COMPETITIONS SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3994, 30 September 1930, Page 24

COMPETITIONS SOCIETY.

ANNUAL FESTIVAL OPENED.

ATTRACTIVE PROGRAMMES ARRANGED.

The Dunedin Competitions Society reached the stage on Thursday of inauguating its twenty-ninth annual festival. This society, which is the oldest in New Zealand, was established mainly through the efforts of Mr C. G. Smeaton, who returned to Dunedin from a visit to Ballarat in 1901 with the firm conviction that a great deal could be done locally in the way of encouraging the study of music and elocution in this city, particularly so far as the young people were concerned. Mr Smeaton succeeded in enlisting the support of a number of influential people, with the result that the Dunedin Competitions Society was brought into existence. Ever since then the society has done excellent work, and it is probably safe to say that had it not been for its operations many people, who have risen to prominence, particularly in the musical world, would never have realised what they were really capable of doing. No doubt many of them took part in competitions originally just for the pleasure of competing, and it was only when they received the commendation of the judges that they realised the possibilities ahead of them, and .were encouraged to persevere with their studies, to their own ultimate profit and the pleasure of numerous audiences which delighted to listen to them. The list of artists who achieved distinction as a result of their humble beginning at the Dunedin Competitions Society’s festival is a long one, but a few of the outstanding names may be mentioned, such as Arthur Isaacs, now known as Arthur Alexander, a well-known composer and conductor in London; Warwick Braithwaite, now one of the leading conductors and composers in England; Miss Stella Murray; Miss Vera Moore, an outstanding pianist; and Miss Bathie Howie Stuart. Other well-known performers who have taken part in the society’s festivals at various times are W. Gemmell, Ernest Drake, John Leech, Helen Gard’ner, Dorothy Gard'ner, Arthur Lungley, Les Stubbs, J. Clark, Erank Bennett, S. H. Osborn. Gladys Stoneham, Bessie Thomson, Alfred Walmsley? C. A. Martin, Molly Andrews, Meda Paine, Madge Yates, Joe Brennan, Nellie Osborn, J. B. Al'Connell, Norman Scurr Hilda Scurr, Anita Winkel, Florence Pacey, Stanley Lawson, O. C. Mazengarb, Gladys Crossan, Elsie Al'Peak, Winnie M‘Peak, Lizzie M’Laren, Florence Sumner Mary Pratt, L. A. North, Arthur Geddes, Lena Geddes, Rita Holmes, Alma Lefevre, Irene Horniblow, Arnold Perry, Les Dailey, Ernest Al’Kinlay, W. Mitchell, Bert Green, Dorothy Skinner, Lorna Budge, Gwen Webster, Lily Stevens, and Ruby Robinson. The society has had varying fortunes, some years being good from a financial point of view and some bad. The expenses involved in conducting a festival are very heavy, and probably only a small section of the public has an adequate conception of the responsibilities undertaken by the officials. In the last few years the expenses have shown a tendency to, increase, while the support accorded to the festivals by the public has been a decreasing quantity, the result being that at the_ last annual meeting the question of closing down was seriously’ considered. It was decided, however, ’to make another effort to continue, and, therefore, this year’s festival is a very important one from the society’s point of view, for its future depends on tne issue of the sessions just begun. It rests with the public to decide whether they want the society’ to continue its operations or not. Unless a good measure of support is forthcoming the society must bring its useful career to an end. The officials of the society are entitled to a large measure of credit for the work they have done. Many of them have laboured diligently for a long period of years, not for any’ reward personally, but merely with the desire to discover and encourage auy talented boy or girl who came under their notice. They have the satisfaction of knowing that their work has not been in vain, and they have also had the pleasure of presenting to the public many delightful entertainments. So far as the standard of merit is concerned, this year’s festival promises to be quite equal to that of previous years. The entries are good, and the items decided yesterday showed that the great majority of the competitors were capable of presenting a performance that should please any audience. Entries have been received from several parts of Otago and Southland, and a few have come from Canterbury.

