“Miss N.Z.” Contestants In Chch

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31676, 11 May 1968, Page 2

“Miss N.Z.” Contestants In Chch

Finalists in this year’s “Miss New Zealand” contest are of a higher standard than in other years, in the opinion of the chaperon, Mrs Daphne Frances, an instructor at an Auckland modelling school Gitte an beginning to realise that an intelligent girt can win, not juft one who is beautiful, Mn Fiances said in Christchurch yesterday. She was chaperon in Auckland fir the contest in 1987, and is in charge of the 12 finalist* during their New Zealand tour this year. The prospect of the winner’s travels overseas was also a strong incentive to enter. Mrs Frances is not a judge, but they note her opinion of the girls which she offers in s written report before fins] judging. The finalists are under her scrutiny throughout the tour. She studies their character and personalities, their behaviour (including the state in which they keep their hotel bedrooms) appearance, and poise. Any “mishaps” are noted. Steadfastness is the most important quality. "More than anything we are looking for a girl who will not change with all the publicity and adulation,” she said. "If she doesn't have strength of character at the beginning she could be impossible to deal with by the end of the year." “Miss New Zealand" had to be capable of dealing with difficult situations gracefully at home and overseas, and meeting and mixing with a variety of people. Twenty Is the average age of contestants this year. Mrs Frances has found the older girls have more poise, and more confidence off-stage and on. “The younger ones do the sort of girlish things you expect from 18-year-oldB,” she said. Public speaking is their greatest ordeaL Before each performance they can be seen pacing up and down back stage intent on memorising their speeches. Two have travelled over-

seas. “Miss Auckland” (Miss Lynette Fulker), a part-time model, took part in the modelling of New Zealand fashions at the Melbourne Cup last year. “Miss Waikato" (Miss Shir ron Cameron) was New Zealand's “Rose of Tralee” last year and went to Ireland to

compete in the international contest Apart from being plagued by bad weather and subsequent colds and influenza, the tour has gone smoothly through the North Island. Their arrival in Christchurch yesterday morning was the first stop in the South Island. At a reception given

I by Air New Zealand there was some good natured I rivalry between North and • South Islanders. The Northi erners accepted light-hearted talk of “mainland” hospitality with good grace. If a competitive spirit ; existed among the girls it was i not evident But their enjoyi ment of travelling, particu-

larly hotel life and menus, was obvious. Dieting has now become the order of the day for some. In each town they have been kept busy with appearances and have learnt to overcome their shyness. “It’s amazing how they change, and mature, even in these weeks,” Mid Mrs Frances.