THE COMPETITIONS

Grey River Argus, 23 August 1934, Page 6

THE COMPETITIONS

FINAL RESULTS Excellent Attendances The final day of the Competitions was held yesterday, and there were excellent attendances. The programmes were of a most enjoyable nature and keen competition resulted. The first demonstration concert will be held tonight, when the prize winners will be heard. The following are yesterday’s awards:— MOKNING SESSION. OPERATIC DANCE, 12 and overRecalls; W. McMullan, G. Rose. N. Darby was placed third. H.C.: H. Wright. Commended; Al. Moss. Also competed: J. Reeves, K. Thomson.

.1 Reeves and K. Thomson. CHARACTER DANCE, under 12.— Recalls; I. Austin, “Golden Idol’’; -I. Heenan, “The Untamed One.’’ S. Gunther, “Military,’’ and V. Rouse,

“Bell Boy,” were placed third. H.e.: S. Andrews, “Puck.” Commended: M. Sinnott, “Russian.” Also competed: V. Heenan (Hokitika), “The Dancing Jester”; Z. Austin, “Castaway”; N. Orange (Roa), “La Militaire”; N. O’Loughlin (Runanga). “Russian”; V. Goodall, “In Kensington Garden”; P. Gifkins, “The Pirate”; L. Michel, “Tulip Time in Holland. ’ ’

VIOLIN SOLO, 13 years and undei Hi, “Remembrance” (final). —C. Phil lips 84pts 1; C. Keating and U. Mur ray 82pts 2.

PIANO READING AT SIGHT, (a) under Hi, (b) over 16 (final).—Under Hi: N. Harrie 87pts 1; C. Rouse 84pts « Also competed: D. Austin, J. Andrews, U. Murray. Over 16: C. Hannan 85pts 1; M. Carruthers 84pts 2. Also competed: V. Nightingale. VIOLIN READING AT SIGHT (final).— C. Phillips 83pts 1; U. Murray 80pts 2; Z. Austin 78pts 3. RECITATION BY N.Z. AUTHOR, Hi and over, own selection (final). Mr J. Gilbert, “The Nightwatch Story of the Charlotte Jane,” 82pts 1; Mr T. Tarrant, “Not Understood',” 80 pts 2: Miss K. Tibbles, “Shakespeare’s Birthday,” 77pts 3. H.e.: Mr J. IlKeddie, “Rogers of Eaglehawk”; and Miss G. Wallwork, “Gathering Peaches,” 76pts (equal). Also competed: Miss V. Richardson, “The Hihi”; Mr I. Mcllroy, “A Song of Saddle”; Miss C. Hannan, “The Elfin Dell”; Miss M. Bond, “The Ivied Tower”; Miss Mary McDonnell. “Upn.Daisy”; Miss E. Clarke (Hokitika).

“Far Away Yonder”; Mr F. Stevens (Christchurch), “The Nightwatch of the Charlotte Jane”; Mr A. McCarthy, “ Barry town ”; Miss K. Read (Christchurch), “Maoriland”; A. Gilligan and R. Pollock. RECITATION, 12 and under Hi. own selection (final). —L. Jeffries (Christchunli). “Scottish. Martyrs,” 82pts 1: J. Wasley, “Sherwood,” 81pts 2; V. Hansen, “The Old Grey Squirrel,” 78 pts 3. H.e.: V. Hogg, “The Old Grey Squiyrel”; and V. McDonnell, “All’s Well.” Also competed: E. Moore, “The Sin of Omission”; P. Methven, “Which Shall it be?”: Z. Peters, “The Deserted Garden”: D. Willis, “The Song of the Sea Wind”; S. Sanders. “Spring and the Blind Children”; N. McKane, “The World's May Queen”; M. Mann, “Dream Voices”; T McDonnell, “The Rider at the Gate”: E. Hannan, “The Ellin Artist.” The judge said this was a very fine section and the winner gave a very -good performance. RECITATION, girls li and under 9,

“A Present.”—S . Andrews (Hokitika) 79pts 1; V. Heenan (Hokitika) 77pts 2; Pat Gallagher 76pts 3. H.e.: P. Gallagher and D. Wearn. Also competed: M. Marshall, M. Walker, N. Keating. N. Barrett, P. O’Neill, J. Patterson, M. Wingham, R. Meade and A. O’Neill. The judge said this class was most interesting. The winner gave a most enjoyable performance, while the Utile girl placed second did not open very well, but said the last verse the best of all the competitors. It had been a delightful class and he would like to ask for recalls, but time would not permit. He appreciated the encouragement given competitors by the audience, who did more to encourage the performers by their applause than any other place he had visited. AFTERNOON RESULTS. SONG IN CHARACTER. 12 and under Hi.—Recalls; C. Keating, “A Little Old Garden”; L. Hansen.