As usual, very complete arrangements have been made for the smooth running of the festival. The judging is largely in the hands of local men. This step was taken in the interests of economy, but there is no reason to fear that the adjudicators will be' less competent than those who have acted in previous years. The vocal and instrumental music is being judged by Mr J. Crossley Clitheroe, and the elocutionary section is in the hands of Messrs A. C. Hanlon, W. R. Brugb, and S. H. Osborn. The fancy dancing is being judged by Mrs Hulme, of Christchurch. Miss Koa Oliver is the official accompanist. In the course of his comments while announcing his portion of the results at night, Mr Clitheroe issued a warning to parents of young competitors against .upbraiding the children for making mistakes. The majority of the errors made, he w’as sure, were due to nervousness, and the children should be encouraged rather than blamed. OFFICIAL OPENING. The festival was officially opened by the president (Mr J. C. H. Somerville) at 7.30 pan. He referred to the fact that the society was the first of its kind in the Dominion, and stated that since its inception it had rendered valuable service to the community in promoting and advancing the musical and elocutionary life of the city. It had been the means of discovering latent talent.among its numerous competitors, many of whom had distinguished themselves not only in New Zealand but overseas. The society was not a money-making concern, and relied for its existence on the whole-hearted support of the members, competitors, and general public. With the advent of the pictuie shows, both silent and talkies, a distinct falling off in the revenue had been very apparent, so much so that last season the society managed to come out square,

after using up its reserves. This position gave the executive much concern, but after careful consideration it decided to carry on this year. To do this it had had to practise many economies, and it gratefully acknowledged the many kind offers of assistance that had made its continuance possible. The society had had its ups and downs financially, but had always been able to carry on even during the war period, and to-day it believed that this was still possible. The picture shows were not altogether satisfying to the public, and the society felt confident that it would receive the help it needed. He had to acknowledge the support of all sections oi the community in the past, and believed that the public of Dunedin would see to it that this was maintained and increased in the future. It had been found necessary, however, to curtail the duration of the festival,-and to eliminate certain sections. This had not affected the entries, which were quite saisfactory. This year the society would have three choir competitions, and it was grateful to the various church choirs for their heijF, also the firms’ choirs, had again entered. The new competition of a secondary school girls’ choir was most acceptable, and would, he hoped, be the forerunner of similar events amongst the schools, both primary and secondary. The half-hour entertainment would also be an added attraction, and the society thanked the Operatic Society for its kindly help in this matter. In the past the society had obtained its judges from Australia < and other parte of New Zealand. It had been fortunate in securing the services of excellent judges in Dunedin, and he would mention specially tw’o old friends —Messrs W. R. Brugh'and A. C. Hanlon, K.U.—who had freely given their services in judging the elocution section. They would be assisted by Mr S. H. Osborn, who w’as well known to all. The musical and instrumental items would Be judged by Mr J. Crossley Clitheroe, of the Training College while the dancing section would have Mrs, Hulme, of Christchurch a ® . indicator. Mrs Koa Oliver w’as the official accompanist, and was one of the earlier competitors. He hoped that the society would receive the support it deserved, and that one and all would have a happy and profitable season—profitable to all the competitors, whether winners or losers, and profitable to the society trom a monetary point of view, and such as would place it again on a sound financial basis.

The festival was continued on Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings. RESULTS. The following are the results:— INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC. Judge: Mr J.- Crossley Clitheroe (Dunedin). PIANO SOLO, 12-14 years—“ Gavotte and Musette in G. minor” (Bach). Miss Edna Todd (Dunedin), 175 points 1 Miss Doris Al. Kelly (Dunedin) 174 points .’. .. 2 Misses Kathleen Mee (Dunedin) and Ruby M. White (Dunedin), 173 points (equal) g Mr Clitheroe stated that this was a good section. Most of the competitors were inclined to go too fast, and so sacrificed clarity for speed. Miss Todd played with good rhythm and the second portion of the piece was well contrasted with the first.

CHIEF PIANO SOLO—“ Impromptu in F. sharp,” Op. 36 (Chopin). Miss Pearl Smith (Dunedin), 176 points 1 Miss Elsie Burns (Dunedin), ” 173 points .. . w 2 These were the only competitors.

Air Clitheroe said this was a difficult work, well performed by both competitors. Miss Smith gave a very fine rhythmical performance. Though slight hesitancy was noticeable occasionally, this did not hinder the climaxes from being well worked up to. Miss Burns’s performance lacked rhythmic vitality to some extent. There was hesitancy in the scale passages, but the performance on the whole was quite good.

PIANO SOLO, 11-12 years—“ Minuet in / D” (Haydn). Master Ellis (Port Chalmers), 186 points e .. j Miss Jean Gardner (Caversham), 183 points 2 Miss June Pearson (Dunedin).’ 182 points .. 3

Mr Clitheroe stated that Master Ellis gave a very good performance. The rhythm was excellent, and the speed,

phrasing, and touch were all very good. The runs were smooth and even. Miss Gardner played a little too fast, and at times her execution was untidy. Her tone gradations were good, and her phrasing very good. Played more slowly, it would have been an excellent performance. Miss 1 earsou did not play as well in the evening as earlier in the day. She omitted portion of the piece. She was a very promising player.

