COMPETITIONS

Grey River Argus, 17 August 1934, Page 6

COMPETITIONS

27TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL Official Opening With the entries a record since its inception and with marked enthusiasm being displayed by the competitors, the twenty-seventh annual festival of the West Coast Competitions Society was officially opened by His Worship the Mayor, Mr ,T. W. Greenslade, last evening, at the Town Hall. Assembled on the platform were the officers of the Society, accompanied by the judges, namely: Mrs R. Triggs, of Timaru (Dancing); Mr W. FI. Dixon, L.R.A.M., of Christchurch (Music?; Mr J. R. Lester, of Christchurch (Elocution); and Mr W. Meldrum (Ora torv).

The Mayor, in his opening remarks, said that it once again gave him great pleasure to preside at the opening of (he annual festival of the Society, not only as an old competitor, but as one who recognised the Society’s worth. All would admit that the study involved in their preparation for the Competitions was of beneficial effect in the public and private life of the entrants. The officers of the Society deserved every credit for their work in keeping the Competitions going. The public owed them a debt of gratitude, and it was up to the citizens to give the Society their whole-hearted support and thus make the festival a great success. The entries received constitute a record, and an innovation on the programme was a section for bandsmen, which should prove popular, not only locally, but in future years should be an incentive to outside bands to come and compete. The Mayor concluded by declaring the festival open, with the hope that it would be an outstanding success and the attendances would grow day by day. The President, Mr M. Keating, thanked the Mayor for presiding and said he had an apology to make to the visitors for the unpleasant weather conditions prevailing. In the Society’s history this was the first occasion that the annual festival had opened under such wretched weather conditions, but he could assure them that such would not be the case for very long, as the sun would shine again. This year’s competitions had drawn the largess number of entries yet, and, besides local competitors, there were fifty visitors, among whom were some of the best dancers in the Dominion. Generally the work of the competitors had reached a very high standard, and the public were assured of first-class entertainment. He had great pleasure in welcoming the judges, who were not newcomers to Greymouth. Mrs Triggs and Mr Lester judged here last year, and Mr Dixon two years ago. He felt sure that it was owing to their return that there was such a big increase in entries and he was certain their adjudications would meet with universal approval.

Mr Dixon, on behalf of the other judges and himself, returned thanks for the welcome. They had carried away with them on previous occasions happy recollections of the competitors ut the West Coast Competitions, and it gave them much pleasure to return. He wished to say, and he felt he was voicing the opinion of his fellowjudges, that he would like them to be regarded as teachers and helpers, not as critics. They were there to help and encourage the competitors and if in awarding places discrimination had. to be shown, no harsh criticism would be meted out. He concluded by again returning thanks for the welcome exI ended. 'Fhe following are last evening’s awards:— Chief Piano Solo ('final): (a) ‘‘Concert Study” No. .1 in G Flat (York Bowen); (b) Own Selection: Miss Valerie Nightingale (Hokitika) was the only competitor. and the Judge, Mr W. IT. Dixon, awarded a second place. For the first piece “ Concept Study,” he gave SO marks, and for the second piece (Oi.vn Selection),

“Fantasia Impromptu.” awarded 84 marks, making a total of 164. The competitor, said the Judge, did not play the first piece very well, but ihe Own Selection number was played mu.'-h better, there being a good spirited opening, and the tone-making and character work had been much better. Verse Speaking Choir, under 16 (final), poem “Fairy Music” (Rose Fyleman ): — Miss N. McDonnell’s “A’’ Choir, 80 pts. 1. Miss A. Bush's Junior Girls’ Choir, 79 pts, 2. Also competed: Miss N. McDonnell’s “B” Choir. The Judge. Mr J. R. Lester., said that vera*, speaking ' hoirs were an innovation in No v Zealand, and it was due to Mr Bush that they had been included on the programme here. He hoped the idea would receive whole-hearted support. This work had a very definite value in that, it enabled the child to de-

velop a good sense of rythm. The work should be undertaken by children under the age of 12 years, an] not necessarily by trained pupils. From twenty to twenty-five children should be included in a choir, and as the foundation for success in auv torm of art. Iwas laid in early years, it behoved all schools to give ver«e sneaking choirs their utmost support. The competitors in this class were i ‘aomising. It was a good effort; there were no bad faults, and all showed careful training. Impromptu Debate (First Section . Recall: Mr M. Daly (aff), 86, reply 16 total 132; and Mr M. Ke77y (neg). 76, aggregate 298. Also comreted: Mr A. 11. Patterson (aff). 84, reply 44, total 128; and Mr F. Roberts (neg). 72. aggregate 200. The Judge, Meldrum, set as the subject: , Run Lotteries i The uiidl/&©airs day') be rd

Billow’’ (Tertius Noble), (b) hymn, “Lead, Kindly Light” unaccompanied): Madame Bella Russell’s “B” Choir, anthem 83 pts anj hymn 84 pts; total 167 pts, 1; Madame Bella Russell’s “A” Choir, anthem 83 pts hymn 81 pts, total 164 pts, 2. The “A” Choir, said the Judge, opened rather fast. The parts were well balanced and well together. The hymn was taken much too fast, but was a very nice effort. The “B”

Choir had a very good male voice opening. The sopranos 'were inclined to be a little hard, this being due to singing the vowel sounds too open. The balance was good and the words clear and expressive. The intonation Was at times a little faulty, this being due to being unable to hear th? piano. It was a good idea to have

the piano in the centre of the stage •ind the, choir grouped around it. Ti'.e conducting of the choir by Madame Russell was very good. Mr Dixon, at the conclusion, conducted the massed choirs, and expressed the pleasure it gave- him. The choir had responded very well and it spoke 'well for their keenness and love of mUiSic. Other classes heard last evening and Iwhich will be finalised later on in the Festival were: Costume Ballet. (First Section) “In An 'Enchant(<l Ga‘nden. ” Sh akespea rean Di a logue. Own Selection (First Section). Miss V. Richardson and partner “Romeo and Juliet.” and Miss Cecil Hannan and Eily Hannan “Juliet and Lucetta” competed. Song and Dam”. (First Section), “Brighter Than the Sun ” Instrumental Quartettes (First Section): Zeta Austin, Laurel Boustridge. Dorothea and Imolda Austin. 1 ‘ T.a Serenata,” ■(.'.■cy mouth Municipal Band “A” quartette competed.