“FairingsV Also competed: D. Willis, J. Reeves, “Cradle Song”; M. Casey, “Ma Curly Headed Baby.” BAREFOOT DANCE, under 12 (final). —S. Gunther, “Autumn,” 80 pts 1; P. Gifkins, “The Pipes of Pan,” 79pts 2; V. Goodall, “To a Butterfly,” 78pts 3. H.C.: S. Andrews, “Chasing Butterflies.” Also competed: D. Moss, Z. Austin, J. Heenan, I. Austin, F. Robertson, M. Sinnott, “The Bubble”; L. Michel, “The Dove”; P. Schultze, “Spring”; P. Gallagher, 71 The Bubble”; M. Walker, V. Heenan (Hokitika), “The Nymph. ’ ’ MEN’S SACRED SONG, own selection (final).—Mr W. Richmond, “If with all your Hearts.” 85pts 1: Mr T. Hatch, “O God, Have Mercy,” 84pts 2. H.e.; Mr E. Boote, “Lead Kindly Light”; Mr J. Gilbert, “Ave Maria.” The judge said this section was a most enjoyable and interesting one. Tn singing a sacred solo, one had to create the right, atmosphere, and if a spirit of reverence was not awakened in the listeners, the competitor had failed in his object. The winner had given a very sincere and expressive rendition of “If with all your Hearts,” and the second competitor had also given a sincere rendition of “0 God, Have Mercy. ’ ’

RECITATION, 9 and under 12, own selection (final) —J. Patterson, “Hideaway Hamlet.” 82pts 1; S. Andrews (Hokitika), “Us Two,” 81pts 2; D. Congreve, “Jack Frost,” 78pts 3. H.e.: P. Gallagher, “The Shiny Little

House’’; B. Hamilton, ‘‘Hist’’: IT. McDonnell, “Capt. .Joseph Johnson’’; J. Courtenay. Also competed: M. Stevenson, “The Blind Boy’’; L. Fell,

“The Pedlar’s Caravan’’; Z. Austin, “My Garden’’; Bob Duggan, “The F'ireman ’’; P. Ryan, “Drifted Out to Sea’’; E. Hamilton, “Buying a Hat’’; M. Gallagher, “Ginevra”; M. Courtenay, “Fairies in the Malverns’’; B. McCarthy, “The Story of the Drum”; A. Heaphy, “The Little Town of Laughter’’; V. Gilmore, “The World’s Music”; E. Lemon, “The Robin and the Flower”; M. Swan, “A Dutch Lullaby”; Billie Duggan, “The Makomako”; R. Wright, “My Shadow.” CHARACTER DUO, 12 years ami over.—Recalls: D. Hazeldine and partner, “The Little Coons”; J. and D. Shepherd, “A Ballroom Episode.” N. Harrie and K. Thomson. “Bell Boy and Maid,” were placed third with 81 pts. H.e.: N. Darby and M. Moss, “Russian.” Also competed: A. Ashley and partner. OPERATIC OR DEM 1-CHARAC-TER DUO, under 12 (final). —V. Rouse and P. Gifkins, “Pierrot and Pierette, ” 81pts 1; M. Sinnott ami V. Goodall, ‘“The Model,” 77pts 2; Z. and I. Austin 76pts 3. Also competed: J and V. Heenan, “Calendar Kids.’’

CHARACTER RECITAL, Hi years and over, own selection (final). —Miss K. Tibbles, “Queen Katherine,” 78pts I; Mr F. Stevens, “Antony’s Downfall,” 75pts 2. Also competed: Miss E. Strongman, “Miranda”; Miss G. Wallwork, “Queen Margaret”; Miss M. Bond, “Queen Elizabeth”; Mr J. H. Keddie, “The Old Actor”; Mr Jas. Gilbert, “Marc Antony”; Miss Kath. Read (Christchurch), “Portia.” EVENING SESSION.