PIANO DUO. two pianos, four hands— Invitation to the Waltz” (Weber). Misses Elizabeth Sheat (Shag Point) and Isabel Lang (Palmerston), 182 points J Misses Margaret A. Gardner ’(Dunedin) and Margaret V. Davidson (Dunedin), 180 points" 2 Misses Daphne Samson (Dunedin) and Betty Johnson (Dunedin), 179 points 3 These were the only competitors. Mr Clitheroe stated that the competitors attained a very high standard. The winners, Misses Sheat and Lang, gave a very rhythmic performance, and were the only players to display a decided accent throughout the piece. There w r as very little to choose between the other two placed pairs. Neither seemed to have the right feeling of the rhythm, but Misses Gardner and Davidson were slightly better m this respect than Misses Samson and Johnson.

PIANO SOLO, under 10 j’ears—“ Soldiers March” (Schumann). Miss Gladys Parker (Roslyn), 189 points 1 Rona Kitchen (Caversham), 188 points i>. .. 2 Master John Melsor (Dunedin), 187 points 3 Mr Clitheroe said that this was a goou section, but the playing was apt to be too deliberate throughout, and it had been very. difficult to make the recalls. The' competitors had been very close together, lhe winner, Miss Parker, had given a good performance, the chords being clean and neat, but the final cadence was not as .clear as it might have been. Miss Kitchens playing was just a little too deliberate, but the accent was well placed. Master Melsor’s playing was very good on the whole, but nervousness caused a mistake at the evening session.

PIANO DUET, 11-14 'years—“Spring” (D’Oourville).

Misses Edna Todd (Dunedin) and Joyce Isaccs (Dunedin). 192 pointe 1 Misses JSietta M‘Stay (Invercargill) and Jean Gardiner (Caversham), 190 pointe 2 Misses Jean Marriage (Beile’knowes) and Olive Hays (Belleknowes), 189 points .. 3 Mr Clitheroe stated that this was a very close competition, in which he had heard some really good playing. At the evening session two of the competitors evidently suffered from nervousness, and did not play as well as they did earlier in the day. . Misses Todd and Isaacs gave a very finished performance at the evening session, and thoroughly deserved their win. VIOLIN SOLO, 10-13 years—“ Idyl ” (Beethoven). Miss Julia Holmes (Dunedin), 190 points v 1 Master Douglas Fowler (N.E. Valley), 185 points • 2 Master Maurice Johnstone (Dunedin). 184 points 3 Mr Clitheroe stated that this was a good section and that Miss Holmes gave a finished performance. VOCAL MUSIC. Judge: Mr J. Crossley Clitheroe. MEZZO-SOPRANO SOLO—“ Song of Autumn” (Elgar). > Miss Dorothy Dagg (Dunedin), 187 points Miss Noni Davidson (St. Kilda), 186 points Miss Phyllis J. Clare (Musselburgh), 184 points 3 Mr Clitheroe stated that Miss Dagg gave a really good interpretation, which was at times very, beautiful. Some nervousness was apparent, and it was her artistry which gained for her first place. Miss Davidson had a good, strong, powerful voice, which was at times beautifully rich. She should, however, show more restraint in the use of her voice Miss Clare did not sing as well in the evening as she did in the morning. She had an intelligent conception of the song, but was not always able to make her voice interpret her ideas. SACRED SOLO, gentlemen—Own selection. The following were recalled:—Mr J E Davies (Dunedin), Mr Denis Dowling (Ranfurly), and Mr C. S. Hawes (North’ East Valley). The final will be decided on Tuesday evening. VOCAL SOLO, ladies, amateurs—Selection from light opera or musical comedy. Mrs Lionel Graham (Balclutha) 189 points .. .. ’ .. J Miss D. Al. Sligo (Roslyn), 188 points 2 Miss Margaret Green (Dunedin) 187 - points.. 3 Mr Clitheroe said that this was a very good section indeed, and there' was little to choose between the .three finalists, all of whom showed considerable artistry in their'performances. Airs Graham secured first place by showing a little 'more finish than the others. There was very little between Aliss Sligo and Afiss Green, The former, however, se/mied to catch the spirit of the song slightly better.

BARITONE SOLO—“ We Sway Along the Ridges ” (Mallenson). Air Denis Dowding (Ranfurly), 191 points 1 Mr C. S. Hawes (North-East Valley), 190 points 2 Air E. R. Benton (St. Kilda)’,’ 189 points 3 Air Clitheroe stated'that Air Dowling gave a really excellent rhytlunical performance. His voice production was very good indeed, and the high notes were well taken. There was little to choose between Mr Dowling and Air Hawes, but the latter overdid the last crescendo by forcing his voice. Air Benton gave an exceedingly good rendering and showed that he had a good conception of the song, but his tone at times was slightly rough.

