HAWERA’S 1933 FESTIVAL

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 26 August 1933, Page 6

HAWERA’S 1933 FESTIVAL

FINAL SESSION AWARDS. HIGH-CLASS ENTERTAINMENT. PUBLIC SUPPORT APPRECIATED. The 1933 competitions festival conducted under the auspices of the Hauera Male Choir was brought to a close at the Opera House in Hawera last evening with an excellent proframnie of high-class entertainment. ocal and instrumental music was interspersed with national and fancy dances, whilst elocutionary numbers added further life and colour to the proceedings and sustained the interest of a very large audience until a late hour. The stage management, a feature of the competitions at every session, was faultless and each competitor appeared promptly at the sound! of the judge’s bell. Each member of the committee again was in close coordination with the chairman (Mr. F. \V. Horner) and ..the honorary secretary (Mr. T. F. McKenzie) in various capacities’, and the dressers and accom. panistes were ever ready to give assistance. “When the more prosperous conditions in other years are taken into consideration it is doubtful whether there has been a. more successful .season than the present,” stated a committee member. “Throughout the 12 sessions the performances in almost every class were of a high standard and the large audiences most attentive.”

Before the session ended Mr Horner addressed the audience and thanked the visiting and Hawera competitors, their parents and teachers and all other sections of the community for their loyal support. The attendances at each session during the season had been splendid and the committee was confident of its ability to meet all the expenses incurred by holding the festival again this year. Mr Horner complimented the judges on the pleasing results of their work and tlicir endeavour, by helpful criticism and advice, to build up a real appreciation of the arts of music, dancing and elocution. The judges came to Hawera with high qualifications in their particular branches of work and the committee’s confidence in their ability had been justified to the fullest possible extent. They would leave Hawera on the morrow with the sincere appreciation of all concerned for what they had done. (Applause). Continuing his remarks, Mr Horner tnanked the trustees of St. John’s Presbyterian Church for the free use of , the hall, the donors of special prizes and trophies, the loyal and energetic band of ushers and door attendants and those who “made ready” in the dressing rooms and other voluntary workers. Ticket sales at the Opera House were undertaken by Mrs J. W. Y'elvin and at the Presbyterian Hall by Mrs H. E. Cressey, both ladies performing an unenviable task with credit to themselves and benefit to the festival. The office staff also came in for an expression of appreciation and reference was made to the fact that the hard-worked stage manager (Mr J. C. Findlater), who maintained strict supervision behind the scenes, once again contributed a week of his annual leave to the festival. Special mention was made of , the work of Miss Kathleen Fair hall (official accompaniste) and of other ladies who had assisted the compositors, also Piper lan Campbell who played for certain of the dancing classes. Among many others to whom , thanks were conveyed were Mrs H. T. I Lovell for the loan of pot plants, the 1 Press for the publicity and full reports ' given through Tts columns and the •, honorary secretary (Mr McKenzie), on r whom rested a large share of the re- * sponsibility for the successful manage- [ ment of the festival. Special points prizes won at the , festival were presented by Mr Horner as follow:

Brunette Shield for open competition among choirs of 20 to 25 voices, not necessarily a church choir.—Won by Mrs W. A. Quin’s choir. The shield was accepted on the stage by Mrs Quin personally. Banner for children’s chorus, 12 to 15 voices under 14 years in test selection unaccompanied.—Won by the Hawera junior choir, conducted bv Mrs T. O. Sunderland.

Banner for children’s unison singing, six to nine voices under 10 years, own selection unaccompanied.—Won by the Hawera midgets, conducted *oy Miss Winifred Huggins. Banner for children’s unison singing, six to eight voices, 10 and under 14 years, own selection, unaccompanied.—Won by the Hawera Main School O choir, conducted bv Mr G. H. Percy. Trophy donated by Miss Nancy Kent for most points in elocution classes, open to competitors 13 and under 16 years.—Miss Norma Nixon (243 points). ‘ |

Trophy donated by Miss Margaret Stock for most points in dancing classes, open to competitors 13 years of age and over.—Miss Joan Cresswcll (319 points). Trophy donated by Miss Hellier for most points in dancing classes, open to novices.—Miss Eileen Perica (245 points).

