COMPETITIONS SOCIETY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19903, 24 September 1926, Page 7

COMPETITIONS SOCIETY.

annual festival. IMPROMPTU SPEECHES. THE BEGG SCHOLARSHIP. WON BY MISS PHYLLIS CROOKS. The twenty-fifth annual festival of the Dunedin Competitions was continued yesterday, under favourable conditions. The day sessions were conducted in His Majesty’s Theatre, the Victoria Hall, and Burns Hall, and as. usual the evening proceedings were conducted in the theatre. There were large entries in practically a(l the sections, and the judges had a fairly busy time. , . ~ The main attraction during the evening Was the impromptu speech for amateurs, which created not a little interest and more hilarity. The subject was “How Should an Economical Husband Deal with an Extravagant Wife?” The competitors as a whole failed to deal with the actual subject, and spoke more especially on the various kinds of extravagance. The competition, however, provided excellent entertainment, and it may be said that it served its purpose admirably, as those present obviously! derived a great deal of enjoyment from the remarks of the competitors. ' The attendances at the day sessions were remarkably 1 good, and there was a splendid audience in the evening, when the whole of the seating accommodation was taken up. Mr J. L. Salmond acted as chairman at the evening sessioh. The following are .the results: — MUSIC. Judges: Mr Bernard -’age, Wellington (instrumental), and Mr Sidney Williamson, Christchurch (vocal). PIANO SOLO, Id and under 16 years—(a) “Arietta” (Leonaxdo Leo): (oi "Arabesque,” No. 1 (C. Debussy), Miss Phyllis Crooks (Dunedin), 80 points „ • • 1 Master Jack Roberts (Mornington), 88 fioints .. 2 Miss Thelma Farrell (Dunedin), 80 points . 3 Also competed: Miss Emily Rigby (N.E. Valley) 62, Miss Olive J. Moreton (Roslyn) 56, Miss May Scofield (Dunedin) 55, Miss Isabel F. Mee (Roslyn) 50, Miss Frances G. Allen (Roslyn) 49, Miss Isabel Barron (Kaikorai) 48. In announcing his decision, Mr Pago stated that if any c f the competitors cared to see him with their marked sheets any morning after his session was finished he would be glad to give them any help and advice he could if they required it. He was rather disanpointed with this section. He felt that the Arietta was a little beyond the technical ability of students between the ages of 14 and 16 years. There was little to choose between Miss Crooks and Master Roberts. The former gave the best performance of"the Arietta, and the latter the best performance of the Arabesque. BARITONE SOLO—"Sea Fever” (John Ireland). Mr Fred M. Tuohy (Dunedin). 169 points 1 Mr R. Richards (St. Clair), 163 points 2 Mr Walter Smith (Dunedin), 162 points 3

Alao competed: Mr A. E. Orr (Mornington) 160, Mr A. Wilson (Dunedin) 159, Mr S. Knights (Maori Hill) 157, Mr Lea Stubbs (Caversham) 155, Mr H. W. R. Harvey (Maori Hill) 153, Mr Allan K. Simpson (Dunedin) 152, Mr Oliver Cumnv' .g (Maori Hill) 151, Mr Robert Donilaon (Ravensbourne) 150, Mr Gordon Burk (Dunedin) 150. In announcing the result Mr Williamson stated that Mr Tuohy sang with temperament, and created a good atmosphere, but some of bis tones were too close. He was inclined to stress one or two of his weak syllables too much, such as “crying” and “shaking.” However, his performance was a very good one. Mr Richards also stressed his weak syllables such as "shaking” and “flying,” which were very noticeable in this particular song. He had some nice shading effects, but the quality of his voice was rather too clofic. Mr Smith had a very good voice, and sang with a good deaf of insight and understanding. He was a man with temperament, and gave a very good interpretation, but, unfortunately, he went out of tune. ‘ VOCAL SOLO, Ladies —Own selection.