A OCAL SOLO, gentlemen, open to all—(a) operatic air, own selection; (b) ballad, own selection. Mr Denis Dowling (Ranfurly), 381 points 1 Air J. P. Mayhew (Dunedin)," 380 points 2 8.. Hawes (North-East'Valley’)’, 3/8 points 3 Section A of this item was heard on Jliursday afternoon’ and section B on i’riday afternoon. The pointe gained by the competitors in the respective sections were:—Air Dowling. 191 and 190; Mr a ? d . l9 °; Mr Hawes. 189 and 189; Air Davies. 186 and 190; All r? nd 186 ’ Mr Benton, 185 Mrßevereux. 183 and 183; Air. M Dowell. 182 and 183. Air Clitheroe said that Air Dowlimgave a magnificent performance in the operatic air. He had a splendid voice, and would go far. The ballad was well T^ rpre t e ‘l’ b l ’/- YJth a voice such as he possessed. he should have chosen a better son g- He was a singer -with tremendous possibilities. Air Alayhew had a real bass voice His low notes in the operaticair were beautiful and rich, but the high notes were a little weak. He confused the words slightly. The ballad was verv well sung. He made full use of the opportunities which the lower notes provided. Mr Hawes gave a good interpretation ol the operatic air but his high notes were ¥ e , rather overdid the con--I<nid . a . nd soft - His inter ’ °u u he ballad was also creditn though he did not sing as well in tne nnal as in the preliminary. VOCAL SOLO, ladies—Own selection, accompanied by lady or gentleman. Miss Dorothy ’ Dagg (Dunedin), 192 points j Miss D. Al. Sligo (Roslyn). 191 points 2 Mrs Lionel Graham (Balclutha) 190 points ' 3 4ISS Koni Davidson (St. Highly commended: Miss Margaret Green 188, Miss Kathleen Bond (Christchurch) 188. Mr Clitheroe said that this was the most closely contested section he had heard so far. at least six of the competitors being worthy of recall. Miss Dagg. who sanp The Lass with the Delicate Air,” seemed to make this lady come to life and the singer matched the song to per fection. It was a really charming perform--2?, ee ,’ Miss Sligo chose a song which was filled with technical difficulties. Her tone gradations were beautiful and the per-

formance was one of real merit Airs Graham was responsible for a brilliant piece of singing. The mood of the song was well caught and sustained; but the high notes at the end were rather shrill, and tiiis caused a loss of marks. Miss Davidson gave a good interpretation’of her song, but occasionally allowed her tone to become too open. SONG FOR GIRLS, under 13 years—- “ Fairy Lullaby” (Quilter). Aliss Gwen Dewhurst (Roslyn), 185 points J Miss Joy Knowles (Dunedin), 184 pointe 2 Aliss Lily Shrimpton (Dunedin), 182 ' points 3 Air Clitheroe said that this section was very patchy. There was some good singing and sonic by no means good. One of the competitors recalled gave a very finished and artistic performance earlier in the day, but was overcome by nervousness during the evening session, and this resulted 111 loss of pitch, which lost her a number of marks, and brought her down to third place. Miss Dewhirst gave most artistic performances, both at the morning and evening sessions. Her interpretation was really excellent. It had just the right sleepy quality, Aliss Knowles was slightly nervous, but gave a very fine performance, and used her voice very well. SONG FOR BOYS, under 13 years—- “ Birth of Alorn” (Leoni) " Alaster Leslie Coombes (Dunedin), 177 points Master Herbert Henry (Dunedin)’, 176 points Master Alurray Bowie (Dunedin’)’, 175 points 3 Highly commended: Alaster Cyril "Cosgrave (Dunedin) 173, Alaster Peter Isitt (North-East Valley) 173. Air Clitheroe stated that the placewinners were outstanding in this section. They were the only competitors who gave anything like the quality which they associated with good boys’ singing. At times Alaster Coombes had a reallj’ beautiful tone. He sang the song in a higher

key than the others, which was an advantage with his voice. Alaster Henry sang very pleasingly, his higher notes being very {rood. Some of his middle notes were slightly rough. Alaster Bowie had a good, natural voice, but was not producing it quite properly. On lhe whole he gave a very good performance. CHILD’S ACTION SONG, under 12 years,, in character—Own Selection. Miss Alice Clark (Dunedin) 185 points 1 Miss Shirley M‘Clntchoy (Caversham) afid Alaster Jack Kane 'Dunedin) 184 points, equal 2

