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Hokitika Guardian, 2 September 1929, Page 4

It should be encouraging to the Westland Competitions Society to find the interest in the work it has in hand growing year by year. Since the revival of the Competitions here some four years ago, the Society ha!s steadily advanced. For the festival set down to open next Monday and extend over four days and' nights, there is a record entry. • The inqyease is very substantial in number, as .also in variety, so. that greater ..quality should he shown. The juvenile section is stronger than ever, which is a healthy sign, for it is in that quarter where a study of the arts of good speaking or musical expression cannot begin to soon for the benefit of the would-be performer. Both the elocutionary and musical sections have filled splendidly and there is a heavy task ahead of the adjudicator, who is the sole judge, in the two sections referred to. The gentleman selected for the duty is a Christchurch resident of well-tried ability whose judgment and advise to the competitors should be of value. The judge for the dancing is a lady from Christchurch, who comes across also with high credentials. The dancing section is also greatly enlarged both fancy 'and national items being well filled. Many of the competitors hail . from Greymouth, and the friendly invasion is to be welcomed. The Competitions now so well established should be of community value. Apart from the interest and learning of the competitors in the various sect'ons of work taken up, the public taste is cultivated by there annual festivals. The standard of entertainment is raised for there is the opportunity /to enioy some of the best work of both authors and composers. Tt is pleasing to gather that the local Society is being well supported financially with an increasing membership. Those who join are doing something to help the town and district along a very useful branch in the cultivation of a growing interest in both literature and music. In these days of pictures and cheaper forms of entertainment these arts are perhaps likely to be neglected, which would 1 not be good for the' nation. Competition societies are therefore fulfilling a useful mission in helping to keep alive a keener public interest in music, song and story of the higher order. ' -