DUNEDIN COMPETITIONS

Evening Star, Issue 19063, 5 October 1925, Page 10

DUNEDIN COMPETITIONS

FESTIVAL CONCLUDED The Dunedin Competitions Society’s festival dosed at His Majesty's Theatre on Saturday evening, when the final demonstration concert was given. A matinee was hold in the afternoon, and was well attended. In the evening an excellent programme was provided, and included selections by St. Joseph's and the Leech Lyric Club Choirs, singing, dancing, and pianoforte items. Too programme in the afternoon was mainly comprised of children’s items. THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. Speaking at the evening session, the president (Mr E. C. Reynolds) said: — The takings have been good throughout, and we anticipate showing a surplus, but just what the svirplus_will t>o it is impossible to state, tor tins satinfactory state of affairs we have to ihankThc performers for the very high standard maintained in all sections, and our patrons for the good attendancep nightly and the interest displayed. Where all have done so well, jt is invidious, perhaps, to make any distinction, hut to*my mind one of the most noticeable successes has been the improvement in the men’s vocal section. The ladies’ vocal, the instrumental, and the elocution sections have all been quite up to. if nob over, the standard setin former years, and the dancing, both fancy andnalional, has shown marked improvement. The choir contests hare proved remarkably successful, and we hope that the interest displayed may be increased next year, and oven larger entries received. It is such an important class that the committee will do all in its power to cater for this. Some two years ago the committee discussed the 'feasibility of the formation of choirs of employees of the various large emporiums and manufacturing firms, and I think the time has come to favorably reconsider the matter. In Great Britain the staffs of many of the largo firms have formed themselves into choirs, and contests are arranged much on the lines on which the Competitions Society conducts these contests. The managers of the firms or companies not only sanction, but encourage, the formation of such choirs, in many cases providing portion of the funds necessary for the engagement of a competent choir master, and they have found that this form of recreation and musical education lias engendered a spirit, of interest which is good for both parties. The committee will, I am certain, gladly assist in helping the run these-competi-tions if the idea is taken up and sufficient support can bo obtained for the movement. I wish to express our gratitude to all the judges for their impartiality and faithful performance ot their duties. A number of firms and individuals have donated -scholarships and special prizes, and I trust next year others will come forward .and also assist, for these special prizes do add additional interest to the various items to which they arc attached. T wish to thank publicly Mr K. S. Wilson, our TOO per cent, efficient secretary, Air ('. R. Atari in, our capable accompanist. Air Fermi s, the stage staff, am! staff in front of the bouse, for their courtesy and consideration to the performers and public. H is owing in a large measure to the efforts of these men that, before leaving, the judges have invariably commented upon the wav in which all matters connected with our society appear to run on oiled wheels. T desire also to thank the Press for its accurate and adequate reports.

.Mr T'cvnoM' n'-’o sla +rd they wme pleased (>) have present with i bom tld--evoning Miss Stoll.') Murray, the noted eon fra Ho. who wn« a competitor at Ibe Dunedin Competitions in 1013. Miss Murray had gone far in hor pmfec<dnn since then, and the society was always pleased to poo the success in the musical world of old competitors.