that in this action the competitors did not seem to realise tnat it was an action song, and action wae conspicuous by its absence. Miss Clark s costume and study were excellent Her voice was good, and her racial expression admirable, and her singx l }?r<? n f I v e tlie tent vcry effective. Aliss M Clatchey gave a really good performance. Her costume and make-up were very good, and her entry was also good. Her voice was well used. Alaster Kane had a splendid make-up, and made a good entry. Hrs facial expression was verygood. ELOCUTION. Judges: Air A. C. Hanlon, K.C., Air W. R. Brugh, and Air S. H. Osborn (Dunedin).-’ RECITATION, amateurs, ladies—- “ Silence” (Edgar Lee Masters). Aliss Kathleen Quaife (Dunedin), 88 points 1 Aliss Margaret Seeyle (Roslyn), 85 points 2 Afiss Mollie Baker (St. Kilda), 84 points 3

In announcing his decision, Mr Hanlon said the piece chosen seemed to him to be a very difficult one, and one that it was not easy to make a great deal of. Seme of the competitors sat down to tell the story, while others stood up. The piece did not lend itself to any very great dramatic effort, and'-it requ.red very careful treatment to make it passably en-

joyable to the listeners. The f<?caker added that if any of the cared to see him he would be glad to tell them exactly where he thought they had failed and where they had succeeded. One very noticeable feature was that reariy all the competitors elided the word j a J ld ' at t^ie beginning of a line. This defect attracted special attention owing to the frequency with which the word was used. Al:se Quaife’s position waq very good, and her conception of the piece and her pausation were good. None «u the words were slided. She had a fine dramatic voice, which was well produced, and she gave an effective rendering. Nona of Aliss Seelye’s words were dropped, and she secured a fine dramatic effect. She had a good conception of the piece. The modulation of her voice was effective, and ae r facial expression was good. Baker’s vo ce was not strong, but sha used it well. She had a splendid concept tion of the piece.

RECITATION, gentlemen, open to all—- “ The Great Lover” (Rupert Brooke). Mr Lester Moller (Dunedin), 87 points j Air Harold M. Bain (Dunedin), 85 points 2 Mr Norman West (Dunedin), 84 points Air Hanlon stated that this was a somewhat difficult piece. The performer men. tioned such a catalogue of things which he loved that it was d fficult to deliver the lines without becoming monotonous. This was a reverie, and one could imagine the lines being delivered through the smoke curling up from the pipe while the periormer sat in an arm chair before a fire The piece should not be presented in the torm of a recitation. A couple of the performers missed the idea of a reverie and made a recital of it. Those who were piaced gave a rather fine interpretation, and earned quite good marke. Air Aloller lacked gesture but his facial expression matched the thought. Rhythm was present, and the voice was changed with the varying sentiments. Air Bain had no gesture and some of the words were elided. He had a beautiful voice and etfectiie modulation, and gave an excel'ept interpretation of the piece. . Air W est had a good' voice, which was nicely produced His enunciation was good, and no words were dropped. A variation in time would lead to an improvement. Alore paueation and change : n modulation were required.

LECirAI lON, Shakespearean, Amateurs, ladies —1 ortia ” Alerchant o Venice). Miss Dessa Stabb (Dunedin), 90 points 1 Miss Pennie Marshall (Anderson's Bay), 89 points2 Aliss Kathleen Quaife (Dunedin). 86 points Also recalled: Aliss Mollie’ Baker (St Kilda) 85. Highly commended: Aliss Alargaret Seelye (Dunedin) 80. Aliss Leonore Mackenzie (Dunedin) 79. Also competed: Alias Eileen Houston (Dunedin) 75. Miss Anita Bowler (St Kilda) 74, Aliss Billie ATitchell (Dunedin) 74 Miss Nellie Ilcnaghan (Afusselburgh) 73.

Mr Hanlon stated that the speech of Portia was one of the most beautiful for a lady m the whole of Shakespeare’s works. It lent itself to dignity and cdocutiqnary skill. In the afternoon the whole of the competitors showed considerable ability, and he had experienced difficulty in making the recalls, as' all gave excellent performances. Miss Stabb showed immediately that she appreciated 'he lines, and she delivered them most effectively Her facial expression was

very good, and she made effective changes both in time and tone in a that indicated that she was thoroughly conversant with the play. It was a really fine performance. Miss Marshall also gave an excellent performance appealing to Brutus in a gentle and dignified manner. Her enunciation was good and she showed creditable judgment. She also used j appropriate and graceful gestures. Miss Quaife did not perform as well in the evening as she did in the afternoon. She had a good voice, and her gestures were natural. The entire performance was good, though in places, instead of appealing, she was inclined to scold. Miss Baker had a pleasing voice, which she modulated well, though it was, perhaps, a little light. This made the whole performance somewhat girlish, and this detracted from the general effect. Her gestures were natural and graceful.

