MUSICAL COMPETITIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume XL, Issue 160, 7 July 1909, Page 8

MUSICAL COMPETITIONS.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —It -was with special interest I perused a copy of the syllabus for the annual musical and elocutionary competitions to be held at Xapier next mon*h. A most comprehensive programme has been drawn up (comprising as "ft does vocal solos, national duets, a choir competition, insitfumental items, and an eleeutionary section), and the thought has occurred to mc if Xapier can make a success of such an effort, surely Auckland, with its many musical and elocutionary societies, could do likewise. I notice, too, that our own Dr. Thomas is the musical judge. The value of such competitions from an educational standpoint is obvious, and I trust the time is not far distant when some of out leading citizens will take the matter up. Attempts have been made, in a small way, by our local Band of Hope Cnion to carry out such contests —but with only partial success, owing to lack of support. What we really require is an influential citizens' committee (with his Worship the Mayor as president), and a secretary who would be heart and soul in the matter; for with such a combination there is little doubt, I think, that interest would be aroused, and the necessary support be forthcoming. I would be pleased to show the Napier programme to any who may be interested, and hope the matter will commend itself to our musicians and elocutionists.—l am, etc., G. H. R.