SECOND DAY-TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10.

Otago Witness, Issue 2692, 18 October 1905, Page 31

SECOND DAY -TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10.

The competitions were resumed at Hia s Majesty's Theatre and the Victoria Hall on Tuesday afternoon, and, fine weather being , forthcoming, there was a better attendance , of the public. Progress made with the pro- . gramme was entirely satisfactory ami 1 according to time-table. In the afternoon's ] elocutionary work a very interesting con- i test was provided in the humorous reeita- '■ tion for boys and girls under 14, some ex- ' ceUent contributions being listened to. In. ' l-he musical section a start was made with ' the sacred solo for ladies, which proved, as was the case last "year, a very well-contested : section, much higher in standard than the previous afternoon's singing. A start was ; also made with the piano solo (open). In the evening the theatre was largely attended, and those present found the pro- ' gramme submitted interesting and _ well , varied, and did not stint their appreciation where it was merited. Mr F. J. Stilling pre- , sided, and announced the results of the literary comuetitions. The list of competitors to be heard in the sacred solo was : finished, but the result in this competition was : not announced, as before finality is reached • two of the competitors are to be heard < again this morning. Certainly this contest has furnished, all round, the- best vocal : work so far. The prepared speech on the : land question, though there were only tiiree : competitors, proved decidedly interesting, | the competitors having to speak without notes for eight, minutes. The winner's ; memory was obviously more reliable or iess ; affected by want of confidence than that of ; the oth&r two competitors, and his style ( was better. In the unavoidable absence of . Mr J- M. Ritchie, Mr James Mills acted, i with Mr Baeyertz. as nidge of this itom. . The competitions in pianoforte solo (open) and vocal" duet for lady and gentleman were concluded, and the tenor solo made further progress. The musical judge (Mr Towsey) purposes at present announcing- results only,_ and embodying the marks gained later on in his report to the committee. Results of Tuesday's competitions were as follow:PIANOFORTE SOLO (Amateurs or Profesj tionals over 16 years), " Auf schwung (Schumann). Prizes, £2 2s and 10s 6d. Miss Audrey Stock (Mornington) 1 Miss Millie lies (Dunedin) 2 Miss Florence M. Carrington (Pine Hill).. 3 Also competed: Mr A. Beissel (Dunedin), Miss Ivy A. Edwards (Dimeclin^ Mr A. Janrieson (Dunedin), Miss Clarice O. Dunsford (Roslyn), and Miss Catherine Clapperton (Roslyn). Misses lies and Carrington and Mr Beissel were recalled to play again before the judge. In giving his decision, Mr. Towsey said it had been a very great pleasure indeed to hinu ! to have had to judge such, good performances. He had judged many contests, but he did not think he had ever heard better playing of that particular piece. The performances reflected the greatest credit on those who had instructed the competitors. VOCAL DUET (Lady and Gentleman Amateurs over 16), selection "In Woodland D-sll" First prize, £2 2s. j Miss May Newman and Mr F. V. Bland- 1 ford M Miss Neill and Mr A. Binnie 2 i There were no other competitors. The { judge said he had had a little difficulty in coining to his decision, for he considered both duets were excellently rendered. He had decided, however that Miss Newman and Mr Blandford were entitled to first place. SACRED SOLO (Lady Amateurs over 16), " Glory to Thee, My God, This Night " (Gounod). Prizes, £2 2s and 10s 6d. The following competitors were heard in this item: Misses Neill (Dunedin), L. Whitson (Dunedin), J. Thomas (Gore}, M. Tapper (Dunedin), M. Monk (Dunedin), M. E. Parry (Ashburn Hall), R. Blackie (Dunedin), J. C. Anderson (Tiniaru), J. Campbell. R. Livingstone (Dunedin), T. Sommers (Christchurch), E. J. Stratford (Greymoutb),~M. May (Dunedin), Mrs Teviotdale (Dunedin), and Mrs A. T. Blylh (Mornington). Both sections of this competition have now been heard, but the judge gave no decision last evening, Miss J. Thomas and Miss Livingstone being requested to sing again before him this morning. TEXOR SOLO (Amateurs over 16), solo " Because 1 ' (Cowen). — The second section in this competition was taken, Messrs F. H. Jones and E. Falck coming forward out of four competitors arranged for in the section. ELOCUTION. HUMOROUS RECITATION (Boys and Girls , under 14). Own selection. | Miss Vera Rogers (Dunedin) 1 Miss Bertha Brooks (WoocMiaugh) ..