RECITATION, humorous, Amateurs, ladies—Own Selection. Miss Erana Newbold (Musselburgh), 79 points 1 Miss Lottie Cameron (Mosgiel), 77 points 2 Miss Dessa Stabb (Dunedin), 75 pointe 3 Mr Brugh stated that this was a very hard class of competition to judge owing to the variety of selections chosen. In such a section one might get a poor piece well recited and a better piece not so well done. The difficulty was to strike an average over the lot. Miss Newbold recited a piece which had a very hackneyed style of humour, but she made the most of it. Her actions were more clever than those of the others. Miss Cameron, on the other hand, chose a piece with more humour in it, but her performance was not so finished as that of the winner. Her actions, although a little immature in parts, were, on the whole, very good. Miss Stabb recited a piece which was by no means brimful of humour, but she did it prettily, though, from the point of view of a humorous recitation, it was not equal to the performances of Misses Newbold and Cameron.

RECITATION, amateurs, gentlemen—Own

selection, not humorous

The following were recalled:—Mr Lester Moller (Dunedin), Mr Norman West (Dunedin). Mr Claude Grey (Caversham). The final will be decided on Thursday night.

DIALOGUE—Own selection, in character.

The following were recalled: —Miss Jessie Al'Lennan (Dunedin) and Mr Alfred Bain (Dunedin); Miss Joyce Hould (St. Clair) and Miss Dorothy Clark (Anderson’s Bay); Miss Dessa Stabb (Dunedin) and Miss Margaret Seelye (Dun edin). CHARACTER SKETCH, amateur, lady or gentleman—Own selection Miss Margaret Seelye (Roslyn), *BB poirits 1 Miss Jessie M'Lennan (Dunedin), 86 points 2 Mr Lester Moller (Dunedin), 85 points 3

Mr Brugh stated that this was a very fine competition, all the performers doing well. It was quite difficult to differentiate between many of them, and the standard of elocution was quite high. Miss Seelye possessed a very fine voice which she had kept natural, avoiding any artificial straining after effect. With a certain amount of diffidence he had placed Miss M'Lennan second in preference to Mr Moller. Miss M'Lennan had a very fine voice, but the piece chosen by her • was somewhat lugubrious. Mr Moller gave an excellent rendering, which was. however, somewhat marred by mannerisms. RECITATION, ladies, open to all—“ La Belle Dame Sans Merci ” (John Keats). The following were recalled:—Miss Rennie Marshall (Anderson’s Bav), Miss Margaret Seelye (Roslyn), and Miss Jessie M’Lennan (Dunedin). The final will be taken on Wednesday evening RECITATION, 12 and under 14 years— Own selection, not humorous. Master Neil Ferguson (Dunedin), 82 points 1 Miss Gwen Dewhirst (Roslyn), 81 points: 2 Miss Lexie Mathieson (Tomahawk) and Miss Norma Brown (Dunedin), 80 pointe (equal) 3 Very highly commended: Miss Dulcie Hazelwood (St. Clair), 79. Also competed: Master Bruce Mark (Dunedin) 78, Mies Pat Strachan (St. Clair) 77, Miss Muriel, Brown (Dunedin) 76, Miss Nancy Dickinson (Macandrew Bay) 75, Miss Monica Macartney (Dunedin) 75, Miss Nancy Keen (Musselburgh) 73. Mr Brugh stated that this was a good section generally, and that the children’s proficiency was really surprising. Master Ferguson gave a very good all-round performance, making very few mistakes.

RECITATION, girls, 11 and under 14 years —“To a Favourite Cat” (Edward Henry Blakeney). Miss Norma Brown (Dunedin), 80 pointe 1 Miss Gwen Dewhirst (Roslyn), 79 points 2 Miss Joj-ee Keown (Dunedin), 78 points .. 3 Very highly commended: Miss Joyce Ridley (Tainui) 76. Miss Marion Quartbrmain (St. Clair) 76, Miss Lexie Matbieson (Tomahawk) 76. Mr Brugh stated that it was difficult in such a small piece, to find the winners out of 15 competitors, because all the children who performed showed evident signs of careful training. Although the age was limited between 12 and 14 years, naturally the elder children had an advantage over the younger ones. Miss Lorna Brown gave a very finished performance. Miss Dewhirst had an excellent conception of the piece, but was inclined to be rather quiet. Miss Keown had the misfortune to omit two lines from an otherwise excellent rendering, and, when the competition was so close as it was in this ease, such an omission was fatal. RECITATION,- amateurs, gentlemen.— Own Selection, not humorous. Mr Norman West (Dunedin, 83 points 1 Mr Lester Moller (Dunedin), and Mr Claude Grey (Caversham), 82 points, equal .. 2 Mr Brugh said this was a very wellcontested section, and it was difficult to choose between the three finalists. Kipling’s “ Explorer ” was a piece requiring considerable treatment, and Mr West essayed the task effectively. Messrs Moller and Grey both gave fine conceptions of their respective pieces. RECITATION, girls, under. 11 years—- “ Dabbling in the l)ew.” Miss Adele Marks (Dunedin), 88 pointe Miss Loretta Kay. (Dunedin), 86 points 2 Miss Joy Ferens (Mornington), 84 points 3