TAP DANCE, under 12 (final).—M. Sinnott 76pts 1; J. Shepherd 75pts 2 The judge said the winner gave a fairly good performance and her tap was quite good.

SONG IN CHARACTER, 12 years and under 16 (final). —Miss C. Keating 84pts 1; Master V. Hansen 83pts 2. The judge said this was only a small section, but was very enjoyable. The winner sang very well and had a very beautiful and elaborate setting of a garden. The second competitor had a sweet and natural voice and made a very effective salesman in his selection of “Fairings.”

IMPROMPTU SPEECH; subject, “Adolf Hitler” (final).—Mr A. H. Paterson 90pts 1; Mr M. Daly 89pts 2. SONG AND DANCE (finai).—“Tiptoe Through the Tulips,” 80pts 1; “There’s Something About a Sol-

dier,” 79pts 2. BANDSMEN’S SOLO (final).—Mr J. Smith (Westport) 89pts 1; Mr J. Rudhall (Civic Band) 88pts 2; Mr E. Barton (Grey Municipal Band) 87pts

3. H.e.: Messrs V. McHerron (Westport), E. Hatton (Westport), A. Smith, L. Carruthers (Municipal). The judge said the class had been a difficult one to judge. It was very interesting and enjoyable, but, if he might make a suggestion, a choice of shorter pieces would be better. The winner had given an excellent rendition and he had awarded him the highest marks at the Festival. His musicianship was of the highest order, there being scarcely a defect or omission in his whole playing. The second competitor had obtained a tone of vocal quality, and not that brassy effect that one sometimes heard. CHARACTER DUO, 12 years and over (final).—J. and D. Shepherd 87pts 1; D. Hazeldine and partner 84pts 2. The winners, said the judge, gave an excellent performance and danced as one. The second duo was well arranged, and they danced very well. POPULAR SONG (final).—Miss G. Higson 85pts 1; Miss A. Radcliffe 84pts 2. H.e.: Miss E. D. Franklin, Mr J. Bateman, and Miss F. Lee. The judge said that not being a person who had acquired a taste for this class of music, he would not like to comment. However, it was very commendable for the Society to include this class on the programme, as all tastes had to be catered for, if it it pleased, then the objective had been achieved. CHARACTER DANCE, under 12 years (final). —J. Heenan 80pts 1; T. Austin 2. OPERATIC DANCE, 12 years and

over (final). —Miss G. Rose 86pts 1; Miss W. McMullan Slpts 2. PREPARED SPEECH, “New Zealand in 1950” (final). —Mr Jas. Gilbert 90pts 1; Mr M. Daly 86pts 2; Mr A. H. Paterson 84pts 3. ECCENTRIC DANCE.—D. Shepherd 85pts 1; W. McMullan SOpts 2.

MEN’S TEST SOLO (final).—Mr FL Boote 85pts .1; Mr T. Hatch 84pts 2. H.e.: Mr E. Boote. The judge said the winner had a most promising voice, and treated the piece very well. There were difficult runs in the piece which required flexibility and breath control. The second competitor sang with artistry and his voice would further expand.

LADIES’ TEST SOLO (final).— Miss N. Barrett 86pts 1; Miss G. Higson 85pts 2; Miss E. D. Franklin 84pts 3. The judge said the winner was a promising singer and sang with great expression.

MEN’S RECITAL TO MUSIC (final).—Mr F. Stevens 82pts 1; Mr T. Tarrant SOpts 2; Mr J. Gilbert 77pts

