Prize Poem Competition

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 30, 5 February 1932, Unnumbered Page

Prize Poem Competition

THE prize of half a guinea in the current competition is awarded to "On Kawau Island," by "Karakia," whose gift of forceful and apt diction is exemplified in the unusual and poetic conception embodied in the prize poem. Very highly commended is the work of a Dunedin contributor, who in "Youth and Age," scores a notable artistic success in what is admittedly a difficult yerse form. "N": We thank our correspondent for letter, so generous in praise. from which we quote: "Allow me to express My appreciation of your literary page. During weeks of isolation in the country, your contributions came as an meteor to lighten the apathetic darkness of farm life. Also I am greatly interested in the poetry competition and accompanying criticisms." "John Storm's" ode to a day that is ¢ dead, wistful and tender, flows with the easy rhythm characteristic of the verse of this contributor. "Sweet Lavender" is as pretty as its name, gently reminiscent lines that limp slightly about the middle of the poem. KH. Mary Gurney’s "Affinity" is vivid and striking work, with more than a modicum of the blessed quality of originality. "Oh Mack" is commended for a poem resembling a delicate pastel landscape when the world was young. "rin," without doubt, has fondled the blarney stone. "Minstrel Boy" is in parlous case, "‘all for the love of a lady." "Salamander" has studied "The Everlasting Mercy" to some purpose, but he isn’t a New Zealand Masefield. "Werdinand’s" brisk doggerel smacks of the briny. "West Wind’: Rhymed mediocrity. "Pierrot": Say it in prose.