Highlj’ commended: Mis Gwen Graham (Dunedin) 81, Miss Laura Shrimpton (Mornington) 81, Miss Birdie Drake (Dunedin) 80, Miss Sheila Ferguson (Dunedin) 80. Mr Osborn stated that out of 41 entries 40 competitors faced him in this charming little poem; which was adapted from the nursery rhyme, “ The Mikmaid;” Question and ansiver in the dialogue were well managed. There was a general absence of affectation, and the word values were pleasing to lieten to. The standard of many juveniles was improving, this being due, he thought, in many ways to their own initiative. Miss Marks gave a charming performance—simple, unaffected, and to the point, as also, in slightly less degree, did the other competitors. RECITATION, girls, 14 and under 16 years—“ Bells of the Angelus” (Bret Harte). Miss Nanna Newey (Ravensboutne), 88 points .. - 1 Miss Anzac Patton (Mornington) and Miss Billie Robinson (St. Kilda . 86 points, equal 2 Very highly commended: Miss Isobel Clarke (Dunedin) 85. Highly commended: Miss Nelly Moff it (Dunedin) 82. Mr Osborn stated that he had listened to very fair performances of a beautiful poem. It was a reverie, and most of the competitors had quite a reminiscent idea. A noticeable fault was a lack of pause, which added so much colour to what bad to be expressed. Most of the competitors were to be congratulated upon their rhythm, which was one of the most important features. Miss Newey conjured up the scene very impressively, and seemed to live it over again. That, combined with her technique, gained for her first place.

RECITATION, 14 and under 16 years— Own selection, not humorous.

Miss Nanna Newey (Ravensbournc). 85 points' i Miss Billie Robinson (St. Kild;-.), 84 pointe' .. 2 Miss Isobel Clarke (Dunedin).’ 82 points 3 Mr . Osborn stated that, as a rule, own selections should be governed by a certain degree of brevity.. Invariably competitors had chosen pieces that were too lengthy and had been heard over and over again. In the case of Miss Newey who recited “The Pedlar” artistry iu-t made the difference necessary to secure the victory, and Miss Robinson, who * cited * Flanders,” did good work generally. Miss Clarke, whose piece was “ The Ballad of Splendid Silence,” was rather inclined to evenness. Her vowel sounds lacked purity at times, and her voice needed more modulation.

RECITATION, humorous, girls under 12 years—Own selection..

Miss Daphne Morrison (Dunedin), 79 points Miss Joy Knowles (Dunedin), 77 points 2 Miss Shirley M'Clatchey (Cavecsham)’ 76 points 3 Also recalled: Miss Natalie Connor (St. Kilda) 75 pointe. Mr Osborn stated that one associated 20 or 30 humorous items with sounds of laughter. Perhaps their sense of humour was dulled, but certainly the rafters did not ring in the Victoria Hall that afternoon. It was not a very bright section. Miss Morrison, who recited “ Breath,” i _iparted a natural touch of mischievous humour to her observation of dad this way. Miss Knowles, whose piece was “In the Tram,” presented a type of character which they had met, but she was hardly peristent enough with auntie. Miss M'Clatchey did not put enough mischief into the voice of “ The Tom Boy,” her treatment of which was a shade too dainty.

DANCING. Judge: Mrs Hulme (Christchurch). BALLET DANCE, toe, 10 and under 13 years.

Miss Joyce Todd (Caversham), 88 points .. 1 Miss Lola Hoffman (Invercargill), 55 points '2 Miss Molly Wills (Invercargill) and Miss Muriel Brown (Dunedin), 50 points, equal 3 Mrs Hulme stated that Miss' Todd was one of the most beautiful dancers she had ever seen. The dance was beautifully thought out and splendidly performed.

She congratulated Dunedin on having such a clever performer. Miss Hoffman had the makings a very fine dancer. She was quite a little actress, and was strong on pointe. She did not have a very good dance, and was worthy of better work, as the necessary qualifications for success were in evidence.. Misses Wills and Brown both had qualifications as dancers, but they had yet a lot to learn and practice.

