WESTLAND COMPETITIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 20 August 1927, Page 2

WESTLAND COMPETITIONS

sucosssrri. opesixg. The Westland Competitions resumed last evening in what proved a very successful opening. Good weather prevailed and there was a large attendance, fully 400 being present. The programme, although a lengthy one, proved an entertaining one, and although it was 11.15 before the final item, the majority of those present remained.

The judges are:—Elocution, Air R. T. Bush. Greymouth : music, Air E. Aloss. Greymouth ; fancy dancing, Airs J. Hannan, Greymouth. The arrangements for the Competitions appeared excellent. The Soldiers’ Hall appears to he adaptable to all occasions. and for competitions it is cortainly very convenient. A large stage of commanding height has been erected. and from all parts of the hall, everything could ho seen and heard. The acoustic properties were commented on very favourably, the hall being very easy to speak or sing in. The whole programme was well regulated. and everything passed off hitchless. Air I>. J. Evans (President) assisted by Revd. Knowles-Smith (Vice-President) were the supervisors, but the Secretary (Mr J. AY. Morris) had prepared the details so completely that their task was a light one, and tho Competitions seemed to run themselves.

A word of praise is due to the competitors, who caused no delays, being always prompt in their appearance. Tho entertainment was well varied, and all the performers acquitted themselves well. Alanv hearty rounds of applause greeted some of those appearing who pleased the large audience specially. The opening night must he voted an undoubted success, and augurs well for tho remaining sessions. As the Saturday nighc programme is an excellent one, introducing some of the best elocutionary talent from Greymouth, regular patrons should make it a point of attending early to secure their seats.

Miss Ailion Daly. A.T.C.L.. is the official aeemnpanistc for the Competitions. and discharged her responsible duties in her usual finished manner. The Society is Indeed fortunate in having services such as Aliss Daly > available.

OPENING REMARKS. The President (Air D. .1. Evans) said it- was a pleasure to declare the second AYestland Competitions open. That the Society had been rightly encouraged by its first effort was manifest from the largely increased entry received on the present occasion. In that connection he had to thank the performers for their interest and enthusiasm and their tutors who had been at such pains to bring on their pupils and develop the undoubted talents which would be manifested as the Competitions progressed. The Society was fortunate in its staffing. The members of the'Committee took a close interest in (he work, and all meetings were well attended. One of the most fortunate circumstances of all, was the interest of their Secretary (Air J. Alorris) to whom all the credit was due for organising the many details which go to make the running of the Competitions such a success. The drafting of the time-table alone was a most important matter, and in that respect Air Morris had put ill much time and thought, and with the augumented entries had a difficult task to organise the full Competitions within the time allotted. Next year it was evident an additional day would have to he tacked on at least, and in order to a (ford all the prize winners an opportunity of appearing, it seemed probable two nights would require to he devoted to the demonstrations. Air Evans went on to refer to tho good fortune of the Society in again having jAlessrs Bush and Mjoss, ot Greymouth. a.s judges for the two principal sections of the Competitions—elocution and music. On the previous occasion their judgment gave general satisfaction, and there was the desire they might return this year. They had been good enough to do so, and to sacrifice their time and interest for the benefit of those competing and the Society was grateful on that account. The next day Airs Hannan, of Greymouth, would he here to judge the dancing and the lady’s presence would also he very much appreciated. Passing on to refer to the work of tho Society, Air Evans said while much praise could be given to those who were competing, there was another side, and there was still much to bo done. The male section of the community both seniors and juveniles, had not responded as well as was hoped, nor as they should,. The value of these Competitions in elocutionary training alone had often been manifested, and instances were quoted of well known men who had become great and notable, yet they had first forced confidence in the art of expressing themselves in debating clubs or mutual improvement societies. There was a want in Hokitika in that respect. Also with regard to choral singing both for choirs and schools, 1 here was room for more entries, and ere next year came round, he hoped steps would he taken to remedy the short comings. In concluding. Air Evans trusted the public patronage would be well sustained, not only for the sake of the Society, hut as an encouragement to the performers. He had much pleasure in declaring the Competitions ojxweil. and wished success to the Society and to the performers. LAST EVENING'S WORK. “The Xmas Guest,” (Phyllis Pilkington), recitation, 12 to 15 years. Seven performers in tho first section— Beatrice Stephens and Ella Groufsky, 85 marks, equal 1, Pearl Dowell and Harold P.owe, 83 marks, equal 2. The second section was taken this morning and the finals will to heard tonight.

