Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 13 May 1930, Page 4

The Westland Competitions Society has every reason to be gratified with tiie success attending the current festival. The Competitions are now drawing to a close, hut throughout special interest has been evinced in the work of the performers, me ladies ancl gentlemen and the young folk wlio constitute the competitors are to he congratulated on their energy and industry in preparing for such a festival. Those taking part must devote a large amount of time to preparation. A great amount of memorising Has t,o be done. Knowledge of the words or music has to be acquired, and the spirit of the pieces interpreted intelligently to, bring out convincingly the bent of the author’s thoughts. All. this entails study and thought, and therein lies the value and benefit- of these recurring annual events. Those taking part store up knowledge and' understanding which; would he missed altogether were they to. be merely onlookers. The value of these competitions from an educational point of view,is very considerable, and it is rather remarkable that it is not appreciated more by the schools, especially iff team work. However, there is no lack of competitors, and vody full sessions have prevailed. 11l that connection there seems to be a very good spirit among those taking part. They do not do so as rivals, but compete with the desire by self-help o,f improving themselves ; and 'in that spirit there ' iis marked unselfishness, each desirous that the other may have a good rii'n, and all ail equal chance. It is a ple’asihg aspect of the Competitions and one 1 that adds materially to the value of the festival. The- community value sof the event is' also considerable.’ The interest of 'the public in* the daily sessions, shows a quickening interest 'in a useful' and elevating class of entertainment, and it is pleasing in these days of mechanical performances, to find the right kind of mental culture being taken up by a very considerable section of the people. The Competitions will certainly elevate the standard of the district.