COMPETITIONS

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 107, 7 May 1923, Page 3

COMPETITIONS

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,—May I 'encroach on your space for the enlightenment of your correspondent " True Art," who, writing in this evening* " Post," claims to have special knowledge of the value of musical and elocutionary . festivals, which, according to your correspondent's views, are degenerating into amateur theatricals, in which national dancing figures too prominently.

As " True Art " appears to be years behind the times with his criticisms, and as he displays such a laiygntable lack of knowledge as to the fuflßTons of the Wellington Musical and Elocutionary Competitions Society, I would advise him to procure a copy of the syllabus, and acquaint himself with facts before rushing into print. First, I would like " True Art " to . note that the Wellington Competitions ' Society does not cater for national dancing. The syllabus for this year's festival is now procurable_ at any of the music stores, and contains in all 177 cf&sses, of which 92 are vocal and instrumental classes, 66 are elocutionary classes, and. the remaining 19 classes comprise the character, operatic, and classic dancing section. Not a single class for national dancing. If " True Art " wffl carefully peruse the conditions governing the dancing section, he will find that those dances which he no doubt refers to as national dances are specially excluded from the character dancing section.

In omitting national dancing from our syllabus, it is only fair to state that this stand was taken because of the excellent manner in which followers of this popular class of dancing are being catered for by the various Scottish and Caledonian societies throughout the Dominion.

In conclusion, I would like to commend to the notice of " True Art " the system of scholarships which has been introduced by the Wellington Competitions Society. No less than seven scholarships are included in this year's syllabus, and as these scholarships entitle the holders to free tuition extending over a period of twelve months with My teacher in the Dominion, the value of same will no doubt be fully appreciated by.even " True Art."—l am, etc., ERNEST PALLISER, , President, Wellington , . Competitions Society, 4th May, . ■