MEN’S SHAKESPEAREAN RECITATION, “Macbeth,” Act IL, Scene I. (final). —Mr J. Gilbert SOpts 1; Mr T. Tarrant 76pts 2; Mr F. Stevens 75 pts 3. COSTUME BALLET * (final).—‘ ‘ln an Enchanted Garden” 76pts 1; Classical 74pts 2. The winning ballet, said the judge, was well arranged. MOST PROMISING DANCER. The judge, Mrs R. Triggs, said that after very careful consideration she had awarded the cup for the most promising dancer to Miss Valda Rouse. Mr W. H. Dixon, before leaving the platform, thanked the people for the very cordial receptions given to him. He particularly wished to thank the and the ladies for refreshments proExecutive of the Society for their help vided. He would like especially to thank Mr Bush, who had at all times been of great help to him, and also Mr Moss. He would be leaving for England next week and as Greymouth would be his last public appearance in New Zealand, be would carry away with him happy recollections of the West Coast and its people. Mr J. R. Lester also expressed his thanks and spoke in appreciative terms of the assistance given him, for which he was deeply grateful. The Music Classes MR DIXON INTERVIEWED. Interviewed by an “Argus” representative, Mr W. IL Dixon, Adjudicator of the muse classes at the Compet it ions, said that 'the standard of adult singing at the Festival had i>ii the whole been a considerable improvement on what he bad heard two years ago when he was here. It had been in to nesting to note the great improvement that he had found in many of the singers whom he remembered since he was last here. That posUion indicated keenness on the part of the individual, showing that useful teaching was going on in the town, and also showing the value of the Competitions as a stimulus in pioviding suc|h a useful outlet and such a fine means of comparison. Tn abirost every case the solos in the ‘‘own select ion’’ classes had been wisely chosen so far as the quality of the song was concerned. This personal activity in matters musics I could not be but beneficial to the c-ommun-He did not think the standard of the children’s classes had been quite as good, which he hoped was not due to any diminution of interest on the part 'of the people responsible for the training of the children. It must be remembered that the children o', to-day were the citizens of the future. and were to provide the music, of the future. Interest in musical mattery on the part of children would enrich their lives by giving them a finer sense of culture. Only a comparative few c'ould hope to paint pi--tures, but a great many could take part in musical art. Therefore it was more important for a civic body to encourage every opportunity of development in musical art than to spend money on pictures and works of a:(t for an art gallery. it was a reasonable hope that the governing bodies should assist a movement like the 'Competitions, not only with moral support, but if necessary, some financial support. It was interesting to find when he judged the Competitions at Bendigo, Victoria, recently, that the City Council gave a donation of £5O.

With the exception of certain sections, the instrumental work was not of a high standard, but the introduction of classes for instrumental quartettes had been interesting, and the innovation of classes for band instruments was a commendable move in the right direction. It might lead to considerable development —possibly in the llorm of a festival for that class of work. This innovation might possibly make Greymouth. once a year, an important centre of all-round music activity even greater than had been enjoyed up to the present. It was just as important for a town to be proud of its musical achievements as of its iprowess in sport.

The piano section was one of quite a good standard, and indicated that there was still considerable music in the home life, irrespective of fhat music which the radio provided, rherc was something about personal contact 'with the performer that was entirely missing when music was heard over the radio. It might be termed Iho personal touch. Whilst fully appreciative of the wonders of wireless and the tremendous boon it was to people who lived in lonely places, one felt that there should be some limitation 'of its activities, an any rate, if it discouraged or stultified personal effort. The Choirs, said Mr Dixon, he had thoroughly enjoyed. They had done go'od work and ’were to be encouraged. Their performance reflected the greatest credit on the conductress. THE DANCING SECTIONS. Mrs Triggs, in an interview, said that the standard of dancing was much higher than last year. With re j

