THE DUNEDIN COMPETITIONS.

Evening Star, Issue 12026, 26 October 1903, Page 4

THE DUNEDIN COMPETITIONS.

TO THE EDEKXB. Sir, —Just a last word in answer to Mk. E. D. Honey. It was very good of hint, perhaps, to step into the breach, even if his arguments are weak and somewhat disparaging. Doubtless they were Jkiadly meant, but

The bears have claws, and the bees have

stings. The an e. can shuffle, tie other use wings. Now, would it not be unusually funny. Thus armed, to rely on the virtue of Honey f Pardon me, but the juxtaposition was to« much for me. Not that the use of the weapons referred to is desirable. If the judges had been imbued with the spirit of Sir Curzon-Siggers’s remarks on Uhiday night, the valuable educational objects of the society would have been secured without feeling. One competitor said to me: “ I have come 150 miles to compete and to learn, but, living as I do far from the educational advantages, I could hardly hope to secure honors in such a gathering. What toWrfa 1 have I have glad I v given at bur country school gatherings, where they have been acceptable and a source of pleasure to myself. I know there is better talent than I possess, and being unplaced does not disturb me. It is the attitude and ridicule of tho judges I object to. There is no encouraging of the weak, bub holding their weaknesses up to ndieale. It is this that has wounded, me.” I need hardly notice Mr Honey’s remarks about poets and gooseberry bushes; but I would like to draw attention to where the judge of ‘poetry and his defender are at variance. The judge says: “ I cannot say that I am favorably impressed with the general quality of the verses. It is quite clear that most of the competitors' require to read the best verse, that they may know what poetry is,” etc., which is reducing poetry to mere book-learning, and not an inspiration, which it really is. Mr Honey, in defending the judging, says; “It is ridiculous to expect the average poem in such a contest to be more than of the barest mediocrity.” How can competitors escapu being hurt by the remarks of both the respected and learned judge and of one who, probably unasked, rushes in to defend him! Hoping the society will be successful is their efforts, and that pardon will be extended to the sensitive complainings of the competitors, some of whom have had a double object in view—to aid the society and do honor to the Almighty Power whose works of greatness, gentleness, and beneficence have inspired their efforts—l am etc., One of the CoMigm’OßS. October 26.