GREY EISTEDDFOD

Grey River Argus, 20 August 1937, Page 10

GREY EISTEDDFOD

Yesterday’s Classes interest maintained. The third day of the Eisteddfod was held yesterday when keen competition was again in evidence. Some fine talent was displayed and the audience was very appreciative iff the competitors’ efforts. The attendance can still be improved on and seeing this is the last day of the festival there should be an increased patronage. To-morrow night will be the demonstration concert, and so as not to avoid being disappointed; patrons are urged to reserve their seats as there is sure to be a packed house. The following are yesterday’s awards: —

MORNING SESSIONS. Highland Fling (10 and under 14 years) (Final)—L. Upton (Christchurch) 80 pts. 1: V. Heenan (Hokitika) 79 pts. 2; V. Goodall 78 pts. 3. V.H.C. J. Welch (Ashburton) 77 pts. Also competed: J. Inglis, J. Davies (Blackball), M. Coll, J. McMillan, F. McLean, N. Brown, J. Knight, S. Fisher (Christchurch). The judge said that this was quite a good class. The winner gave a very finished performance. The second competitor also a very good performance, and her carriage was good. Irish Jig (14 years and over) (Final) —Billie Addis 84 pts. 1; Monica Sinnott 80 pts. 2; Melba Melville (Ashburton) 79 pts. 3. Also competed: Kath Thomson and Dovey Richardson. Miss Agnew said this section was very pleasing indeed. The winner had given an outstanding performance. The second competitor gave a pretty good jig, full of pep and seemed to enjoy it thoroughly. Sailors’ Hornpipe (10 and under 14 years) (Recalls) —Joyce Welch (Ashburton), Ngaire Brown (Christchurch), Viv Heenan (Hokitika). Also competed: Joyce Inglis, Maudie Williams, Vonnie Goodall, Jean Davies, Joan Macmillan, Molly Coll, Lenore Upton (Christchurch), Mabel Galway (Reefton), Jack Knight, Shirley Fisher (Christchurch), Dawn Hager (Hokitika), Flora McLean. Nagro Spiritual <Any voice) (Final) —Mr C. H. Tylee. - Porter "My Lord, What a Morning” 82 pts. 1; Mr W. H. Baird "Swing Low” .81 pts. 2; Mr Max Marshall 80 pts. 3. Mr Davies said that the men’s voices were much improved in this section. The winner sang very well and made a very good opening, but his high notes were not so good. The second competitor also sang well, while the thirci was very much improved and was very pleasing. Sacred Song, Ladies’ (Recalls) — Miss Iris Turner "Open The Gates of The Temple,” Miss Eunice. Scott "God’s Garden,” Miss Moira Wootton “How Lovely are Thy Dwellings”. Also competed: Miss F. Smith "How Lovely are Thy Dwellings”, Miss Rona' Friend “Open the Gates of the Temple.” Recitation (Boys and Girls Under 9) (Recalls) —Rosslyn Davis “The Pigeons”, Evelyn Kiely “A Fairy Tale”, Anngtte Webber "Elizabeth Ann”, Ngaire Fraser. H.C.: Fay Smith “The Snare”, Margaret Ellery "Untasted Joys”, Margaret Plank "The Pigeons”. Also competed: Jim Coyle “Squeezing Through a Crack”, Colleen Johns “Choosing Shoes”, Cliff Knapp “Two Little Dicky. Birds”, Colleen Moore “The Kea”, Audrey O’Neill “The Twilight Wind”, Abson Ellery “Measles", J. Mann

Reading at Sight Piano or Violin (Final) —Nancy Harrie (piano) 89 pts. 1; -Elsie Tibbles (piano) 79 pts. 2; Joan Munson (piano)' and Hilario Zampese (violin) equal 3. The judge said that this was a very fine section indeed, he being very pleased with the playing. Operatic Dance, 12 years and over. Pointe work preferable but no essential.—Recalls: Pat Gifkins, Vonnie Goodall, Leonare Upton (Christchurch). Also competed: Billie Addis (Christchurch). Melba Melville (Ashburton), Maude Williams, Valda May, Monica Sinnott, Molly Coll, Kath Thomson.

Piano Solo, 14 and under 16 (finaD —Joan Munson “Scherzo” 84pts, 1: Joan Walker 82pts, 2; V.H.C., Grace Fell “Swallows” 81pts. Also competed: Elsie Tibbles “Serenade” and Moira Clarke. AFTERNOON SESSION. Sacred Song, men (final)—Mr W. H. Baird “Abide With Me” 77pts, 1; Mr Max Marshall “O Divine Redeemer” 76pts, 2; Mr W. P. Boucher “The Lord is My Light” 74pts, 3. The only competitors. Humorous Recital (no properties allowed)—Recalls: J. Ashley “The Story of a Tack,” Patsy Kiely “The Rehearsal,” Vivian Hansen “Bill ’Awkins at the Pictures.” V.H.C., Billy Hamilton “I’ve Put Out the Cat,” Lorna Fell “Mrs ’Arris on Tstory,” Pauline Gallagher “On the Tramcar.” Also competed: Margaret Stewart “Little Peter’s Parley,” Valma Owen

