MUSICAL AND LITERARY COMPETITIONS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8493, 24 July 1907, Page 5

MUSICAL AND LITERARY COMPETITIONS.

(To the Editor.) Sir, — Kindly allow me space in your valuable paper in reply to "Another Citizen" re the Literary and Musical Competitions. "Another Citizen" suggests that the citizens committee form themselves into a permanent committee with power to add to their number. I would remind "Another Citizen" that the proposals for the above competitions were first put forward by the Masterton Municipal Band, to raise funds to keep things going. Yet "Another Citizen" comes forward and asks for another citizens' committee to be formed, and thereby take the management of same away from a citizens' committee already formed to work in conjunction with the Band, and practically rob the originators of the scheme of any monetary benefits that might bo derived fro-n same. "Another Citize;; ! ' suggests that the competitions be held annually. I might state that this is what the Masterton Municipal Brass Band with the help of the citizens' committee already formed intend doing. "Another Citizen" goes on to say that his suggestions would avoid any possible friction. I would like to ask "Another Citizen" where he anticipates the friction? as I cannot see where any friction can arise unless it is from a few envious individuals, who have to be contended with at all time?, and are hardly worthy of consideration. —I am. etc., FAIR PLAY. Masterton, July 22nd, 1907.

(To the Editor.) better in this morning' issue, there is one remark that calls for an answer, viz., "the Band promoted this scheme, and formed a guarantee fund." Certainly, but the Band unaided failed to carry it out, and the mere fact that a guarantee fund was formed, is no warrant for calling upon the citizens. If the Band wish to totally exclude other institutions it is not too late to withdraw the request for the assistance of our men of influence. After reading "Presto Vivo's" contribution, the remarks of "A Musician" (published in the same issue of your valuable paper) appear remarkably terse and accurate. In'conclusion, the other portions of "Presto Vivo's" epistle need no comment. Gratuitous insults and misrepresentation simply reflect on the intelligence of those that write them. —I am, etc., MUSICAL. Masterton, July 23rd, 1907.