- .. 2 Miss Myrtle Grace (N.E. Valley) .. .. 3 Other competitors: Miss Florence Kernohan (St. Kilda), Master Harry Rassumssen (Dunedin), Miss Maisie Dunn (Mornington), IWao+Pv W_ Thomas (Dunedin). Master Edgar

1 M'Killop (Invercargill), Master Timothj Laffey (Dunedin), Master John Cooney (Dun:din), Master Ckrisopher Marlow (Dunedin), blaster Douglas Leitoh (Dunedin), Master Alfrea ). Wilkinson (Wcodhaugh), Miss Ethel Harris Mbrnington), and Miss Sigrid Lyders (Mornngton). In announcing his decision, Mr 3aeyertz said it was a rather difficult thing ,0 judge a competition of this kind, where sach competitor had decided 011 a different tiece. It was like asking a judge at an agriiultural show to say which was best — potatoes, ■arrots, or what not. He should suggest the idvisableness of setting one piece next time. Chis performance, however, had pleased him 'cry much. There was really no bad perormance. All the children showed some tppreciation of humour; but (he did not mow whether they would agree with him) ;ome of the pieces chosen were not particuarly humorous, ancl of course the reciter nust suffer to a certain extent when a more ir less unhumorous piece was chosen. That vas just another argument in favour of the et piece. The winner gave a very remarkable >erformance indeed for a child. It was won- „ lerfully well acted. The different voices were sustained marvellously well. If he might ;ay so, he should think the little girl had he makings of a great actress in her. The lext placed (Miss Bertha Brooks) also gave 1, very fine performance indeed — most beautiul diction, and remarkably graceful gesture. Che next (Miss Myrtle Grace) was also a very :lever little actress. In this competition foe girls had outclassed the boys altogether, Chey had a greater appreciation of the subtlety of the humour of a piece. The joys were broader in their ideas of humour, md more boisterous, and very often missed subtle points. . This was the most interesting competition jo far. The winner, a sweet girl of seven;, ivho recited " Guess what's in my pocket,' ibundantly merited the judge's encomiums. Eer articulation was perfect, her little- girlish, 'races exquisite. Her voice was astonishingly nellow and flexible. She had, indeed, a. witchery of method and manner aliosetner ■are and surprising. Bertha Brooks (" Baby n church") was a worthy second; indeed, hese two would be quite remarkable and ■xeeptional in any competition, and their vinsome naturalness would alone suffice to nake them so. Physically, the most graceul child of all was Sigrid Lyders ("The kiss n school"), and among children of average raality she would easily have won a place. Dhe boys were amusing and generally clever L ,nd intelligent, but their drastic boyishness done was sufficient to put them out of the ■tinning. In them the declamatory method vas gfnerally developed to the last point >f possibility, and the tearing energy of their jowerful young voices was almost fonradable. Fhe iud^e's decision, in short, was quite just ma as it sWiia be. Mr Baeyertz explains, 3 y the way, that lie does take some general iccount of gesture, and allows a few marka lor it; but as he has to follow diction and. expression scrupulously, and take constant notes for his guidance, he cannot watch. fee competitors closely. As to gesture, the Dnly means of securing thorough judgment K-ould be to appoint two judges. Mrßaeyerte Jesires it to be known that he is cordially billing to discuss his judgments and reason with competitors and possible critics. To Et end he attends in the Board. Eoom every morning at 11, and gladly welcomes competitors who desire to discuss decided items Uth him. Yesterday morning many competitors responded to his invitation, and there was a very friendly and helpful dismission. PEEPAEED SPEECH (Amateurs). Subject, " Would it be to the Advantage of the Colony that the Government Hold all Freeholds?" Prizes &1 2s and 10s 6d. Mr A. Douglas Aitken (Dunedin) .. .. 