gard to pointe woi'k. the children should be given twelve months’ exercise. at the bare before attempting to dance on their toes. In the operatic section, the main fault was the technique, the visiting competitors outshinging the local ones in this reThe character sections were very interesting this year. The competitors looked as though they 'were enjoying their dance. The costuming and make up we:«e of enormous significance and constituted part of the competitors’ The national dancing had reached a very high standard indeed. and was most pleasing throughout. Th ■ gene ml weakness was that the hopping foot was turned in ami caused the dancer to lose the first and most important position, position was the foundation or basis upon which the principles of dancing were founded, for without, good position. dancing, however animated it might be. con id never thoroughly please. Of tlie required qualities, expression took the lead, as it was the life and soul of action. A fault in the Highland dancing was that the kilts were worn too short. It was the rule of the Pipers and Dancing Association that when kneeling down the kilt should ju-d sweep the fioon. The song and dance numbers were very good, and appealed to the public. Tlie judge wou'd have liked to have seen more of them. The ballets too, "were very attractive. The barefoot dancing was much better than last year. The competitors were more time in their work, and, as a result, there was a great improvement this year. The frocks were very pretty throughout. In the tap and eccentric dancing, the most outstanding competitor was Master Doug Shepherd, of Christchurch. lie danced splendidly. In dancing of this class, all the muscles should relax, and ballet steps should not. be introduced. In conclusion. Mrs Triggs said she wished to congratulate the unsuccessful competitors. Though not winning prizes, she hoped they would continue their strides, ‘ind thus attain a highen degree of efficiency. She was deeply grateful for all that had been done for her while in Greymouth, and would carry away happy recollections of the West Coast Competitions Society. THE ELOCUTION CLASSES. The judge of the elocutionary classes, Mr .1. R Lester, in an interview, said that the most noticeable feature of the Competitions was the friendly spirit and healthy rivalry among the competitors. The audiences were generous and appreciative of the work of “friend and foe.’’ This engendered a fine spirit of goodwill and contribute? to the smooth running of the sections In this respect, the people of Greymouth were far ahead of those iu the larger centres. Th e improvement among those competitors who were in the limelight last year, and just did not get there, had been most marked. Of particular interest were the classes fobeginners, for from these were to be recruited the potential Champions Considerable progress had been mad e by Miss K. Tibbles, Miss V. Richardson and Miss M. Bond. Miss Tibbleshowed considerable appreciation of word values. She also had considerable

caste ami artistry, and with application sh e should come right to the front. Of this year’s beginners, Miss WaHwork should be a force to be reckoned with at future festivals. Miss Strong man, although still a novice, had a true instinct for drama. The men’s classes wer tf not strong numerically this year, but Messrs Jas Gilbert, A. 11. Paterson and T. Tarrant were good enough to provide lively opposition. In the junior men’, classes Messrs R. PoHoGk and A. Gilligan were the most promising There was a good deal of work ahead of them yet, but they had the prerequisites. The juvenil e sections were very much better than last year. There were some particularly good performances. The outstanding performer in this class was Joan Wasley.' On three occasions he had mentioned that her performances were the best he had ever heard, the best of which was “The House With Nobody In It.’’ Considerable progress had been made by Misses D. Congreve, Z Peters, J. Paterson and S. Sanders (Hokitika). Two newcomers, Misses P. Meth ven, of Westport, and S. Andrews, of Hokitika, had con siderable talent and should be among next year’s prize winners. Misses V. and M McDonnell, who were close behind th e prize winners last year, had now come to the front. The work of the children had been particularly pleasing, especially the test recital, ‘‘The Present’’ for thos e from 6 for 9 years. It was delightful to see the little competitors applauding the efforts of their rivals. It was one of the most enjoyabl e classes in the competitions. Everyone had worked very much bet ter this year and the competitions had gone on ver v smoothly, due to the excellent work of the organisation, and also to the goodwill and appreciation of the people and the kindly disposition they had shown to all competitors. He had tried to please every-j body and he would lik c the competitors' to know that, while he was adjudicator he was one of their most patient and appreciative listeners. He wished to express his grateful thanks to the executive of the Society for the assistance and kindness shown him. especial ly the President, Mr M Keating, and the Secretary, Mr Bush. FIRST DEMONSTRATION. The first grand demonstration will take place this evening at which first prize winners from the weed’s festival will appear. The high standard attained during the 'week., and eomnicnjCed upon by the judges on num erous occasions, which have been consistent with the progress resulting from another year’s serious study in the arts, will assure the quality of the programme. Further, it is the first time in the history of Competitions in Greymouth that they have received a fillip by reason of the unprecedented number of outside competitors who have taken part in the contests and added their quota to the higher standard referred to. These highly satisfactory conditions. together with the excellent response from the public, have- made the present festival the best yet held. This has enabled the Executive to present l oth this and to-morrow evening a programme of gems sifted from the u er-k ’f? < omnei i l ion of a standard O’ previously equalled. Those called on vo perform this

evening are requested to note the programme to be published to-day, while patrons are reminded that the demonstration. will commence punctually at 7.15 o’clock. Re erves < be made at Kdgoui’s.