THE PRIZE POEM.

Auckland Star, Volume VII, Issue 2030, 11 August 1876, Page 3

THE PRIZE POEM.

The "Star" Poet ViptoriQus,

The following report of the adjudicators of the prize for the beat Inaugural Address, to be recited by Madame Simonsen, at the opening of the new Theatre Royal, has been forwarded to Messrs Barnett and Levy :— Thirty-two compositions were submitted to our consideration, very many of which show much care in writing, and reflect credit upon their composers. From the entire number we Beleeted seven which in our opinion appeared tha most meritorious. From these we have, after due consideration, awarded the prize to the poem bearing the motto "A Man's a Man lor a' That." We desire to mention as especially to be commended a contribution bearing the motto "Meliora Speramus." Indeed, we consider the first portion of this poeta. to be very good, but it is marred by the concluding portion, and we have to reject it with regret. Of the remainder, "History Repeats Itself" and " All the World's a Stage," are commended. They are not, however, of equal merit throughout. "A good beginning makes a good ending," "■ Creta an carbone notandi," and " In hocsigno spesmea." were the others of the selected seven. They all possess merit of various degrees, but not in our opinion entitling them to rank equally with the poem selected. We may mention that our opinions upon all the points under consideration were entirely in accord. re ~oA\ Ebwaed Ellis, M.D. (bigned) Fkedekick J. Moss. August 10, 1876, On opening the envelope bearing the successful motto the name was found to be John Blackman.