THE COMPETITIONS

Southland Times, Issue 17427, 20 August 1913, Page 6

THE COMPETITIONS

CHILDREN’S DEMONSTRATION NIGHT. The attendance at the Municipal Theatre last evening was, for the first time since the competitions commenced, a comparatively small one. The occasion was the Children’s Demonstration, •when the various prize-winners in the junior sections rendered the items in which they were successful at the Competitions proper. The programme was therefore contributed to by the very best talent among the younger competitors, and the entertainment provided was a credit both to the children and their teachers. Credit is also due to those responsible for the business-like manner in which the proceedings were carried through, allowing as it did a programme of unusual length to be carried through before 10 o'clock. The initial Item on the programme was a pianoforte duet entitled “The Warrior’s Farewell,” and was very nicely played by Misses C. and J. Davey, Miss M. C. Brown, in her action song, earned the unstinted praise of the audience, her actions being very natural, while her singing, for one so young, showed some promise. Equally successful was that little artist. Miss S. E. Vivian, who recited "One at a Time." Master B. D. Mehaftey, in his violin solo, gave a very pleasing rendering of “Le Cygne.” The girls of the Waikiwi School, who took part in the physical drill exercises, showed careful tuition, their actions at all times being in unison. The South School boys also gave an exhibition of physical drill, and they too showed careful training. Master Seen Brown demonstrated 'that for his age he possessed an unusually strong voice of good quality, his interpretation of “A May Morning" being a very Intelligent one. A Highland Reel by Misses F. McDonald, C. Davey, J. Davey and R. Wesney was an interesting item, and later on Miss C. Davey also performed well in an Irish Jig. and earned for herself the plaudits of the audience. A feature of the Demonstration was the Binging of the Middle School choir, who, under the baton of Mr Greig, gave an excellent rendering of “The Boatman s Song" and “Creation’s Hymn.” Master H. Hhskens provoked his hearers to laughter with a humorous recitation, which, although slightly lacking in light and shade, was well recited. “Chasing Butterflies” was the title of a song sung by Miss D. Jones, and later on in the evening by Miss G. Petrie, both ladies scoring a success. Perhaps the item which met with most approval from the audience was a humorous recitation jfiven by Master J. L. Sutton, who received the only recall of the evening. 3HSS N. Taylor (Sailor’s Hornpipe), Miss : Gilchrist (Seann Triubhlas). and Miss (D. Prtntz (Highland Fling) all danced 'very nicely. Miss S. Altken, the winner of the champion piano solo (junior), by her playing of two bracketed numbers, "Idylle” and “Uitgarlsh," merited the praise bestowed upon her by the musical adjudicator. Herr Carl Sauer. Miss M. Manson also gave an intelligent rendering of her piano solo "Llebestraume." Miss M. Brown, in her humorous recitation. scored a distinct success, as did also Miss E. A. Joss for the recitation which she gave for the Junior Championship. The Kiwi Patrol Girl Scouts gave a very interesting display, the main feature being a recitation entitled “The Union Jack.” Miss M. Gilchrist, a little tot, who won the violin solo for competitors under 10 years of age, ■played her solo ‘‘Rodino” very creditably. The concluding item of the programme was the half-hour entertainment “The Smart Set,” in which Misses >M. Mitchell, E. Williams and S. Vivian, and Masters H. Vivian, C. Vivian, R. Vivian and Mr F. F. Thomas took part. The half-hour’s entertainment provided by them was really good, and each mem'ber of the party did his or her part well. The strain had. however, evidently told on one or two of the party, as their !voices were palpably tired. Mr F. F. /Thomas ably filled the role of accompanist. The audience on Monday night saw ,and heard the English oak piano, which ,was recently manufactured by Mr Ward, .of Tay street. The tone of the instrument was rich, and the vocalists who sang to its accompaniment seemed to be quite at their ease. To-night will be the closing night, and as an interesting programme has been arranged the Theatre should be well filled.