Bunbury Eisteddfod Opened By Sir Newton Moore 30th January 1914
Collie Choir Success
The agent-general of western Australia (Sir Newton More) last night opened the first annual South West Eisteddfod. Among those who were present were the premier (Mr J Scaddan) the mayor of Bunbury Mr CFrankel, Mr Ensemble McLarty, MLC and Mr B.J Stulibs MLA and there was a large and appreciative audience.
The Mayor announced the receipt of an apology from Sir Winthrop Hackett who regretted his inability to attend owing to indisposition.
Sir Mayor Newton More said he heartily appreciated the honour conferred on him through the mayor as president of the Eisteddfod, having asked to declare it open, it was a most pleasant duty as a termination of his visit to Bunbury. They were fortunate that that evening to have the present Premier, than shown there was no more enthusiastic supporters of musical competitions for many years he has been interested himself in various band and instrumental contests. The present musical festival was an ambitious undertaking for Bunbury, but they looked forward to the time when Bunbury would be the Ballarat of Western Australia as far as musical matters were concerned. The Mayor and citizens were doing all they could to popularise Bunbury as a Health Resort, and it was pleasing to see them also unite in the endeavour to make it a centre of musical culture. The citizens of Bunbury were desirous of making the place attractive to visitors, but when they had done their fishing or bathing in the river and had enjoyed themselves in other ways during the day some good evening musical functions were desirable. These should result from the efforts of the musical societies of the town. The first attempt made to form a band was 20 years ago, when two Christy minstrel entertainments were held to raise funds for a band. Another occasion was when the Bunbury Raffles were formed in connection with which they had an excellent band. Later on they had a good town band. Indeed the Bunbury Military Band was considered next to the Hearquarters Band. He trusted that those who had the leadership of the musical affairs of Bunbury would again achieve the position for the present band held by its predecessors. They were particularly fortunate in having as judges gentlemen whose names were known throughout Western Australia in the persons of the Rev Brian Wibberley, the judge of the musical and vocal items; and Mr Lional Logue, who judged the elocutionary numbers. He felt sure that is these two gentlemen they had adjudicators of those decisions there could be no cavilling. He had great pleasure in declaring the Eisteddfod open, and he wished it every possible success. Much interest was taken in the choral competitions, the Collie choir winning by a narrow majority. The Rev Brian Wibberley, commented on the very difficult pieces set down, “Gloria,” and stated that this should really have been rendered by a choir possessing at least 100 voices and an orchestra. Mr Lionel Loge was not a difficult task.
Rsults:-
Choral competitions - Collie Wesley Choir: “Gloria,” 82 marks; but the lord is mindful,” 87; “What are These?” 90. Bunbury Wesley Choir, 80, 91, 86. Totals: Collie, 259; Bunbury 256.
Elocutions, - “three Fishers” (boys or girls under 16), George Tate (only competitor). 39 boys and girls under 10, and C Denman 43. Quartet “Beauty's Eves” and “Good Night”: No 2 Bunbury 92: Collie Party 89: Worsley Party 89: No 1 Bunbury 86. Soprano Solo Embarrassment Miss Mary Shaw, 1: Miss Ensemble Russell. 2: Bunbury Jan. 28
The results of the competition on the second evening of the South West Eisteddfod were as follows
Baritone solo T Bone. 1: C Foster. 2: J Cox. 3. Bass Solo T Bone. 1: J Dally, 1: J Phillips, 2: B J Trobert.
3 Elocution (ladies) Miss M Waterhouse, 1: JT Blair. 2: Miss R Brophy, 3: Contralto Solo Miss Madge Cooke and Miss L Ross (Tie), 1: Miss Venus, 3: Miss Ensemble Johns, 4 Recitation (girls under 13 years) Kate Irwin (only competitor) 1 Humorous Song: B Trobert, 1: J Cox and H Jaccbeen (tie), 2: M Laverick, 4
(Some of the words and names were very hard to read and decipher)
Reference:
Western Mail (Perth, WA 1885 - 19540, Friday 30th January 1914, page 15
National Library of Australia
Nla.gov.au/nla.news-articale37964237
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Eisteddfod 1991
the committee of the City of Bunbury Eisteddfod is very proud to bring to you Bunbury's first Eisteddfod.
After 32 years as the Bunbury Music Festival, we enter a new era. With the building of the Bunbury Entertainment Centre, there are now marvellous new facilities for us offering contestants the opportunity to perform in magnificent surroundings in a fine Concert Hall with especially good acoustics.
It is particularly gratifying to not that this year entries have increased by over 25% we now have over one thousand competitors and were able to offer 175 different sections for completion of those 151 were taken up, another very gratifying result.
Particularly we would like to knowledge our donors and sponsors who have very generously provided us with monetary awards, trophies and shields.
This year for the first time a major cash prize has been donated by the South West Development Authority, enabling us to stage the inaugural SWDA Open Piano Recital event.
199 is indeed a milestone in our development and we look forward to an even more expanded Eisteddfod in 1992
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Eisteddfod 1992
The committee of the city of Bunbury eisteddfod is very happy to bring to you a second eisteddfod.
It is very interesting to note that this year entries have increased by over 25%. We now have over 1200 entries and were able to offer 305 different sections for competition. Of these 211 were taken up and often split into A,B, or C sections because of the size. This year after adding individuals in choirs and ensembles the numbers gracing the stage would probably be close to 2,500 competitors over a 2 week period.
1992, is special not only for the size but marks the first year our dance students will be competing. Two days and one evening have been set aside to cater for these ones.
We would like to acknowledge our donors and sponsors who have generously provided us with monetary awards, trophies and shields.
The backing of the S.W.D.A has enabled us to stage the S.W.D.A open piano recital event. This year a first and second cash prize has been donated.
We also acknowledge the marvellous supporters from the Bunbury Entertainment Centre, offering our contestants the opportunity to perform in the magnificent surrounding with especially good acoustics. Our special thanks to all the staff and friends of the theatre for their extra time spent in helping us. Please support them where ever possible.
1992 is indeed a milestone in our development and we look forward to sharing this with you all.