1 Mr J. H. Allen (Dunedin) 2 Mr J. "vV. Todd (Dunedin) 3 Mr Mills, iii announcing the decision come to by himself and Mr Baeyertz, said a total of 170 marks had been awarded, out of which the winner secured 137, the competitor placed second 92, and the competitor placed thud _ 77. Four competitors were entered! for this Item, but only three came forward. The winner was the only competitor whose spew* was delivered with an entire absence of hesitation. LITEEARY WOEK . The following awards in the Literary section were announced: — OEIGmAL STOEY (Any Subject). Prizes, £2 2s and 10s 6d. Judge: The Editor of the Weekly Press (Christchurch). Mr John M'Lennan (Invercargill), " Weka '' 1 Miss Eric Lear (South Dunedin), "Ontaria 2 Miss Annis M'Leod (Canterbury), 'Paul Grey," and Miss Honor C. Kelly (Dunedin), "Mascot," equal 3 The competitors writing under the j pennames of '"Paul Grey" and "Mascot, ana whose stories were entitled respectively At the " Top of the Hill " and " For Somebody s Sake," were bracketed as equal for third place.Other competitors were Miss A. Adams (Dunedin), Mrs G. Eobb (Dunedin), Miss E.-M'Cor-bindale (Milton), Mr C. E. Sligo (Dunedin)» and Miss M. Bean (Dunedin). The winning story was entitled " The Chopping Block," and that of the competitor placed second *' A" "Dormant Passion Aroused." _ The judge submitted the following critical remarks:— " 'The Chopping Block' is placed first. '■Weka's' sympathy and insight join with a talent for vivid description in producing a creditable effort, and, with attention to the principles of construction, ' Weka ' shouM do better. 'A Dormant Passion Aroused* comes second. The heroine's ignorance of her own heart will appear improbable to many; but let the notion of the story be accepted. All nrast praise the treatment, for ' Ontario * writes well. For third place it was impossible to separate two stories, equal in m*rit — . 'At the Top of the Hill ' and ' For Somebody's Sake.' The latter, though amatetirish in treatment and construction, shows the valuable gift of humour. An objection to it is that the hero's funk of the flooded river is a libel on New Zealand sheep-farmers. 'At the Top of the Hill ' is the most finished literary pieca of work sent in. But the lover and thtf

maiden, who do not manage to discover* their ' , mutual preference, no longer commend them- ' selves -to the reading public. This athletic ~and energetic generation frankly finds them incredible. Of the other contributions the only - 'one deserving mention is ' Tlie Love of Jenny," ' ** mere sketch, not a story, but with some "rigorous touches, and dignified by its ceneep- i "tion of a noble and enduring passion." -JBSSAY (Amateurs). Subject: "Assuming that the Japanese are Victorious in the .^ " Present War with Russia, What is Likely to be the Effect Upon Australasia?" First prize, JE3 3s; second prize, £1 Is. •_ - - Judge, Mr James Allen, M.H.R. fir C. S. Brown {Invercargill), "Australis" 1 . Mr C. E. Sligo (Dunedin), * Shimochuke" 2 , Mr A. C. Toshach (Waikiwi), " Grassdale " 3 Mr D. H. Jennings (Oaniaru), " Colonial " "jtras the only other competitor. The judge's report was as follows: — "The / *ssay by ' Australis' is in my opinion much "■ the best of the four submitted. It is more . comprehensive in grasp of the subject, and is clearer in expression, than the others. *.