elocutionary powers, but he threw off the persuasive too soon, am so did not get tho best effect. Ho had bracketed Messrs. Bell and Slylield equal. Unfortunately, Mr. Tingev, who lint! quite a lot of dramatic talent, had not much experience in reciting blank verse. He chopped the lines up into sections, and so lost the music of the verse. With study ho would do much better. STORY WITHOUT WORDS. Sketch in Pantomime. Result—Jliss L. Prichard and 3tr. F. V. Blandford, in "Proposing Under Difficulties," 1 (145 marks)! Miss Aggio Samson and 3lr. F. V. Blandford in Mho Matinee nat," 2 (139 marks); Miss Bartley and Mr. Lorking in "The Wedding Anniversary," 3 (13G marks). DRA3IATIC SKETCH. Result—Screen scene from "The School for Scandal," J (133 marks). "Love in a Railway Train" and "The Man in the Street," 2 (116 marks each). Special prize of £2 2s. for "Sherlock Holmes" (113 marks). ' In delivering judgment in this section, 3fr. Uacyertz explained that those who had gono on early in the section had been placed at a disadvantage, as it was a very difficult hall in which to do dainty anil difficult work. Those who had appeared in "Tho Guv'nor" (who at a call went on out of order) had suffered by that experience. Mr. Devereux was impressive in "The Way of the World," but the others wore not heard. He gave the first prize to those who appeared in the screen scene from "The School for Scandal," bracketed "Love- in a Railway Train" and "Tho Alan in the Street" for second place, and asked tho committee to give a special prizo of .£2 2s. to those who appeared in tho scene from "Sherlock Holmes." The gentleman'who took the character of Sherlock Holmes (3lr. Tingey) was thoroughly efficient, and, if he had been supported by others as good as himself, would probably have got first prize. PHYSICAL DRILL. Conditions—Teams to consist of 12 and an Instructor, who may perforin the exorcises with his team, but the latter is optional. Any six exercises or combination of exercises may be selected by the competing teams. First prize, trophy, medals, and certificates;,2nd prize, medals and certiiicircs; 3rd prize, certificates. Entrants—Young Jlen's Christian Association, Men's Class (Wellington); Young 3(cn's Christian Association Ladies' Class (Wellington). After this competition, which took place in the. Concert Chamber on Saturday afternoon, had concluded, 3lajor Hume, who acted with Mr. Royd Garlick in tho judging, steitod that thero were only the two teams entered, a fact which ho regretted as it should, he thought, be made ono of the most important events in tho competitions. Ho hoped that that would be so next year. It was rather regrettable that tlie boys and girls had to compete against ono another, and ho hoped that there would be separate sections next year. It did not matter so much this time as both of the teams belonged to the same school. His judgment was that he must give first place to the ladies, owing to tho better selection of exercises which they gave. The men might have put more "go" into their work—they were not even warm at the finish. SCOUTS' FIRST AID. Squads of 4 from each boy scout troop. First, prize, silver-mounted challenge shield, presented by tho Dresden Piano Co., Ltd.. and certificate; 2nd prize, itl and certificate. Entrants—Boys' Institute Scouts (Wellington), To I'imi Boy Scouts (Potone), Kelburne Boy Scouts (Wellington). Result—Kelburne (381 marks out of 500); Bovs' Institute, 2 (378 marks); Te Puni, 3 (288 marks). SCOUTS' SHELTER-BUILDING. For sqnacis of 4 from each troop of boy scouts, under a N.C.O. First prize, medals and certificates; 2nd prize, £1 and certificates; 3rd prize, certificates. Entrants—Mount Victoria Troop, Kilbirnie Troop, Roseneatli Troop, Island Bay Troop, Boys' Institute Troop. Result—Rosoiieath, 1 (53 marks out of 70); Kilbirnie, 2 (54 marks); Mount Victoria, 3 (47 marks). LITERARY HONOURS. PRIMARY SCHOLARS' ESSAY. First prize, silver medal and certificate; 2nd, bronze medal and certificate; 3rd, certificate. Choice of three subjects—l. "A visit to the Wcllinzton Exhibition. 