SYDNEY’S IDOL

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 38, 7 May 1927, Page 23 (Supplement)

SYDNEY’S IDOL

NEW ZEALAND MUST FOLLOW AUSTRALIA’S | EXAMPLE IN BIG SCREEN i CONTEST.

TRIUMPHS OF BEftYL MILLS Those who have followed the triumphs of Miss Beryl Mills, winner of the “Miss Australia” competition, will realise just what “Miss New Zealand 1927” has to look forward to. “When ! set out for America I never realised for one moment what a wonderful time I was going to have,” Miss Mills once confessed to THE SUN’S Movie Editor. Beryl Mills was Sydney’s idol. Crowds followed hey wherever she went. Her motor-car was mobbed in almost every street. The last few days in Sydney, before the West Australian girl sailed, for America, were hectic in the extreme. Her presence at a dance nearly caused a riot. All Sydney was on tiptoes to see this fortunate girl. ATLANTIC CITY PAGEANT

In America she visited most of the principal cities, including New York, and participated in the 1926 beauty pageant at Atlantic City. In Hollywood she met most of the stars, and had a thoroughly good time.

But Beryl Mills was not offered the opportunity that is awaiting “Miss New Zealand 1927.” There was no definite screen engagement for her in Hollywood. It is problematical, as a matter of fact, whether she would have accepted it. As it is she is reputed to *be making £4,000 annually by “personal appearances” at picture houses. For many months past she has been making three appearances daily at the Crystal Palace in Sydney at the magnificent salary of £l5O weekly. There are few musical comedy queens in Australia who can command that.

When Beryl Mills was selected for the important position of “Miss Australia” she was a university girl in her home city of Perth. Never for one moment did she dream that she would win the big competition when she entered for it. That a wise choice was made was generally admitted. NOT STRIKINGLY PRETTY

Miss Mills is not strikingly pretty. Neither will it be necessary for “Miss New Zealand 1927” to be beautiful. But Beryl Mills knows how to behave herself. A supple figure, graceful carriage, smiling personality, easy manner, magnetic charm —these attributes all were carefully weighed by the judges. Those who know her will tell *ou that Beryl Mills is the same natural and charming girl as she was before she left the shores of her native Australia. The proud position she achieved as the Commonwealth’s unofficial ambassadors abroad did not change her in the least.

With dignity and considerable ability she carried her responsibilities. New Zealand will indeed be fortunate if she selects a girl with all the qualities possessed by Beryl Mills. TEMPTING OFFER

Never before has such a tempting offer been made the girls of this country.' “Miss New Zealand 1927” will receive a prize valued at £9OO. This contest gives a unique and definite opportunity for a New Zealand girl to proceed to Culver City with all expenses paid, to take up an engagement with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios.

She will be given a part in a feature film at a salary of £25 ,a week during the engagement, and she will have a wonderful opportunity to learn, the technique of acting for the camera. It will open up a boundless field for the right girl, for should she prove capable, further engagements will be offered her in one of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s stock companies at a salary commensurate with her ability. These, in turn, might prove stepping stones to a great career. “Miss New Zealand 1927” will be received by the Mayor of Culver City at a civic reception, at which leadingdirectors and film stars will be present. Should the dates permit, she will take part in the great Beauty Pageant at Atlantic City as the Dominion’s representative. Provincial prizes will be awarded, but on slightly different conditions from those which governed last year’s “Miss New Zealand” contest. “Miss Auckland” will receive a prize of £3O. Her Maid of Honour will receive £2O, and each of the 20 semifinalists will be presented with consolation prizes.