Trophy donated by Miss Maisie Instone for most points in elocution classes, open to competitors 13 years of age and under.—Miss Cynthia Graham (245 points). Silver medal donated by Miss Doreen Nairn for Highland Fling (novice).— Master Russell Palmer.

Festival championship gold medal for piano solo (open).—Miss Alvin/.a Curtis.

Festival gold medal for most points in ladies’ singing classes. —Mrs It. Mcßeth (230 points). Festival gold medal for most points in adult elocution classes.—Miss Noreen Fake (242 points). Other trophies and prize money were donated by the Hawera Scottish Society, Hawera Pipe Band reel class, Mrs W. G. Simpson, Miss J. McCall and Mr J. It. Nairn, all being devoted to classes previously mentioned.

The following were the afternoon results in addition to these published in yesterday’s late edition of the “Hawera Star,” together with the awards announced during the evening : SOPRANO SOLO. Open ; own selection. Final: Miss J. O’Brien (Hawera), j “The Wind,” 1 ; Miss M. Brown (Stratford), “T>, Lovely Night,” 2. 1 Highly commended: Miss K. QiiinJ (Hawera,), “Sognai”; Miss N. Davis' (Hawera), “A Spirit Flower.” Only competitors.

HIGHLAND FLING. Recalled: Ernest Davis (Wanganui), Irene Barlow (W anganui). Final: Irene Barlow 1, Ernest Davis 2. Also competed: Marie Walsh .(Hawera), Thelma Cox (Stratford), Stewart Nairn (Hawera), Maureen Keegan (Stratford), Doreen Peppered (Eltha.ni), Eileen l)owd(m (Hawera), Poppy Bloor (Hawera), Jean Williams (Meremere), Joan Peters (Wanganui). PIANO SOLO. Under 10 years. Test: “Cuckoo Song” (Emily Dayniond). Recalled: Noreen Goodger (Hawera), Hartley Gannaway (Hawera). Higlily commended : Jocelyn Purser (Hawera), Betty Bridger (Eltham). Final: Noreen Goodger 1, Hartley Gannaway 2. DIALOGUE. Two or more competitors l , boys or girls 13 and under 16 years, in costume ; own selection, properties permitted. Recalled: I>or*s Gilmore and Joyce Knightbridge (Hawera), “Peer Gynt and Aase’ ’; Norton Knightbridge and I George Sage (Hawera), “Swiveller and I Quilp.” Final: Doris Gilmore and Joyce Knightbridge 1, Norton Knightbridge and George Sage 2. VIOLIN SOLO. Twelve and under 16 years; own selection. Recalled: Arnold Hunter (Hawera), “Czardas”; Eldon Radford 1 (Hawera), “Londonderry Air.” Final: Arnold Hunter 1, Eldon Radford 2. Also competed: Phyllis _ Warren (Hawera), “Londonderry Air”; Edmund Taylor (Normanby), “Seconde Romance.” CHARACTER, OR DEMI-CHARAC-TER DANCE. Under 13 years. Recalled: Eva Matthews (Wanganui), Ida Matthews (Wanganui). Final: Eva Matthews 1, Ida Matthews 2. Also competed: Irene Barlow (Wanganui), Eileen Perica (Feilding), Alison Corrigan (Hawera). GIRL’S SONG. Ten and under 14 years ; own selection Recalled: Pauline McEwen (Normanby), “The Eairv Pipers” ; Noehne Death '(Hawera), “When Daisies Pied.” Very highly commended: Pat Brennan (Pungarehu), “Butterfly Wings.” Final: Pauline McEwen 1, Noeliiie Death 2. OPERATIC DANCE.

Under 13 years. Recalled: Ida Matthews (Wanganui), Joan Peters (Wanganui). Highlv commended: Peggy Claringbold (Hawera). Final: Ida Matthews 1, Joan Peters 2 RECITATION IN COSTUME. Boy or girl under 10 years ; own selection. Recalled: Thelma Cox (Hawera), “Pandora” ; Kevin Percival (Hawera), “Captain Hook.” Highly commended: Dorothy Tobeck (Hawera), “Christopher Robin” ; June Reid (Hawera), “The Queen of Butterflies.” Final: Kevin Percival 1, Thelma Cox 2. VOCAL DUET. Boy and/or girls under 16 years; own selection. Recalled: Pauline and. Christine McEwen (Normanby), Water Lilies”; Ruth Sunderland and Stewart Nairn (Hawera),. “Bergerette.” Very highly commended: Jean and Pat Dempsey (Hawera), “Song isSweet”; Margaret Cowie (iWa.verley) and Margaret Simpson (Hawera), “On Wings of Song.” HighK- commended : Viva and Myer ] Goldstone (Hawera), “The Second Minuet.”

