COMPETITIONS.

Grey River Argus, 23 August 1928, Page 3

COMPETITIONS.

Yesterday’s Results. AT HOKITIKA. (From Our Own Correspondent) HOKITIKA, August 22. The competitions were continued today and tonight, and ag-ain drew good audiences. Following arc the day’s results:— Juvenile Recitation, own sei oction. (18 entriejs). Recalls.—Joy Ward Nancy Wood, Alite McCarthy, Daisy Marshall, Milly McKay, Helen Renton, Noelinei Wormingtcn, Annie Oir. Violet Ross, Sylvia Sanders Jackie Brown. Violin Solo 15 to 18 years, ‘’Dream Thoughts’’ (4 entries). —D. Heinz, 72. I; C. Schroeder, 71, 2. Song in Character, 15 yearj to 18, (2 ent lies)., —Nancy Wood. 92, 1; Jean Dowell, 91, 2. Prepared Reading, 15 yearn to 18, (3 entries). —Nancy Wood, 69, 1; Daisy Marsh sill 68, 2. Reci'ation in Character, 15 to 18 y ars (tww> entries) —Daisy Marshall, “Juliet” (82) Ist; Nancy Wood “Madame Defarge” (§0) 2nd.

Sacred Solo (eight entries) —Recalls: Mrs Harrison, “There is a Green Hill Far Away;” Miss Knight, “O Loving Father;” Miss Morgan, “Ave Maria. ” Highly commended: Miss Mor.ri : . “AVe Maria;” Thos. Moore, “Ora Pro Nobis.” Special mention: Miss Wylie, “O Divine Rereemer.” Final: Miss Mcrga.n (74) Ist; Miss Knight (73) 2nd. A special prize, donated by Mr Moss, for the greatest improvement in the singing classes, was won by Miss Morgan, Special item in elocution for prize offered by Mr Bush for premising competi'ors, seven of whom were selected. —Miss Anita Stephens. Humorous Solo.—Miss Wylie, f‘Philosophy,” Ist. Choral Singing.—Convent Girls, part song, “Minuet,” 77; unison, “Rain,” Juvenil • Open Recitation, final. — Miss Nancy Wood (73) Ist; Misses Daisy Marshal! and N. Wormington (72).’ equal, 2nd. All of H>e other competitors were highly comn-mded. M,r Moss praised Ihe .’violin playing, and iu congratulating the w nner. stated he was th? nv«kings of a good player. Th<s test piece was “Dream Thoughts, 7 composed by the judge, Air Moss, who speaking earlier, of the girls song said it was a very good section, all six performers doing creditab c. The Action Chorus was another pleasing numbetr, and iegret was expressed that there was not more competition. Tile juvenile piano and violin numbers were remarked on as good attempts, the boy in the latter ntunbcT being specially encouraged. Mr Moss praised the f.’-i‘* presentation in the pianoforte tr.' n . -It was ve v y pleased to s e tlm audience so large. Lt must be gratifying to the Committee. It was pleasing to him to se the advance in the standard of the music. Perhaps next time they o’oull be) disposed to change the judges. Lt would probably prove an advantage in giving the. performers a more varied criticism ot their qualifications. Mr Bush,, speaking iu the. afternoon referred to the matter of accompanists foT monologues. He- said of the pianists in New Zealand. One of Ui p moct proficient was in Hokitika. Ho referred to Miss Daly and ventured to say there was not a better accompanist fc>r monologues in tho'Dominion. Dealing with the dialogues, Mr Bush, said the competitors failed to realise the warmth of the parts they Were filling. The character recital Was very fine. The Hokitika standard had gone up 40 to 60 per cent. The improvement was certainly >«- markable. Nothing finer could have been heard than in the ladies’ recitation All six acquitted themselves excellently. He- was surprised at N. Wormington’s aptness for Shakespeare ’s lines. The little lady had the metre na'turally. He wax disappointed again with the reading test, which was not hard if the- competitors had been practising reading.

Spaking at the night session, Mr Bush took the opportunity of expressing thanks to the Committee and especially the secretary, for all the assistance given during the sessions. He had also to thank Misc Daly Zor her accompanying work. He wished likewise to thank the competitors for tho spirit they were showing. Hc| counselled them" to avoid a pot hunting spirit, but to go ahead with their studies for their personal pleasure and improvement. He agreed, with Mr Moss that Lt was not judicious to have the same judges every year, and it was now time for a change. He wished tne Society pvery success. He thougat the playettes a good innovation. They were worth while, and in that respect they were ahead of Greymouth. ±l. praised the previous evening’s pluy “Between the Soup and the Savoury” which reached the highest professional standard. Air Bush spoke of the defects in reading in relation to tne prepared work. There was a want ot emphasis, and wrong stressing. and the vowels should sound out. He also announed a special prize for impiovers in elocutionary work. The juvenile work was praised, the winning pre sentation being very tasteful. They should have more competition for the oration,*where there was scope for interesting work and instruction. Tne playettes at the first demonstration concert will b e 11 Between the Soup and the Savoury,” and “The Old Bull’’ in Thursday night, and the scene from “Midsu-mmer Nights's Dream” and “The Palmist” on Tuesday night. Greymouth performers will be appearing chiefly on Thursday night.