2. "A short acconnt of Captain Cook's discovery of New Zealand." 3. "Jly favourite book:" To be written in school without assistance—certified by teacher. Timo limit, 2 hours. Not less than 500 words and not more than 750 words. Entrants—Doris A. Scott (Wellington), John W. Jenkins (Wellington), Huon P. Gibbons (Wellington). John D. Gray (Wellington), F. Mather (Wellington). Result—3laster Huon Pulsford Gibbons, of Lower Hnlt ("Captain Cook"), 1 (45 marks out of possible ot 200); Jliss Phyllis Mather, of Brooklyn ("Captain Cook"), 2 (40 marks); Miss Doris Scott, of Grant Road, Wellington, 3 (35 marks). The winner also receives Mr. W. H. A tack's sp-cial prize of books to tho value of a guinea. SECONDARY SCHOOLS' ESSAY. Open to scholars of secondary schools and colleges. First prizo, silver medal and certificate; second, bronze medal and certificate; third, certificate. Choice ' of three subjects: (1) "The Value of Physical Training "; (2) "The 3faori Race—Past and Present"; (3) "A Short Character Sketch of Either Oliver Cromwell, Lord Nelson, or General Gordon." To be written in school without assistance, certified by teacher. Timo limit, two hours. Not less than 750 and not more than 1000 words.—Entrants—Chas. Laird (Wellington), Lucy V. En-art (Wellington), W. Talbut (Wellington), Marjorie Fry (Wellington), Hamish Donaldson (Potone), Jlavis Hall (Wellington). Results—Charles Laird, of St. Patrick's College, Wellington ("Oliver Cromwell"), 1 (60 marks); Miss Lucy Ewart, of St. Catherine's School, Newtown ("Lord Nelson"), 2 (45 marks); Master Hamish Donaldson, of Bay Street, Pctono ("Lord Nelson"), 3 (40 marks). The wianer also receives 31r. W. H. Atack's special prizo of I ono guinea's worth of books. . ESSAY, OPEN. First prizo, £3 and certificate; second, £1 and certificate; third, certificate. Choice of three subjects; (1) "The Tendencies of Modern Fiction"; (2) "The Influence of Art on Everyday Life"; (3) "How Best to Attract Settlers from Other Lands." Number ot words—not less than 1000 and not more than 1500.—Entrants— E. A. George (Hastings). Robert Low (Wellington), P. 31. Freyiierg (Wellington), 31. O'Connor (Cambridge), N. JIT. Marshall (Duncdin). Wilfred G. Pyle (Dunedin), K. 31. Park (Duncdin), K. J. B. Dauby (Wellington), P. Glynn (Paekakariki), L. C. Thompson (Waverley), J. W. Collins (Island Bav). E. L. Gough (Cbristchureb), Gerald Alluhusen (Bay of Islands), "Tullymet," Francis Cannon C. H. Sparling (Wellington). B. 11. Holmes ! (Waihi), 11. T. Gibson (Waihi), C. It. Russell (Christchurch). F. C. Douglas (Wellington), F. J. Carter (Wellington), Angela Hastings (Dunediu), Jessie Toliey (Wellington), F. J. Byrne (Dunedin), John Johnstone (Auckland), "Jlont Biong," S: 31. 3furrell (Nelson). G. N. 3lorris (Christchurch). K. G. Redgravo (Waikato), Ray P. Livingstone (Christchurch), John Johnstone (Auckland). 31. 11. Butterworth (Wellington). 3lrs. Wood (Mnsterton). 31. H. 3loriarty (Greymouth). Results—ilks Jessie Toliey, of Wellington ("The Influence of Art on Everyday Life"). 1 (S2 marks out of a possible 200); 3fiss K. 31. Park. Duncdin ("Tho Tendencies of 3fodern Fiction"). 2 (09 marks); Mr. Francis Cannon. Christchurch ("Tho Influence of Art on Everyday Life"), 3 (5G marks). The competitors in this section, said the judge (Air. Charles Wilson) numbered 34. Tho winner nlso receives the trophy, valued at -£5 55., presented by 3fr. Frank Grady. The essay was a very fine ono indeed, and should bo published in the papers in Wellington. It presented new ideas, and would, lie was certain, prove of lasting value to art in this city. In this class he had also given honourable mention to Aneela Hastings, Dunedin; F. J. Carter, Wellineton; Miss E. Gougli, Christehurcli: 3tiss C. H. Russell. Christchurch; P. 31. Freyberg, Wellington; John Johnstone. Auckland; H. I. Gibson, Waihi j "and Jas P. Lindsay, Auckland. ORIGINAL STORY. Original Story (any subject), open to amateurs only. First prize, .23 and certificate; second, £1 and certificate. 3laxinuun number of words, 2500. Each competitor may send in any; number of stories if entrance fee is paid for each.—En-