Final: Pauline and Christine McEiwen 1, Ruth Sunderland and Stewart Nairn 2. ( CLASSICAL DANCE. Under 13 years. I'inal: Eva Matthews (Wanganui) 1. Jfaetel Over-ton (Hawera) 2. ■High commended: MplLio Crutch (Hawera). Ida Matthews (Wanganui); . Also competed; Eileen Perica (Feild--11V?)\ Joan Peters (Wanganui), Audrey Hi I hams (Meremere), Alison Corrigan (Hawera). PIANO DUET. Twelve and under 16 years. Test: “Polish Dance, No. 1 in B Flat” (Scharwenka), or “Duet by Deabolle, Ist Movement.” Recalled; Marian Dundas and Nova Doyle (Okaiawa), Joy Campbell and Alan Reynolds (Eltham). Highly commended: Lyn Henderson and Esther Blair (Hawera)'; Betty Reynolds and Marie Rowe (Eltham). final: Marian Dundas and Nora. Doyle 1, Joy Campbell and Alan Reynolds 2. RECITATION. Boys 10 and under 16 years. Test: “My Loves.” Recalled: Norton Knightbridge (Hawera), Desmond King (Hawera), Final: Norton Kiiightbridge 1, Desmond King 2. Highly commended: Robin Kirkby (Hawera). Also competed: David Sage, Bred Brett, Archie Sunderland, Robin Holloway (Hawera).

TAP DANCE. Under 18 years. Recalled: Joan Peters- (Wanganui), Norma Spearman (Stratford). Very high commended: Eva Matthews (Wanganui), Margaret Lawrence (Mangatoki), Joan Cresswell (Stratford). High commended: Audrey McLaren fHawera). Junne Goodwin (Hawera), Gwendolen Brisco (Ngaere). Final: Joan Peters 1, Norma Spearman 2. SACRED SOLO. Ladies; own selection. Recalled: Miss Freda Bamforth (New Plymouth) “God Shall Wipe Away All Tears”; Miss Tv. Quin (Hawera) “I. Know That- Mv Redeemer Liveth.” Very highly commended; Miss J. •O’Brien (Hawera) “Come Unto Him.” Highly commended; Mrs R. Mcßeth /Stratford) “The Lord is My Light”: Mrs C. Gannaway (Hawera) “Beside Still Waters.” Final: Miss Quin ], Miss Bamforth

. j DIALOGUE. ( Ladies and/or gentlemen: own selecj tion (standard author). Recalled: Misses V. and W. Quin i t (Hawera) “Rosalind and Orlando” ; Miss V. Jones and Miss J. McNeill , (Hawera; “Mistress Page and Ford.”'

High commended: Miss W. Quin and Miss J. Laurenson (Hawera; “Romeo” ; Miss N. Turnbull and W. B. Watt (Hawera “Sir Peter and Lady Teazle.” Final: Misses V. ana W. Quin l, Misses Jones and McNeill 2. Also competed.: Miss A. Hall and Miss S. Davy (Hawera) “Juliet and Nurse” ; Miss L. Knight and Miss G. Hansen (New Plymouth) “Juliet and [Nurse” • Miss J. Goodwin and G. MeConnell (Hawera) “Sir Peter and Lady Teazle.”

SHEAN TRIUBHAS

Under 18 years

! Recalled: Jean McAsey (Normanby) [lrene Barlow (Wanganui), Joan Peters (Wanganui). Very highly commended: Junno Goodwin (Hawera). Highly commended: Phyllis Lee (Stratford). Final: Irene Barlow and Joan Peters i (equal) 1, Jean McAsey 2. Also competed: Ernest Davis (Wanganui), Margaret Lawrence Mgangatoki), Belie Davey (Waipukurau), Diana Cannon (Stratford). 1.

COMMENTS BY JUDGES.