“Toffee,” Marie Courtney, Daphne Aldridge “Dad and Mum Go to the 1 Comps.” Jim Coyle “Mr Brown Gets 1 His Hair Cut,” Dorothy Congreve ' “jLthelred,” Doreen Gibbens “The ! Bride’s First Visit to the Butcher,” Mollie Barrowman “Packing,” Pauline Dwyer "Telling a Tale.” Operatic Dance, under 9 (open to Grey district): Recalls—Joyce Picken, Margaret Ellery, Helen Macmillan. Also competed: Pat Fischer, Enid Duggan, Daphne Goodall, Betty Lindbom. Highland Fling, 14 years and over (final)—Billie Addis (Christchurch), 89pts, 1; Melba Meville (Ashburton) 86pts, 2. Also competed: Kath Thomson. * • Skipping Rope Dance, 12 years and over: Recalls—Monica Sinnott, Billie Addis (Christchurch), Melba Melville (Ashburton). V.H.C., Kath Thomson. Also competed: Vonnie Goodall, Narda Lecher, Leonore Upton, Jean Davies, Pat Gifkins, June Heenan (Hokitika) and Dawn Hager (Hokitika). Barefoot Dance, 10 years and under —Recalls: Daphne Goodall, Joan MacMillan, "Sea Shells,' Margaret Ellery, “Cupid.” Also competed: P. Schultze, “Scarf Dance,” E. Duggan “Cupid,” R. Whiting, "Pan,” D. Ged- , des (Christchurch), J. Picken “To the > Rainbow,” Pat Fischer, H. MacMil-1] lan, “Every Sea Hath a Pearl/’ E. h Morris, “Daisy Chains,” B. Roper, < “Silver Hoop,” B. Rostern, “Bubble.” i Character Duo, any age—Recalls: ; Melva Moss and Pat Gifkins, Vonnie £ Goodall and Pat Gifkins, “Bell Boy t and Maid.” Also competed: June and r Viv. Heenan (Hokitika), Molly Coll r and Joyce Inglis, D. Goodall and M. j Ellery. I EVENING SESSION. t Sailors’ Hornpipe, 10 and under 14 'g

—Final: N. Brown (Christchurch) 84 pts., 1; J. Welch (Ashburton) 83 pts., 2; Viv. Heenan (Hokitika) 3. Operatic Dance, under 9 (retricted to Children of Grey District).-Mar-garet Ellery 76 pts., 1; Helen MacMillan 74 pts., 2; Joyce Picken, 73 pts, 3.

Mi&s Agnew said the winner was delightful, the competitor placed third losing points on her evening’s performance, she having been placed high up in the day session. Piano Duet, any age.— Nancy Harrie and B. MacDougall, 74 pts., 2; Joyce Durham and Elsie Tibbles, V.H.C., 73 pts. Also competed: D. Hales and M. Cawley, M. Richmond and J. Horrack. No first prize was awarded.

Mr. Davies said he was thoroughly disappointed in the duets. He said to see such talented girls, and to know what they can do and then for them to play like they had done, was awful. The best, though he would not award a first prize, were artistic but finished raggedly. The competitors very highly commended, were the only ones to choose a decent selection but were not experienced Enough to play it. The other playlers did not give very good performances.

Sacred Solo (Ladies)—Final: Miss E. Scott, 81 pts., 1; Miss M. Wotton, 76 pts., 2; Miss I. Turner, 75 pts., 3. The judge said that the winner had a charming and delightful voice, and she should go a long way. One fault she would have to overcome, and that was not to sharpen. The second young lady sang very nicely. She is pleasing and improved as she went on. The young lady placed third has the makings of a very good voice but must learn to keep it under control. Vocal Duet —Final: Miss Lesley and Mr. Max Marshall, “Night of Stars,” 73 pts., Ist. Mr. Davies said that both lady and gentleman sang nicely together, but were inclined to tremlo. They have voices of good quality and have nice interpretation. Recitation, under 9—Final: Annette Webber, 79 pts., 1; Rosslyn Davies, 78 pts., 2; Evelyn Kiely, 76 pts., 3. V.H.C.: Marie Fraser. Mr. Cow, said that this was an excellent section. The winner gave a little more difficult piece, and was very good and highly artistic. The second competitor has a very good voice, a nice sense of rhythm, and is very promising. The little girl placed third was charming and artistic. The little girl very highly commended was very clear but would have to watch her vowel sounds. Barefoot Dance, 10 years and under—Final : Margaret Ellery 78 pts., 1; Daphne Goodall, 77 pts., 2; Joan MacMillan, 74 pts., 3. Character Duo, any age.—Vonnie Goodall and Pat Gifkins, 74 pts., 1; Melva Moss and Pat Gifkins, 72 pts., 2.

The judge said the winning performance nice. The second competitors’ time was uncertain in places. Humorous Recital, under 16—Final: Vivian Hansen, 83 pts., 1; Patsy Kiely, 80 pts., 2; Jack Ashley, 79 pts., 3.

