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Hokitika Guardian, 16 October 1928, Page 4

The claims of the Westland Competitions Society - on the town and district have been very well recognised by the public so far as patronage at the Competitions has been concerned. The management, however, lias expressed a desire that more interest should be taken in the general working of the Society with a view to assisting to extend the scope of its work by further responsible backing. An appeal has been made already for more assured finance and though the response was encouraging the promises have not been as numerous as was Imped. The opportunity offered at the annual meeting of the Society to-night of co-operating in the way suggested, is open to the public at large, and it would be pleasing to see the aim of the Society so far as stabilised finance is concerned, definitely assured Educational 1 ' authorities who have studied the work of competition societies, agree as to the value of the competitions on the lines generally followed. . The study and work necessary for preparation to reach competition standard, is not likely to do anyone harm. On the contrary, it must have an uplifting effect. The general training of mind and pose, the widening of the intellect, and the embracing all round effect on the studious competitor, must result in special value, which is all the better for the individual. Knowledge is a load easily carried, and stored up knowledge is always there ready to be tapped as required It is well for parents to encourage their charges to take up com petition work as something pf an extra to their ordinary studies. There are variety and interest always in work, nn<l the very nature of the association helps to bring out latent talents which perhaps could not be so readily arouse* 1 by any other means. Competitions, from the very nature of rubbing against others in the trials set down, assist to create character and bring out characteristics all of which must add to the stability of the individual. The confidence which is a growing quantity as progress is made, is another

asset for the performer who will thrive on the work. There is thus every reason to encourage the aim of the Competitions, and the public should be ready to assist with the management and_so help that important side of the venture to flourish. The local Society has done very well since it started, and taking the tide at the flood, and making the most of the opportunity offering, there is no reason why the Society snould not do better in the future anti continue to redound to the credit of the town and district and those directly concerned in its management.