trnnts—N. Jlurphy (Hnwcia), 0. Von Tiiuzelmnnn (Invcreai-gill), A. I!ciil (Timaru), K. Kcyling (Brooklyn), Hubert Low (Wellington), Kathlcon Dorothy Anderson (Wellington), Frank Winl'rcd -Millar (Wellington), Stewart Jlnrshall (l)uni'ilin), Grace Elizabeth Gray (Wc-lliiißton), Lillie I. i'. Robinson (llukuuui, Wiiirnrapn), Francis Jl'Comisky (Wellington), Winifred Margaret Swan (Wellington), Katie Alice Noble-Campbell (Wellington), "Carey Bon," Jlrs. (!. Banoku (Waikanao), Guy N. .Morris (Christchurch), K. Redgrave (Waikato), Annie Hymns (Wellington), Philip Connor (Wellington), Jfrs. Kobh (Christchurch), Herald Allhiisen (Bay of islands), "Chris," Frederick Charles Douglas (Wellington), Jlrs. Syd. Edwards (Jlastcrton), Jlrs. Syd. Edwards (Jiastorton), Constance Jlabcl Allen (I'alincrston), Jly. Thomas Gibson (Wailii), ITeury Thomas Gibson (Waihi), 11. T. Gibson (Wailii), Percy Thompson (Wellington), Kalherhie Allan (Pieton). Jessie Dull' (Nelson), Antiflu Hastings (Duncdin), Hilda Fountain (Napier). Edgar Kavenwood JlMCillop (Invercargill), Mrs. A. O'Sullivnn .(Wellington), Ted Sniel (Auckland), Ted Sniel (Auckland). Results—Air. Guy N. Morris, Christchurch ("Carlyon's Experiment"), 1 (75 marks); Henry T. Gibson, Waihi ("Errors Afloat"), 2 (G2 marks); Jlr. G. von Tunzelmann, Invei'cargill (" Twixt I.ove and Duty"), 3 (53 marks). Honourable mention—3l r. Frank W. 3iillar, Wellington; Miss Angola Hastings, Duncdin; Miss Sydney Edwards. Ma.sterton; and Miss Grace E. Gray, Wellington. The winner of the first prize also receives a trophy of the value of <E3 35., presented by the proprietors of the "Free Lance." In delivering judgment in this section, Mr. Wilson stated that he hoped, next year, that the conditions in respect to tho literary sections of the competitions would be considerably altered. He was greatly disappointed with the stories which had been sent in. The three prize stories were oasis in a, desert of mediocrity. He had certainly expected to sec better literary work in a countrylike this. There was one thing which he thought should be altered. It was impossible to get the best work when a prize of X 3 3s. only (with the right to publish) was offered, when tho "Bulletin" might give £h or .£6 for.the same story. Somehow or other the literary s'etions appeared to be liko poor lo.no wandering sheep in the competitions, am! he pleaded for a more generous system of prize-giving in the section for the future'. (Applause.) ESSAY CHARACTER SKETCH. Essay character sketch. —First prize, Ji:3 and certificate; second, anil certificate; third, certificate. Choice of three subjects—(l) "Napoleon Bonaparte," (2) "George Washington," (3) "Edward Gibbon Wakefield." Number of words—Not Isss than 750 and not more than 1000 Entrants—Alfred William Duncan (Wellington), Arthur Vincent O'Brien (Wellington), David I.oeden (Jlo-giel); James Aloysius Walsh (Pahintua), Claud 'Adams (Thames), Frances Cannon (Christchurch), Beatrice .1 azel Holmes (Waihi, Auckland), Henry Thomas Gibson (Wailii), John Johnstone (Auckland), Anuria Hastings (Duncdin), Jessie Toliey (Wellington). Kesults—John Johnstone, Auckland ("Napoleon"). 1 (C 3 marks); Henry T. Gibson, Waihi ("George Washington"), 2 (53 marks); Miss Jessie Toliey, Wellington ("Edward Gibbon Wakefield"), 3 (45 marks). Honourable mention— Miss Angela Hastings (Duncdin) ami Arthur V. O'Brien (Wellington). THE EVENING. STORIES, WITn AND WITHOUT WORDS. An immense, audience was present at tho Town Hall on Saturday evening, when a varied, but much too lengthy, programme was submitted. In the finals of ttK: day's competitions the feature was tho temerily suorrn by the baritones in entering the competitions ior bai-as, and the ease with which th« numbers found them out. Mr. 0. JO. Farrow, of Auckland, was the only b.v-s in tho Halevy test, which, of course, he won. In the Schumann test, Jlossrs. Laycock «nd Chambers might bo classed as light basses, but the others were purely baritones. Miss Madeline. Ivnight onco more showed her superiority in vocal intelligence in the contralto section, by the very artistic reading which she gave of the recitative and aria, "But the Lord is Mindful of His Own," from "St. Paul." Onct more she demonstrated a fine dramatic gift in interpretation by her declaiming of tho recitative. The judge was wise in drawing attention to the necessity of more study being given to that phase of vocal art. One of tho most enjoyable items on Saturday's programme was the excellent story-telling of 31r. Alan 3i'Eiwa>n, whom the audience would like to hear between every number instead of merely seeing him put up a number or shift a piano. 