- Some hackneyed terms occur — ' flowing with - milk and honey' and 'accredited representatives,, in the Pacific of John Bull and Co.' — ' -which to some extent mar the general effect. The paragraph on the probable result of the -- prospective failure of the Russian wheat crop (merely a temporary benefit, as the writer' -- admits) might well have given place to one, dealing with the possible reorganisation of ~^Cliina under Japanese influence,' and the ''effect of this on Australasia.' The writer . .would have done well -"also to discuss the of Japanese energies being ''. xlifected to- Korea, Saghalien, " and, possibly, ■ -{Manchuria, and whether this would have -'effected her^ activities' in the direction of '-.vjijtastralasia. I do not think the conclusion iKs correct, that 1 f the present war, especially - if successful, must necessarily retard- the progress of Siberia.' On the contrary, -experi«noe,- T believe, would" show that Russia must set to work to develop and make the - most of Siberia. There are some exaggerations and some confusion of ideas. For instance v It is too much to say of Russia that \ 3ier prestige is ' lost beyond \hope of recovery,' or of Japan, ' her mercantile marine ' is at present almost a negligible quantity,' .■when statistics point to the fact that in 1902 "the Japanese mercantile marine was 934,000 lons, and in 1901 Japan was eighth in the Vorld in point of tonnage. Again: 'Another probable result to Australia — though "this does not apply to New Zealand — will be that , she ,% "will be .compelled to relax the restrictions _ mow- placed on t Asiatic immigration ' is an rv ~ exaggerated statement of the present position.' Both Australia and New Zealand impose a ■ • writing test, which' is directed especially against Asiatics. The other condition which the Commonwealth has inserted in the Immigration Restriction Act of 1901 is to prohibit - " any persons tinder a. contract or agreement ' . to perform manual labour within the Commonwealth.' This provision is not in the 'New Zealand law, but it is obvious it is not aimed - at Asiatics .especially, but is general in appliv cation. In using the expression the 'Japanese Dragon,' the writer is probably thinking ■ of ' Chinese Dragon.' ' Infatuated with the principle of a White Australia' would be ■■.] better as 'infatuated- with, the idea.' In the . N sentence ' Following the adage suayiter in moao -jrs they have already carried dtit thecompanion . principle" fortiter in re?" the word 'companion' - .is -wrongly used. The definition of amateur \n the conditions- niak'es no -provision 'for a i limit of age, but whoever .wroto this essay" '- certainly deserves the ' first - prize.-" It -would, - " Shave' been more interesting had • the writer '►"" l>een able to come to a more definite con- } elusion than. 'the triumph of Japan will not 'he altogether 'disadvantageous to the colonies," *« aieither "will .it be an unmixed' blessing ; • but \s I- gather from .the .good general knowledge of '* the subject displayed, and the evident ithought given to it, that with a little more courage 'Australis' may yet assist to form ,-a correct public opinion on this important - question. I have some hesitation in placing 'Shimochuke' second, because of want of clearness of expression. For instance, ' Japan „ ' . . . dictated terms of peace which Russia, Shicugh stress of circumstances, has gladly Accepted, even in their humiliation circum- - fstantial arid intrinsic' * Indeed, the lesson ~ 5s for every nation of civilisation as the Japanese soldier's total disregard of self in " the interests of country is considered.' The "writer seems to have a goo\l idea of the ■ 'Yellow Perilj" both industrial and otherwise: of the i>°ssibility o f Japanese influence " " in the reorganisation of China, but is led •iway by an unnecessary fear of Chinese" disintegration. ' Shimochuke ' has thoughts about Javanese colonisation and the socio- \ (logical 'effect of the union of the white and y«llow, ' both of - which have to be considered in coming to a conclusion. The latter part of the essay suggests the danger and how it 1 is to be met, and there is life and merit in . -this part, though it is unfortunately marred ~_ hy the want of care exhibited in the wronglyconstrued sentence above quoted,' beginning : tha lesson.' \* ORIGIN.AL POEM, "A New Zealand Virgin ; Forest." Prizes. £2 2s and 10s 6*. .' ' Judge: Mr A. -Wilson, M.A. aliss E. A. Howes (Gore), " Ion " . . „ 1 '•• Sliss Edihlett' Park (Dunsdin), " Jason " — ~ and* Miss M. G. Leask (Gore), •- ' " Remuera- " (equal) 2 JMise M. A. J. Wall (Waitahuna), .