Mias Mollie Andrews (Dunedin), 172 points .. .. , Miss Constance Poole (Clyde), 170 points • • Mias W. M. MTeak (St. Clair), 168

points * Also competed: Miss Ray Stubbs (Anderson’s Bay) 161, Miss Rita Hoknes (Dunedin) 160, Misa Gwen Cooper (Dunedin) 159 Miss Annie Athy (Balclutha) 157, Miss Mattie Edgar (Dunedin) 157, Mrs E. Tyrrell (St. Clair) 157, Miss Eva M. Graham (Caversham) 157, Miss Cathie Newson (Clinton) 156, Miss Eileen Emmerson (Dunedin) 156, Miss Bessie Williams (Dunedin) 156, Miss Eva Marshall (Oamaru) 154, Miss Thelma ;M. Pain (Dunedin) 151, Miss Rita Raffills (Mornington) 151, Miss Nora Beck (Musselburgh) 151. Mr Williamson stated that Mias Andrews gave a very good performance in the final. She was much better in the evening than in the afternoon. She had a very rood voice, but was inclined to stop the tempo here and there. She had a nice atmosphere and sang with distinction. Misa Poole’s tempo was if anything a little bit quick, and there was just a suspicion of flatness. It was a very difficult song, but she got a fine atmosphere and - gave a good interpretation. Miss M'Peak was also better at night than in the afternoon, but she was inclined to force her upper notes once or twice and made her voice a bit coarse. Her intonation was inclined to be sharp at times, but she sang with a great deal ot animation and got quite a lot out of the song. She could have made more of the song, but she cut a good many of her long notes much too short. SCOTTISH SONG, Amateurs, Ladies or Gentlemen —Own Selection.

Mr L. E. Dailey (Dunedin), 170 points 1 Miss Eva M. Graham (Caversham), 163 points •• •• " Miss Roma Buss (Dunedin) , 160 points 3 Also competed: Miss Eva Marshall (Oamaru) 158, Miss Bessie Williams (Dunedin) 156, Miss Myrtle Bills (Dunedin) 156, Miss Cathie Newson (Clinton) 156. Miss Thelma M. Paine (Dunedin) 154, Mrs W. Sproull (Fairfield), 101. 3dr Williamson stated toat h© thought Mr Dailey’s voice sounded rather tired and forced at times, if anything, in the evening. At the same time, he gave a very nice performance. Miss Graham gave a very good performance. She sang with a great deal of but her interpretation could have been improved by making the song much more distant and dreamy in character. Miss Buss was a bright and animated singer, but her performance suffered by a forcing of her top notes. Her interpretation was a little too gusty at times EIOCUTION. Judge: Mr Claude Hall, Melbourne. RECITATION, ladies, 16 and under 21 years—“ To-night” (P. B. Shelley). Miae Madge Yates (Dunedin), 86 points 1 Mias Hilda Scurr (Dunedin), 83 points 2 Mias Elinor Horvey (St. Clair), 80 points 3 Also competed: Miss Chrissio Crawford (Mornington) 79, Miss Mercia Hardman (Dunedin) 78, Miss Rona Scott (Dunedin) 73, Miss Renee Isaac (Cavershnm) 76, Miss Ruth Bell (Dunedin) 75, Miss Flora Turner (Maori Hill) 75, Miss Muriel Gerrie (Dunedin) 74, Miss Molly Randle (Maori Hill) 73, Miss Ngata Buswell (North-East Valley) 72, Mina Hilda Black (Dunedin) 70. In announcing his Mr Hall stated that be had to speak in terms of considerable praise regarding the general work presented. The selection was a charming one, and on the whole the work was fairly well done. Generally, the fault lay in a lack of grip as to the exact interpretation necessary. In the main the elocution was good, but the soul of the piece lay in its interpretation. Miss Yates had a musical voice, but it needed breadth and insufficient difference in moods was displayed at times. _ She had nice variety, and her interpretation was good, but it could be improved by the importation of a little quiet grandeur. Miss Scurr had a good voice but the ends of her sentences at times’ fell a shade too low. The treatment ■was nicely varied, and generally her elocution was commendable. Her interpretation was excellent, and she gave a very pleasing performance, but one grave fault was that she was inclined to overdo the expression, which spoiled the naturalness at h*E effort. Mis Hervey bad a musical