A’iolin Solo, 9 to 12 years, “Alelodie”. (Tor Aulin) Opus 33, No. 3. Three performers—Duncan Heinz 1, Colin Goad 2, Eva Randall 3. The judge said very good rendering, with nice tone. Speaking of the musical side of the Competitions generally, ATr Mcf-s remarked on the improved standard of work above that of last year, and if the remainder of the work was of equal merit, the Competitions would proved a pronounced success. The judge also complimented Colin Goad, stating the little chap should keep going.

Humorous Recital ion, 12 to 18 years, own selection, four competitors.—Xoeleen Wormiiigtou, 85, 1 ; Daisy Atarshall. 84. 2. The judge remarked in valuing the performance, the quality of the piece selected had to be taken into account. Tho winner who recited ‘■The Last Half Hour” did best in tho recall. The second prize winner recited “Peter.” which was catchy with its alliteration, and did well, but tho winner brought out tho separate characters bettor.

Choir, anthem, “The Radiant Alorn,” (Woodward); hymn (unaccompanied) “Fierce Raged the Tempest” (Dykes). All Saints’ Church choir ,onlv competitor. A good rendering was given, Aliss Davies being

organist. The judge said he was sorry there was only one entry. However, Hokitika should he proud of their choir, the performance was a good one. The anthem was a difficult one, and was sot specially as a test. The choir was nicplv balanced. The bass was

out of tune, uml tlic accent was not given in all cases. Soprano very good —BS marks. Tlio hymn was not so well rendered, but the choir finished well in pitch. The bass was inclined to pull down, but the soprano was there always to pull hack. On the whole a pleasing rendition— "s marks. S'ong in character. 1 2 to 15 years, own selection, two competitors.—Jean Dowell I, Pearl Dowell 2. The judge stated the winner told the story of her song well, though not made up too well to represent a. waif. Recitation, “Mis Epitaph,” (Will Ogilvie) 15 to 18 years, four performers—Nancy Wood. 81. I ; Daisy Marshall, 80, 2; F. KoehlV.rd, 72. 3. The judge commented on the desire to

give the wrong emphasis, leaning towards the (nullifying adjective rather than the verb. The hoys were at a disadvantage when competing in the same class as girls, the quality of the voice, poise, and other features being in competition. The two girls gave a good reproduction of the piece and its story.

Piano solo, “Harcarotle,” (T-ehai-kowsky), 15 to 18 years, sis performers.—Owen Jacobs 1, Ada Lynn 2. Olive Chesterinan 11. The judge referred to the good account ul hersell by The winner whose performance wits arresting throughout. There is a lengthy programme in progress at the Soldiers’ Hall to-day and to-night. Country visitors who may lie in town will find it a very varied entertainment and most enjoyable. Some excellent items are set down for both this afternoon and evening, to-night's programme being specially good, embracing vocal and instrumental music, elocution and speech-making and dancing. Ike elocution includes musical monologues, humorous recitations, impromptu speeches, prepared speech and Shakesperian recitation. Recalls will he taken at the end of the programme.

On Monday the Competitions will resume at 9.30, as usual, and three sessions will he held. I lie programme will be again well diversified, and include many sparkling numbers, including special dance items. Ihe reading will be included in the alternoon. and at night there will he special vocal items, and the juvenile oration, together with the ladies’ Slnikesperian recital, for which there will lie six competitors. Tuesday will be the final day. 4 bore will lie competitions morning and afternoon in the Soldiers’ Hall, with many attractive numbers. At night the Competitions wind up at the Princess Theatre with a- grand demonstration concert with upwards of forty items. It should prove one of the finest entertainments ever presented in Hokitika. Largo attendances promise throughout the whole session of the Competitions.

TO-DAY’S RESULTS. There was quite a good attendance at the Soldiers’ Hall for the second day of the Competitions from an early hour this morning. In fact at 10.30 the hall was more than half-full, evidencing interest of parents and public alike in the proceedings. Punctually at 9.30 o’clock the first event commenced, there being thirteen entries and all ai»poaring. the juveniles doing well, and earning good applause.

Recitation: “A Sleepy Time” (anon) 7 years to 0 years. Thirteen competed. Constance Staines 1, lies Baker 2, John Gillooly 3, Miriam Stephens I. This proved a very interesting section, and all the competitors acquitted themselves well. There was a. wealth of variety in the styles adopted for the rendering of the piece. Piano Solo, 12 years to 15 years.

Vul.se I, Opus 83, (Durand). Eleven competitors. This was quite a sparkling competition and was enjoyed greatly .by the attendance. Recalls. , John Staveley, 'Moira Stopforth, Owen .•“Pncohs, Peggy Carroll. f Recitation, 12 years to 15 years—- “ The Xmas Guest’’ (second section), eight competitors. Recalls: Run Clarke, Noelcen Wormington, Joan Baker.