The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 1926. THE COMPETITIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 August 1926, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 1926. THE COMPETITIONS.

The success of the Competitions this week was .so marked that it is not surprising to find plans being laid already for another venture in the same direction next year. It is some considerable time now' since competitions were held previously, and there was a novelty about the proceedings. There was alike uncertainty about the quality of the competitors, for there was nothing to indicate outstanding merit in local performers. The competitions revealed, however, that there was a considerable amount of latent talent, and in the musical' branches particularly there was much promise revealed, both in vocal and inxtr amental work. If it were contemplated essaying any musical or dramatic work, we should say there is very Tair choice available for the presentation of quite an interesting programme. The competitors were not as numerous as was expected. the absence of young men and boys being noticeable. The young ladies and girls came forward in very creditable numbers, and gave the opposite sex a creditable example. A greater effort might he made from the schools in regard to candidates, and friendly rivalry from that quarter would he very acceptable. Looking to the future, no doubt the experience this week will guide the management in the drafting of next season’s programme, and the earlier ft could be issued the better so that there will not he any necessity for rush preparation. The candidates’ achievements this year were a credit to all concern-

ed. both iu their work and in their demeanour. It was noticed that the pupils of the local Convent School were well to the fore, and the School deserved the congratulations it received at the time ol the presentation of the Newman Cup lor the, success achieved against a strong visiting team. The Knnieri School, it is worthy of remark, made a good showing also, and set an example for other country schools in the possibilities of excelling in competition work. It lias been mooted that next year the local Society will be able to look iurthor afield for a judge or judges. However, no one who could he appointed would he more painstaking and anxious to afford information to the competitors than the two gentlemen who acted this week. Still, with a complete change, there will lie more satisfaction in the end to the Competitors, who will welcome an. independent judgment, if only for purposes of comparison. It is to he expected that with a fuller entry next year, the competitions will extend over more time. To anticipate preparations in that direction entries will require to close earlier to give time to prepare a workable time-table. It seems clear that the largest hall available will he necessary on the next occasion, and arrangements to that end "ill require to be kept in view. For the work the Society has to accomplish in the short time covering the actual running of the Competitions, a good working committee is essential, and doubtless more help would 1)0 acceptable in that connection. Certainly the present Committee has done well. The whole proceedings seemed to pass off without a hitch, so that the organisation by the Executive must have been very complete. It was manifest from the largo and appreciative audience at the Theatre 011 Tuesday night that the work and worth of the Society were appreciated greatly, and we hone from the good beginning it will go on to greater success as the years go by.