voice,, and her variety was excellent and her general elocution very good. More inflection was necessary in tne interpretation. RECITATION, humorous, amateurs, ladies —own selection. Miss Madge Yates (Dunedin), 83 points 1 Miss Rons Scott (Dunedin), 80 points... 2 Mias H. A. H. Smith (St. Clair), 79 points 3 Also competed: Miss Elinor Hervey (St. Clair) 78, Miss Molly Gallagher (Dunedin) 78, Miss Mercia Hardman (Dunedin) 77, Miss Molly Randle (Maori Hill) 77, Miss Ruth Bell (Dunedin) 77, Miss Edna Smeaton (Kew) 76, Miss Renee Isaac (Caversham) 76, Miss Flora Turner (Maori Hill) 76. In announcing his decision the judge said he would suggest to the general body of competitors that it would be advisable to search for novel items for competition. A good many of those presented were very old, and, like a good many other things, they did not improve with age. Miss Yates, who chose “Shopping” as her subject, had a very good item, which was quite humorous and well done. Miss Scott, whose subject was “How to Accept Him,” presented a good selection, which was brightly taken. It was, however, as essential to be correct in technique in humour as it was in serious work. There were little inequalities, but it was quite a good item. Misa Smith, who recited “Keeping a Secret,” presented her piece with quite good technique, but the item was becoming rather frayed. Her work was diatinctlv good. She showed a nice facility, but her talent would be better employed in some novel selection. IMPROMPTU SPEECH, Amateurs; time limit, 8 minutes. Mr Lawrence A North (Dunedin) ... 1 Mr Thos. E. Sunderland (Roslyn) ... 2 Also competed: Messrs R. H. Simpson (Dunedin), D. H. Waldie (Mosgiel), Foss Shanahan (Oamaru). and W. M’C. Taylor (Dunedin). , This" item was judged by Messrs J. Hutchison and W. R. Brugh. The Judges stated that they found a difficulty at arriving at a decision in this item owing to the fact that none of the competitors kept strictly to the subject with which he had to deal, though most of the matter was cognate to it. DANCING. Judges: Miss D. Dean, Christchurch (fancy), and Mr D. M’Kochnie, Dunedin (Scotch dancing, hornpipe, etc.). SEAN TRIUBHAIS, girls under 15 years. Miss D. O'Sullivan (Musselburgh) 90 points I Miss Nettie Pullar (St. Kilda), 89 points 2 Miss Rona Wilson (Dunedin), 88 points 3 Also competed; Miss Peggy Cooper (Dun edin) 87, Miss Maisie Scott (Dunedin) 87, Miss Libbie Hayden (Dunedin) 86, Mias M. Sutherland (Dunedin) 86, Miss Sylvia Marshall (Opoho) 86, Miss Agnes Kleaki (Mosgiel) £6, Miss Jessie M'Mullan (Dunedin) 86, Miss G. Gallagher (Dunedin) 78, Miss Joyce Smith (Dunedin) 76, Miss Winnie Hooper (Cromwell) 76, Miss Edna Fincham (Abbotsford) 76, Miss Olive, Scott (Dunedin) 76, Mis® Martha Ross J (East Taieri) 70, Mias M. E. Adamson (Maori Hill) 67, Miss Norma Williams (St. Kilda) 60. Mr M'Kechnie stated that Miss O’Sullivan made a very nice opening. Her positions were good, and she gave-a splendid interpretation of the dance. Her hands were a little bit too stiff. Her time was splendid, and her deportment generally was good. Altogether she gave a fine performance. Miss Pullar's positions at the start were slightly at fault, but there was an improvement later on. Her interpretation of the dance was very good. _ She was inclined to be a little fiat at times, but she improved in this respect as the dance went on. Her deportment generally was good, but her hands were a little stiff. On the whole, her performance was a nice one. Miss Wilson’s was a little flat at the opening, and not pointed enough. Her positions were very fair, and her interpretation of the, dance was good, but she was inclined to heaviness. Her hands should be more relaxed, but generally speaking she gave a very fair performance. IRISH HORNPIPE, girls under 18 years. Miss Rhona I. Beale (Mosgiel), 96 points .. .. .. .. I