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Hokitika Guardian, 30 May 1927, Page 2

Tin-: enterprise shown by the Westland Competitions Society in extending the season for this year’s function promises to he well justified. From all accounts the numerical numbers competing will be enhanced greatly, and as competition is the desired factor. the results should he eminently satisfactory all round. The first appeal the Competitions should make is to the schools, and it is to he hoped the town and country pupils will come forward in greater numbers Ilian heretofore, and so assure the success of the juvenile branch. There was room last year, also, for more seniors in the ranks of the competitors, and an increase in that section will he welcomed. Some interesting and valuable trophies are now to he competed for, including several cups, and these should assist in attracting extra competitors. The value of the occasion in bringing out and developing local talent is at once apparent. In times past the town relied mainly on its amateurs for its principal measure of entertainment. The vogue of the pictures has done much to depreciate local enthusiasm among the amateur hand, but the Competitions offer an opportunity to counter tlie opposition which has grown up. It would be of value to the young and rising generation to see more attention given to self-im-provement in music and the allied arts, which go to provide skill and ability in an accomplishment always easy to carry, and always of value whatever the company met. There is a palpable dearth in the talent available for local entertainment, and if the Competitions can assist in supplying deficiency by inducing more of the young people to study for public appearances, much good will result. For that reason it is to he hoped the organisers will he encouraged with a liberal entry and good competition in tho various sections. The ultimate result will lie for the benefit of those who take up the work for it will enable them to become more useful members of the community, and better able to play a more useful part in life.