THE COMPETITIONS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 141, 16 May 1936, Page 13

THE COMPETITIONS

THE FINAL AWARDS. The remaining sections in the Mnnnwatu Competitions Festival were completed yesterday, the results being as follow: READING AT SIGHT (under 12). Final.—S. Melville (Palmerston North), 78pts., 1 ; R. Hasler (Hastings) and N. Perrin (Palmerston North), 77 pts., equal, 2. Also competed.—F. Jenkins (Rangiotu), L. Doull (Wellington), D. Sanders (Hastings), C. Ornberg (Palmerston North). (12 and under 16). ! Final.—J. Stevens (Palmerston North), 78pts., 1; J. Stackpoole (Palmerston North). 77pts., 2; It. Jackson (Bunnytliorpc) 3. SPELLING TEST. Final.—N. Chamberlain (Palmerston North), 84pts., 1 ; H. Martin (Palmerston North), 7opts., 2. The character recital, 12 and under 16, heard earlier in the week, resulted : ltosetta Crawford (Palmerston North), 85 marks, 1 ; Rae Sanders (Hastings), 84 marks, 2: Ivena Potlran (Hastings), 83 marks, 3; June Stagpoole (Palmerston North), 78 marks, and Russell Jackson (Bunnythorpe), 78 marks, equal, v.h.c. DEMONSTRATION CONCERTS. After sessions lasting nearly a week, the festival concluded last evening. 1 esterdav a.fternoon and evening were devoted to demonstration concerts, and the cream of talent was selected to perform. Two splendid programmes were submitted to large and appreciative audiences. The afternoon concert was presented by the younger children and among the most outstanding performers were Brian Hasler, Russell Jackson, Valerie Holder, Hector McLean, Diana Sanders and Pauline Huntington (elocutionary items), Rae Sanders, ivena Pothan, Mavis Faulding, Joan Peters and Joy Thear (fancy dancing), Jocelyn and Lorna. Lassen (pianoforte), and Betty Ford, Russell Palmer and Yvonne Nicholson (national dancing). At the evening concert all the performers gave splendid exhibitions, one of the main attractions being the brilliant boy violinist, Alan Loveday. Other line performances were given by Miss H. Sutherland (vocal). Misses Rae Sanders, Joan Peters, AI. Pegden, L. Major. J. Reid and V. Hayes (fancy dancing). Misses Isa McKenzie and Lucv Cronin (national dancing) Miss Rae Sanders, Brian Hasler and Russell Ja.c-kson (elocutionary items;, and Messrs C. W. Sherriffs and T. Rowe (vocal items). The ballets from the Broadway School of Dancing presented tap dances which were well received. j

At a suitable interlude in the programme Air J. A. Nash '(president of the Competitions Society) said he was more than pleased with the attendance a.t the sessions' and the demonstration concerts. The number of competitors had grown sufficiently to warrant the competitions being held in the Opera House, and he was sure the competitions would be continued in the future with as much success as had attended the week just concluded. Mr Nash paid a glowing tribute to the secretary of the society (Air K. G. Chamberlain), whose untiring efforts had largely contributed to the success of the festival. Thanks were also due to the committee, who had assisted materially in obtaining the success of the competitions. Tlie judges had given entire satisfaction. Continuing, the president said he thought the talent at the competitions this year had been of a much higher standard than usual. In appreciation of her services, Air Nash presented the accompanists, Aliss E. Leamy, with a bouquet. Various certificates were then j)rcseuted to the winners of championship honours, a special prize presented by Aliss G. Gibbs, for the competitor gaining most, points in the open dancing competition, being awarded to Aliss M. Pegden, of Palmerston North. ' JUDGES’ COAIAIENT. Commenting earlier on the prepared and impromptu speeches, the judge, Mr Al. H. Oram (Palmerston North), congratulated the speakers on the high standard of the presentations. “I do think it is a pity that in a city like Palmerston North we cannot get more speakers to enter these competitions,” ho added. ‘‘lt is a great chance for young people to become accustomed to public speaking, a very valuable acquisition, and I hope they will bear this in mind for future competitions.” “In general, the classes were astonishingly good,”' commented Aliss Nuneye AicLaren (AYanganui), who judged the elocutionary items. She was particularly impressed witli the “tiny tots,” many of whose renderings were almost perfect. “I would, however, like to impress upon all the competitors tlie importance of truly portraying the character they are representing,” she added. “When on the stage, you must not be your old self. Don’t, however, become stilted. Even, flowing speech and movements are the essentials to be watched and aimed at.” Air L. Watkins Wellington), judge of the vocal and instrumental music, said lie was very pleased with the standard throughout, but was rather disappointed in the scarcity of entries in many classes. The competitors were, however, to be congratulated on their efforts, which, lie said, would not disgrace any competitions festival. Air Watkins paid a tribute to the accompanist, Afiss Leamy, and to all the officials of the society who were largely responsible for the outstanding success of the festival. Tlie comments of Aliss D. Knight, who judged the dancing classes, appear in the report of an interview with the “Standard” in another column.