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Hokitika Guardian, 18 May 1926, Page 2

On Saturday the idea of promoting a juvenile competitions was accepted and launched. The details are to he fixed in due course. For the present it has been determined to hold a juvenile competitions about August next when the second term holidays fall due. The -discussion was appreciative of the propoal aimed at improving the mind and thought of the juveniles. No doubt the principal number of competitors will bo drawn from tbe schools, and it is hoped to see all the schools in the district represented. The competitions will no doubt offer variety, and the opportunity should he widely availed of. In connection with the scheme we should like to see literary and reading, clubs organised in the schools as a means to extend the knowledge of the rising generation with the literature of the nation. This is a branch of necessary education for which a taste cannot he created too early in the lives of the young people, and the time seems opportune to make a. start in that direction. As to the competitions, no doubt more will be heard of the proposal, and its scope when tbe fuller details are published later, but it is not too soon now to create a general atmosphere of interest in the proposal so that flic widest possible interest may result. The competitions may l>e expected to cover the usual grounds for elocution and vocal and instrumental music, and pupils wishing to emulate might intensify their studies without delay. One of the objects of these oompotb lions is to improve tbe standard in the various tests set, and this can come only, by general practice, whetner vocal or instrumental. The special advantage gained by all who compete is in tbe more intense practice entered upon. With a goal ahead there is a degree of application beyond the perfunctory stage, and it is in that mood that the value of the whole movement lies. All may not he prize winners, but each and all who apply themselves will gain some advantage and win some improvement by their art by the benefit to be derived from well applied effort. The experience due to a public appearance is also very great value as increasing confidence and gaining courage for a better execution. Altogether competitions provide a .stepping stone in selfhelp of very great individual value, and all who participate, whether prizetabors or not, must reap a benefit and a value from their own personal effort in the matter.