PERFORMANCES REVIEWED

In. his commentary on the vocal and instrumental music classes judged at the final sessions Mr Wentworth Slater said that the -work generally was of a very high standard and lie was delighted with the majority of the performances. In the soprano solo (open) own selection there were four •competitors each having a good conception of her particular choice of song. All had good voices and ho was particularly pleased with that of Miss J. O’Brien who sang “The Wind” excellently. The piano solo test “Cuckoo iSong” (Emily Daymond) for competitors under 10 years had- eight entrants and all displayed rare technique for performers of their age. Noreen Goodger and Hartley Gannaway were recalled and given places in that order. Mr Slater said that while the work generally was of a high standard he would like to have seen a smarter •tempo. In the violin solo class 12 and under 16 the performance of one or two of the competitors suffered through nervousness. Fine singing was heard in the class for girls 10 and under 14 years, Pauline McEwen interpreting “The Fairy Pipers” in excellent style and with a comparatively light touch which that particular choice of song demanded. The 11 performances in the vocal duct class were splendid, particularly the tiny tots, whoso efforts were well-sustained. Pauline and 'Christine McEwen sang “Water Lilies” delightfully to gain first place and Ruth Sunderland and Stewart Nairn were almost as good in their interpretation of “Bergerette.” Although the evening performances in the piano duet (optional tests) did not come up to the morning’s work, the players recalled merited their success. 3?he winners, Marion Dundas and -Nora Doyle, gave a performance with plenty of sparkle, light and shade, good technique and produced a beautiful singing tone. In sacred solo work Mr Slater suggested the use of sheet music in the hands. There were some judges, he said, who did not like to hear oratorio sung without the music. The work generally was good, but there was a tendency on the part of two or three singers to “compound volume.” Ir.i was well to keep something in reserve for a climax was never effective when the maximum of volume had been reached. iMr Slater said he was tremendously pleased with the singing at the festival, and remarked that some of it approached the best work lie had ever heard. Tribute was paid to the

services rendered by Miss Kathleen Fairhall, the official accompanistc. ■ Miss Fairhall had played her part in the festival nobly and competitors had been greatly assisted by her sympathy and moral assistance. Mr Slater also thanked the audiences for the attentive hearing accorded performers at all sessions and also the committee for the excellence of the arrangements to 1 facilitate the work of all the judges. The judge of elocution (Miss Elizabeth Blake) said that in claiss 43, recitation in costume, the work was carefully done, but not outstanding except for the charm and simplicity of Thelma Cox in “Pandora.” Kevin Percival sounded his vowels badly, but his acting was so -good, in “Captain Hook” ,at the evening session that he gained | a further three points, to win the class hv one point. Shakespearean work was definitely improving, said Miss Blake. Performer's were using their stages niore freely and some fine work was 'heard and'seen in the dialogue (class 1 55), especially in the interpretation of ‘“Peer Gynt and Aase” by Doris Giljmore and Joyce Knightbridge. Vowels j were again at fault in the boys’ a-ecita-ition test “'My Loves.” In the adult | dialogue dlass Miss IBlake said that j comedy of manners was totally different work from any other in stagecraft. [The quality of pose, the position of the jhanldls and facial expression were alljiniportauit. A splendid portrayal of I “Rosalind and Orlando” wa s given by .the Misses Quin. Miiss Blake congratu-| 'lated the committee on the introduction of several new classes in elocution winch brought the festival more into ■line with the work in the big centres at Homo. (Such, good work resulted that she suggested choral verse speaking as a now branch to bo explored next year.

Madame Edith. Baird, judge of dancing, said that the national dancing throughout the festival) had been a great joy and she would treasure happy memories of perfect Scotsmen and Irishmen thoroughly enjoying, their work. There were Other equally delightful “pictures” which she would remember —the - “Fountain,” “To a Blackbird,” “The Doll and Tin Soldier” an'ci “Golden Hours”—all very charming dances performed by charming people. As tokens of appreciation and encouragement, and also as a reward to several who did not win prizes, Madame Baird presented numerous gifts of quaint brass ornaments, and to the (tiny tots a packet of chocolate. MaIdame Baird urged dancers to “stick hard and fast” to side bar and good centre work practice and to pay particular attention to arms and faces, and expressed the hone that some day she would '.be asked! to come back to Hawera and see what progress had been made in the meantime.