- "Valeric" .. * .. .. 4 Also competed: Misses H. Aitken (Dun- . «cUn), Lorie (Mcmington), Ivy A. Marryat ((Mil ton), -E. Wilson (Gore). Messrs P. Milno '. jrDunedin), J. Maclsnnan (Invercargill), F. J. Heatley- (Dunedin), F. Farr (Mosgiel), E. Eager (Dunedin), and J. W. Duffus (Auckland). Mr Wilson makes the following remarks: — •' ' lonis ' versification (blanx verse) is very iaii 1 , though I should not call it good. The fourteenth line, ' with six feet,' is probably ' fin oversight. The verses contain ideas, and show some imaginative faculty. The verses - »ent in this year are on ono sub,g cc { — «a. New Zealand Virgin Forest,' — and are oLaibout the same length, therefore the comgjotitors have -worked under more eqxial convditions, and the task of judging has been Simplified. The average quality ci the verse '6s much what it has been in former years. Qhe general notion of the laws of versification ~ {is 'still crude. One contributor sends in two 'teonnets, each consisting of 24 lines, and cou- - Btructed on a scheme of rhyme which a. strict eonnetee-r would not consider permissible. „ ffifost of the verses sent in show power oi :': ' tobservation, and a commendable love of foresit - Sights and sounds." ORIGINAL LETTER (Boys or Girls under 14 years). Subject: "A Home Flower Garden." First prize, £1 Is. Judge: Mr A. Bathgate. - "Kathleen Julius (Akaroa), "Gardener," aud George Alberston (Dunedin), "HyTiiscus" tequa!) 2 The only other competitor was Miss A. Gibson (Heriot). No first prize was awarded, imtHwo competitors were bracketed equal as j second. I Mr vßathgatesv Bathgates report was as follows: — " The tesporse by competitors in this comjUnniyifH'ntiflg, riot onlj as to tlio

f rumber of competitors, but also as to tha quality of the letters themselves. They are only three in number, and none of the-m shows any great promise, of ability or stands out distinctly from the others. That bearing the signature ' Gardener ' is the most practical, and is the only one that complies with the i requirement that it should take the form of tin? letter. The contribution signed ' Hybiscus' is a little more ambitious, and displays more appreciation of the beauty of flowers than any of the others. ' Wet Weather ' is not far behind, but is apparently the work of a child in a country district, where the cultivation of flowers is overshadowed by the more utilitarian pursuits of growing fruits and vegetables, so that iiie stipulated subject is not so closely adhered to as in the other two. In my opinion none of the competitcrs merits the first prize, and I recommend that no first prize be awarded, but that ' Gardener ' and ' Hybiscua ' be classed as equal for the second place, and each given 10s 6d. 'Wet Weather' I place third." SCRIPTURE ESSAY (Amateurs under 18). Subject: "Analysis of the Character of David." Prizes, £2 2s and 10s 6d. Judge: The Rev. J. Cbisholm. Miss Ruby Darling (Dunedin) 1 Mr A. F. M'Murtrie (Milton) 2 '.The one other competitor was Miss C F. Lorie (Mcinington). j The Judge comments as follows: — "Of the essays sent to me, the one by ' Caverston ' is decidedly the best. The writer shows considerable analytical skill and a ready command of clear and vigorous English. The matter is very good 'and the literary form excellent. I place the essay by. 'Awatere, Hmenroa' second. The third essay, by '. Fidelia,' would have been placed higher so fax «■ as iiterary merit is concerned. The writer, however, has missed the -subject, and instead of giving an analysis of David's character has given » sketch oi his early life." The competitions will be resumed this afternoon. " ""