31 r. M'Elwain bus a fine :cn=e of comedy, and a distinct gift for dialect narrative. His contributions were "Evans's Dog Hospital" and "Uncle Joshua Gets a Letter fr.om Home." Another highly entertaining interlude in the programmo was provided in tho "Story Without Words" competition. Miss Lilian Prichard and Mr. F. V. Blandford were thoroughly d'lightful in their pretty love-making sketch at a ball. The pantomime, expression, repose, and naturalness of both were admirable. Mr. Blandford was also associated with 31iss Aggie Samson in an amusing skit, entitled "The 3latineo Hat," and 3lr. Claude Smith was very diverting in "A Commercial Traveller Catching a Train." Two of the three entries for the quartet, "Sweet and Low," sang. One in particular (Misses Lyon and Knight and Phipps and Farrow) gav«. a sweetly artistic reading of Barnby's charming number. Mark Antony's oration from "Julius Caesar" became rather wearisome with repetition. All of the competitors missed points arid maTks through not appreciating Antony's position at the time at which he was called on to speak "in Caesar's funeral," and how carefully he has to feel his way until he has the populace with him. Nearly all missed the growing sarcasm in tho line "And Brutus is an honourable man!" 3lr. Osborn gave a good reading on the whole, but was inclined to over-gesticulate and rather overreached his tono in an ultra-dramatic finish. Mr. Bell's reading was the most scholarly, and his elocution was the best, but he has a habit of making half and quarter gestures, which is always a weakness. All the in the elocutionary items are over-fond of gesture. They should watch really good .actors anil see how littlo they gesticulate. Whilst Hiss Ray Livingstone was singing in tho contralto "final" nearly every light in the hall went out, and she had to stop owing to the accompanist being unnblo to see the music. Apprehending trouble, the secretary (31r. J. Dykes) announced that the difficulty would be at once rectified, aud he was as good as his word. The society should sec that future evening programmes are curtailed in ortler that people may get away at a reasonable hour. It was 11.10 p.m. before Saturday's concert concluded. TO-DAY'S PROGRAMME. To-day's competitions will bo as follow :— At 9 a.m.—Prepared speech (continued from Saturday). At 0.30 a.m.—Piano duet, Test, "Italy" (Moskowski). At 10/15 a.m.—Violin solo (open). Test, "Zephyr" (Hubay). At 11 a.m.—Character sketch (in costume). At 11.15 a.m.—Cello solo. Test, "Jfelodie Romantiquo" (Leo Stern). At 2 p.m.—Dialogue, own selection. Costumes and accessories permitted. At the evening concert the "Sweet and Low" quartet competition will bo continued, and there will also be a male quartet contest, for which good entries have been received. CHURCH CHOIR CONTEST. The big church choir contest for the Begg Shield and two prizes of .£25 and ,£lO each are sot down for to-morrow and Wednesday evenings. The Tests are (lireo in number, viz., (a) anthem, "Thanks be to God," from "Elijah" (Mendelssohn); (b) hymn, "Eternal Father Strong to Save" (Dr. Dykes), to be sung unaccompanied; (c) chorus, "Soldiers Chorus" from "Faust" (Gounod). The three choirs to sing to-morrow night arc the b'erhnmporo Baptist Choir, Island Bay; St. Mary of the Angel's Choir, Boukott Street; and the Gnurtonay Place Congregational Choir. On Wednesday evening the Grafton Road J'resbyterii'ji Choir, Auckland, and the Green Island Choir, Dmiedin, will try conclusions. Thursday and Friday next are set apart for big demonstration nights.