SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1520, 12 June 1919, Page 32

SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

(By

“Lorgnette.”)

WELLINGTON, June 11. The committee of management of the Wellington Competitions, which open at the Grand Opera House on November 6 and will extend until the 22nd, are all “live wires” and are headed by Mr. Jenner, who knows something about conducting these competitions. The latest “scoop” they secured was the engagement of Mr. John Hopkins,, the well-known Shakespearian elocutionist, to judge the elocutionary contests. The committee have to be commended on their ability to get such an artist to fulfil the work. The committee of management are now negotiating for the engagement of an artist (name not mentioned at the pi'esent time) to judge the fancy and ballet dancing. The rivalry between the bands of “Windy” Wellington is somewhat discording. On Sunday evening the Ist inst., the Tramways Band and the Watersiders’ Band gave concerts, both being well patronised. But, I think, it is about time that the management of both bands came to an amicable agreement and give their concerts on different Sundays. Both bands are in great form at the present time, and it is a shame that they should perform on the same night. There is a screw loose somewhere ! Included in the Wellington Competitions for the coming season will be a series of six items of Burns’ songs and recitations in the open class; six items in Highland dances for competitors over 16, six items for competitors between 12 and 16, and six for competitors under 12. The Wellington Professional Orchestra gave the third concert of this season’s series at His Majesty’s Theatre on Sunday evening. The programme presented was an unusually brilliant one, the chief items being Tschaikovski’s famous “1812” overture, and a trumpet solo from Verdi’s “Aida” by the champion cornetist, Mr. W. H. Bowman.