Miss Agnes Kleski (Mosgiel), 95 points ‘' 2 Miss Lorna Budge .North-East Valley), 94 points 3 Also competed: Miss D, O’Sullivan (Musselburgh) 88, Miss Elma E. J. Cozon (Dunedin) 87, Miss Libbie Hayden (Dunedin) 84. i The Judge (Mr M'Kechnii) stated that Miss Beale gave a first-class performance. Her beating was good, and the spirit of the dance was well shown. It was a real Irish hornpipe. Miss Kleski’s steps were nicely executed, and she showed the spirit of the dance well., The positions were well kept, but she made a slight mistake in stepping. Her performance was really first-class. Miss Budge gave a very good performance generally, but not quite enough of the Irish spirit was shown in the drumming. Her positions were good, and her beating was of a very high order, but she was inclined to race a little. BALLET DANCE, Operatic, Other than Toe; under 12 years. Miss Ethe. Todd (Caversham), 88 points 1 Miss Ngaira Lord (Musselburgh), 87 points 2 Miss Esme Morrison (Dunedin), 84 points ~ .. .. 3 Also competed: Miss Cora Duff (Dunedin) 82, Miss Dorothy, Judd (St. Clair) 82, Miss Marion Davie (Dunedin) 81, Miss Elva Peaice (Dunedin) 80, Miss Olga Ferguson (Dunedin), 79, Miss Eva Milne (Caversham) 78, Miss Anzac Patton (Mornington) 78, Miss Velma Garland (Dunedin) 77, Miss Doreen Camteron (Dunedin) 77, Miss prances Bryan (Dunedin) 77, Miss Orma ; Roes (Dunedin) 77, Miss Muriel Brown (Dunedin) 77, Miss Phyllis Christie (Dunedin) 76, Miss Eileen Tattersfield (North-East Valley) 76. Miss Rona Lord (Musselburgh) 76, Miss Tui Stokes (Dunedin) 75, Miss Doreen Thomas (Dunedin) 75. Miss Dean stated that the winner gained on her sense of performance and good line. Her footwork was very neat indeed, and she (Miss Dean) liked especially her springing movements. She was inclined to turn her feet on her turn, but she quickly recovered herself. Misd Lord was rather inclined Ho hurry her rhythm. Her posing was very good. The speaker particularly noticed her holding on one foot, and she got; ■ a very good position there. She lost in her rhythm by occasional hurrying, and she wobbled once or twice on her balance. Miss Morrison was a little too stiff in the arms and too heavy. She gained marks on her foot,work. Technically her feet were very fair, but she did not have enough facial expression. Her technique was not quite so good at night as it was in the afternoon, but her rhythm was very much better. SPECIAL PRIZES. The following special prizes have been awarded:— Messrs C. Begg and Co.’s scholarship, valued at £l2 12a, being one year’s tuition with an Otago teacher for the winner of Piano Solo, 14 and under 16 years—Miss Phyllis Crooks. Miss J. M’Grath’s prize of £1 la for the winner of Indies’ Vocal Solo—Miss Mollie Andrews. Mr C. A. Martin’s prize of £1 Is for the highest marks for accompaniment in Ladies Vocal Solo—Mr L. James and Miss Cotter (equal). The former played the accompaniment for Mies Poole and the latter acted for Miss Graham. TO-DAY’S PROGRAMME. Another interesting programme will be presented at to-night’s session, opening with the schopl choir contest. The programme also includes:—Piano eolo, “Valse Mignonne”; classic dance, barefoot; vocal solo (gentleman), (a) operatic air. (b) ballad; dance duo; vocal solo (ladies), operatic; recitation (gentlemen), “Marcian Colonia”; Irish Jig; violin solo, “Bolero”; sacred contralto solo, “Ave Maria”; yooal duet, operatic. A programme of merit will be heard in connection with the day sessions. The box plan is at the Bristol. “VELVET” STi'.RTLISED FOR SAFETY. Velvet Soap is sterilised and guaranteed by analysts’ tests to be absolutely free from bacteria and germs of every kind. Specially suitable for laundry and household purposes. Harmless to the skin. “Velvet” is an excellent soap for all tmrposse. 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