THE MASTERTON COMPETITIONS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 1034, 15 August 1911, Page 5

THE MASTERTON COMPETITIONS.

A JUDGE'S OPINION.

In the course of an article, iiii ' 'The Triad" of .this month, Mr C. N. Baeyertz, who. acted as judge of elocution, at the recent Masterton competitions, says:— ] Thanks to the splendid support of the local papers', and the wholesouled enthusiasm of the comimitteo j «and the secretary, the Masterton , competitions .were a magnificent financial success. The public supported the movement most handsomely, and on the last night, not only was the Theatre packed to the doors, but 200 patient patrons sat out the entire programme at. .the[back of the stage, .behind the- performers.. ~...', / (From an aesthetic, as well as from a financial. ..standpoint*'., .the. competitions in Masterton have v been (more successful than was either the first essay in Dfunedin or in Christchureh. Speaking personally,, I may say that J enjoyed myself hugely. The President, Vice-Presi-dents, Secretary, Supervisors, and all the members of the Committee with whom. I was brought into contact were each ail (capable, sympathetic, and helpful. The competitors were admirable sport®, and the audiences keenly intelligent and encouraging. There can foe- no reasonable doubt that (the Competitions will ibe> productive of much good in Masterton. A" scheme is> already afoot to start a Shakespeare Club, and this will he of incalculable value as to stimulus to the study of good literature. I hope the papers will hold out the right hand of ; fellowship to the Shakespeare Club, as cordially as' they have to the Competition® themselves. There is plenty of talent in Masterton, and all this year's competitors should (begin their studies now for the next year's festival, and not wait till a month or two ibefore it takes place. I hope, also, to see many of them, in Wellington next October.