The judge said that this was not a very strong class, the three competitors recalled being the best. The winner gave an excellent performance. The little girl placed second chose a piece difficult for a junior, but did very well. Skipping Rope Dance, 12 and over —Final: Billie Addis, 78 pts., 1; Monica Sinnott and Melba Melville, equal, 2nd.

Shakespearean Dialogue— Final: Misses V. Richardson and M. McDonnell, 160 pts., 1; Misses I. Ede and M. Bond, 152 pts., 2. Also competed: Misses P. and K. McGrath.

The judge, Mr. Cow, said that this section was poor indeed. The winners gave a very good performance. Song (N.Z. Composer), 16 years and over—Final: Mr. W. H. Baird, 74 points, 1; Mr. Max Marshall, 73 pts., 2; Miss I. Turner, 71 pts., 3. The judge said that this section was only fair. The winner sang well but will have to watch his Maori pronounciation. The young man in second place has a very nice voice but is inclined to tremelo. The young lady showed what her voice is capable of and has very good tone.

Tap Dance, under 12—Recalls: J. Good, J. MacMillan, J. Cochrane (Blackball), M. Nicol. Also competed: J. Ramage, G. Wells (Hokitika), J. Welch (Ashburton), A. Ward, P. Schultze, D. Geddes (Christchurch), H. MacMillan, L. Saxon (Hokitika), L. Screen (Hokitika), J. Inglis, L. Kennedy, N. Jones (Hokitika), J. Knight, O. Wells (Hokitika), B. Frost, V. Heenan, M. Ellery, N. Tate.

1 The fourth section of the Tap , Dance, 12 and over, was also seen last evening, also song and dance team, second sections, and the Coss tume Ballet, No. 1 “Blue Danube." Judges 7 Comments ’ MR. CLAUDE DAVIES’ REMARKS. L “I think that the Greymouth Comi petitions do not receive the support e they should do,” said Mr. Davies, > judge of the vocal and instrumental ; classes, when asked his opinion of the 3 musical classes heard at the Competij tions. Greymouth was widely known i for the high standard of its talent . and to think that they so little valued the competitions, where that talent , was encouraged, was very distressing. Mr. Davies was highly pleased with ’ the instrumental playing, considering j it excellent. He had heard some ' lovely violin playing, whieh was a credit to the teachers. He had been greatly impressed with the reading at sight for piano and violin, the pupils showing excellent musicianship. He hoped that the' - students would continue with their work, and not drop interest in it, but keep on and aspire to higher honours. He wished to congratulate the accompanists on their playing which was at all times sympathetic and delicate. The standard of singing was not as good as it might have been, said Mr. Davies. The vocalists, he realised, were only beginners, though there 1 were some very promising voices, which, with a little more training, ; should develop into very good ones. 1 Most of the singers were inclined to ' force and to sing as loud as they 1 could, which was a mistak'e in a be- < ginner. There were some very good ' I ladies’ voices. Two of the ladies sang < with much charm and expression. The s otners needed more study, and would, i no doubt, show much promise. There also was some excellent quality i among the voices of the men, though s there was none of them outstanding, r They needed to show more refine- c ment, but with study should develop t into singers of merit. It was a great pity, said the judge, tnat the busy v life that men led precluded them from e taking the same interest in singing ii as the women, who had more time to Lt

p devote to practice, and were thus * able to improve their singing. B Mr. Davies concluded by saying that he had enjoyed his stay in Greymouth, and was most grateful for the hospitality shown him. He wished the Competitions success, trusting they would continue to prosper, for they were a real asset in the life of the community. DANCING JUDGE. t Miss Edna Agnew, the judge of >, dancing, said that she was greatly 1 impressed with the dancing at the J competitions as it was of a high - standard. The teachers were to be i congratulated on their work, for to t them the competitors owed much for 1 the high standard they have attained, t The work in the National danc- . ing classes was very gooa. In the i Highland dancing, the footwork was j quite neat, though in most cases it j was spoiled by bad arm work. The i Sailors’ Hornpipes were much enjoyi ed, being danced with plenty of vim ; and pep. The only fault was with : the rope pulling and this could easily . be remedied with practice. The Tap dancing had been a love- : ly section and very interesting. Some of the competitors showed unusual talent. In all sections the tiny tots were good and quite a number of them had the makings of very good dancers. The character dance in the section 12 and over, was a delightful class, all of the competitors excelling. There! were four recalled, and the winner’s performance was most graceful and artistic. The character duo, any age. was another very good class, the tiny tots being a treat to watch. The operatic and bare-foot dances, too, 1 were very well done. The song and ' dance numbers were quite good, but some could have been danced with _ more expression. ( Miss Agnew thought that the frock- ► ing of the dancers throughout the - sections was excellent and reflected much credit on the parents for . the care they had taken in their preparations. She regretted that the Competitions were so poorly patronised as, from an educational point of view, they mer- f ited the whole-hearted support of I the townspeople. £