THE COMPETITIONS.

Evening Star, Issue 20864, 6 August 1931, Page 6

THE COMPETITIONS.

TO TUB EDITOK. Sir, —Why did “ One Good Turn ” use a “ figure of speech ” if lie had proof of the inestimable benefits teachers receive from the Competitions? 1 may bo obtuse, but there did not seem any indication that it was such, J have for some years past made a point of asking teachers their opinion of tlio Competitions, and it is significant that very few gave oven a qualified approval and the majority wore definitely against. It was “ One Good Turn ” who complained in the first case that teachers had not given to the Competitions Society- the support he considered they should have done. This proves conclusively that teachers (as a whole) derive no benefit from the society, because if they did there would bo no necessity to “ wangle ” entries, as every teacher would rush to support the organisation that did so much to provide for their prosperity. J used the word “ teachers ” as “ 0.G.T.” did —in its genera! sense—and the fact that success attended the choice of a teacher for a member of las family entirely explains bis satisfaction, hut it does not follow that the teacher was satisfactory because of the Competitions, or that the public as a whole choose a teacher because of Competition results. 1 must thank “ 0.G.T.” Cor kindly proving by his last paragraph that at least one of my statements was correct; If the Competitions fulfil a public need they will prosper; if not extinction is sure. Possibly if “ 0.G.T.” reads my letter yet a few more times bo will lie able to explain why the teachers refuse to support the Competitions (as lie says they have) if they are the means of increased business, ITuler present conditions most trades and professions require no hint to enltivalo anything that will bring now clients. As stated previously, my time is luo valuable to permit of a lengthy controversy, so that as far as 1 am eoncerned the matter must bo aliened to drop.—l ain, etc., IXS’J'KVCTOn. August ■').