COMPETITIONS SOCIETY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19365, 23 July 1925, Page 2

COMPETITIONS SOCIETY

Preparations for the coming festival, under the auspices of Ih<* Wanganui Competitions Society, made further progress at the weekly meeting presided over by the chairman (Mr. ('. Atkinson). There was a full attendance of the executive, and the various working committees to function during the progress of the festival were appointed. 1 THE ENTRIES. The secretary reported that just on eight hundred entries had been received. In reply to a question, Mr. Verry said that fthe entries were drawn from Christchurch, Wellington, Palmerston North, Feilding, and north as far as Huntley. There was an excellent variety, although the aggregate, number was below that of last year. The chairman said that the decreased entry was only to be expected. Tin* infantile paralysis epidemic over the first five months of the year had produced abnormal conditions, and the shrinkage of entries was mainly associated with the juvenile section. However, last year the entries were really too large, ami necessitated too many halls being constantly engaged, as well as the absorption of a .Saturday night. 1 hat difficulty would be overcome this time, and the programme committee would be able to work out a’n excellent time table with most of the competitions appearing in one hall. Personally, he was very gratified at thesplendid response, despite the fact that tile festival was being held earlier this year to synchronise with the school holidays in August, and the fact that a good number of children were unable t<> enter this year owing to the want ■■l more time for preparation. The pianoforte section had produced a particularly strong entry, but he was disappointed that the ’cello, flute, clarinet, and string quartette classes had uot even received one entry, all hough it had been suggested that these classes should be encouraged. The Competitions .Society put: them on the schedule with that object, and the response was blank. The ladies’ musical classes wore again exceedingly well filled, and this year some promising new talent would be forthcoming. To see so much tresh young talent coming forward was an indication that the .Society’s operations were being appreciated in the city. It was, of course, nice at any time to see old favourites, but he (Air. Atkinson) always felt pleased to see the younger talent in stronger force. It was to them that the city had to look for its artists of the future us the older and matured vocalists and instrumentalists retired from competitions. Mr. Atkinson pointed out that the elocutionary classes had filled well, and altogether the prospects for a most successful festival wore very bright. The Eoilding Alethodist Choir had entered this year in the choral section. Messrs Herd and Afeuli were appointed a stage committee, and Afiss Afuriel Swan was appointed honorary assistant dancing accompanist. It was decided to secure the Table Grano Piano of the Male Choir, and another high grade piano for the dancing and very youthful pianoforte competitors. It. was decided to limit season tickets holders this time, and to give holders v the privilege of booking for the season before the plan is opened officially for the general public. In view of the many applications for members’ tickets, it was decided to advertise that applications for members’ tickets close on July 31.