NEW ZEALAND PRIZES

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 222, 16 June 1936, Page 9

NEW ZEALAND PRIZES

New Historical Society’s Competition

New York, June 14.

Two special prizes and seven “honourable mentions” went to Australia and New Zealand to-day in an international competition promoted by the New Historical Society of' New York. Papers were submitted on the subject, “How can youth develop racial harmony?” Special prizes of 50 dollars each were awarded to Miss Mary Sullivan, Drummoyne, New South Wales, and lan Mackay, “the Friendly Road” Radio Station, Auckland, and among those with honourable mention are Colin Morrison, Seatoun, Wellington; Miss Grace Pinkard, Brookvale, Sydney; the Rev. William McKay, Grange, South Australia; Kenneth Melvie, Palmerston North, New Zealand; Miss Reda McKenzie, Outram, Otago; Miss Barbara Kerr, Otaika Valley, North Auckland; and Miss Blanche Newman, North Croydon, Adelaide.

Details are to hand of the 184 entries submitted in this competition. Proportionately, New Zealand supplied the greatest number, 35, of any country competing. tile figures for the others being: Africa 51 entries. Australia 47, and Canada 52. Details were asked of the professions and religions of this international selection of young people, and some interesting facta emerged. The teaching profession evidently inspires youth to the greatest degree, tor 37 entrants were teachers. Next to that mark one found the callings of student, clerk, and journalist, with 34, 18. and 12 entrants respectively. All sorts of people, from a lumberman to a radio announcer, have answered the call, even some who have no occupation at all. The religions provide almost as varied an assortment. Most entrants are Christians, but a Lover of Truth, an Atheist, and several with no religion at al! have come forward witli their views. Some elaborate tables have been furnished by the promoters, further subdividing the entries.

The impression given, on reading a resume of the opinions advanced in 'he papers, is one of rather vehement dissatisfaction with the world and those who control it. The enthusiasm of some entrants has apparently run away with them; New Zealand is regarded as a “small island.” flung by the wisdom of an alf-guiding Providence on tbe borderland of tumultuous immeasurable space! More reasonable is the discovery that the youth of New Zealand is alive to the urgent need of inter-racial harmony. But throughout all the papers there runs a note of deepest conviction and sincerest aspiration with an indication that the youth of the world is preparing to take a hand in the better governing of tbe world.