DANCE DUO, other than dramatic, 12 and under 16 years. Misses Edna Todd (Dunedin) and Phyllis Johnston (Dunedin). 81 points .. i Misses Anzac Patton (Mornington) and Miss Nyra Lord (Dunedin), 77 pointe 2 Misses Patricia Atkinson (Dunedin) and Miss Daphne Allan (Dunedin), 72 points 3

Also recalled: Misses Irma Ross (Dunedin) and Rona Lord (Dunedin) 62. Mrs Hulme stated that Misses Todd and Johnston, who presented “Kitchen ’ E - ave quite a good, character duo. Hie girl was particularly clever and excelled herself in the final. The police- , man was too pretty and his feet were too small, but he was a very good foil foi ’.he other performer. Misses Patton and Lord gave a real operatic duo, and the idea " as very nice. The Harlequin was he better dancer of the two, and some of icr work was really quite finished. Miss \tkinson and Allan presented a very good ;tep dance These little girls worked

very well together and kept excellent ime, but their work was not quite equal o that of the others. Misses Ross and Lord did not dance nearly as well in the :nal as they did in the preliminary. 3ALLET DANCE, toe, 13 and under 16 years. .'Jiss Dorothy Judd (St. Kilda), 89 pointe 1 Miss Cora Duff (Dunedin), 65 points 2 -Miss Orma Ross (Dunedin) and Miss Rona Lord (Musselburgh), 54 points (equal) 3 Mrs Hulme stated that Miss Judd, who resented “ The Sunbeam,” gave a delight.ul dance. She was a clever dancer, and, with experience, would overcome 'hat- excitement which so often spoiled a competitor’s best efforts. Miss Duff was a very niee little dancer, but she should learn to control her excitement. She did a lot of very good things in her dance, and was learning much. Miss Ross’s balance was not good, and she •should take her dance steadily. There were lots of good things in her dance, and she displayed a decided knowledge. She should study breathing and keep calm. Miss Lord was a nice dancer, but she should learn more things to do. Excitement was probably responsible for her work not being quite up to expectations. STEP DANCING, suitable for musical comedy, boys or girls, 12 and under

18 years; any step dance not already provided in the syllabus. Misses Ethel Todd (Caversham) and May Wilson (Mornington), 86 pointe, equal 1 Misses Kitty Eckhoff (Dunedin) and Edna Pettet (North-East Valley), 84 points, equal .. 2 Misses Patricia Atkinson (Dunedin) and Iris Gordon (Dunedin), 82 pointe, equal 3 Very highly commended: Miss Cora Duff (Dunedin) 81, Miss Margaret Davey (Dunedin) 81, Miss Daphne Allan (Duo edin) 81. Mrs Hulme said that it was obvious that the competitors had not assimilated the directions given for this section, which was really open' to musical comedy performers or step dancers, as there was far’ more musical comedy than step dancing. For this reason she had considered it ad visable to bracket the placings so that the best musical comedy performer and the bes>t step dancer were each awarded a first place. This practice was, of course, followed in the other placings. SKIPPING ROPE DANCE, 12 years and over. Miss Orma Ross (Dunedin), 77 points 1 Miss Edna Todd (Dunedin), 76 points 2 Miss Kitty Eckhoff (Dunedin), 72 points 3 Mrs Huhne stated that Miss Ross, who was the best all-round skipper, did some very difficult things. She kept good time and had a nice carriage and expression of face and form. All round her work was good. Miss Todd was a very pretty skipper, her efforts being easier than that of the others. She was really the prettiest dancer of all the competitors, but her rope was a little short, and brought the body forward slightly, thus spoiling that serenity of carriage which was one of the essentials of such a dance. Miss Eckhoff carried her rope better than any of the others. She danced beautifully, but she did not do the clever things that the other girls did. She did not keep very good time in the final, but the judge congratulated her on her turnings with the rope. FANCY DANCE, character, not to include ballet, Greek, or Eastern, 13 and under J 6 years. Miss Dorothy Judd (St. Kilda), 86 points . . .. .. 1 , Miss Edna Todd (Dunedin), 85 points 2

Miss Ethel Todd (Caversham), 84 pointe

Mrs Hulme stated that this was designated a fancy character dance. This made it very difficult to judge, because a good character dance was very seldom fancy. The best character dancer was Miss Edna Todd. As the dance was a fancy character dancer Miss Judd had most certainly earned first place. Miss Ethel Todd did very clever work in fancy dancing, but as a character dancer she sadly lacked facial expression, which was an important essential.