Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 1936. THE COMPETITIONS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 267, 24 August 1936, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 1936. THE COMPETITIONS.

The Ashburton Competitions Society has become so well established that )t is safe to predict a successful issue of the twelfth annual festival, which will be opened to-morrow. Though the number of entries this year falls in the aggregate below that of last year, the calibre promises to be quite up to the high standard of previous gatherings, while the general interest will be enhanced by the inclusion of several new classes, for which more than satisfactory entries have been received. Though naturally the fortunes of local contestants will be followed with the greatest interest by residents of the County, the importance of the occasion will be increased by the presence of a very strong contingent of outside performers, particularly from Christchurch with Invercargill also represented by an extra large number. This representation from beyond the County has a two-fold influence; in the first place it gives the audience the pleasure of seeing new performers and in the second it affords competitors the opportunity of comparing methods of presentation adopted here with those in larger centres. So that from the point of view of entertainment there is every reason to anticipate success. But essential as is excellence in individual performance, there is another . factor necessary for success. That is thoroughness of organisation. On this score Ashburton may well pride itself, for those who have undertaken the duty have always displayed the ability to organise well in the first instance and to profit by past mistakes and so improve the arrangements, while their enthusiasm spurs them on to achieve the best results from the exercise of that ability. The provision of the third essential to complete success may safely be left to the public, who, with recollections of past enjoyment and instruction, will not hesitate in according their patronage. This is most desirable, for it is the extent of public support that finally measures the financial ability of the Society to continue its good work. The chief function of competitions such as these, it must be borne in mind, is not to provide entertainment for the people, though of course that aspect cannot be ignored if satisfactory, profitable attendances are to be assured. The main object is the discovery and encouragement of talent in music and elocution, the competitions providing a testing ground where the competent exponent receives, the seal of approval from a qualified judge and the less advanced have the benefit of friendly and valuable advice as to the correction of faults and the enhancement of good points. The Society therefore is deserving of whole-hearted support by the public, a support that will assuredly be forthcoming.