GREYMOUTH COMPETITIONS

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 April 1938, Page 2

GREYMOUTH COMPETITIONS

[TO THE EDITOR.] Sir— With the advent, of ’E. Trott's” letter of to-night, a new aspect appears in regard to the. Committee of the Competitions Society. At least, we have the satisfaction of knowing that the committee is doing something in the interests of the Society, but surely the committee must realise that its very existence depends on the public. I feel sure that it it went about it. in the right manner, the committee would be able to instruct the public in the very real advantages which any Competitions Society must necessarily bring to everyone. For instance, let us consider he business people of the town: they benefit considerably in that, dresses have to be bought: electricity is consumed music suppliers probably double their output owing to the Festival, and a hundred and one other members' of the community benefit either directly or indirectly. For some reason or other the Society has not obtained the support of the businessmen of the town, as is done in other centres. and each and everyone of us knows that such support would be given wholeheartedly if the. men were approached. But apparently the present, committee prefers to work in seclusion, hiding as it were the actual, conditions under which the Festival is run. Is it not therefore evident that publicity is required? From enquiries it appears that, at each meeting an attendance of perhaps four or live members at most is usual. 1 do not think 1 need enlarge on the requirements of such a committee, but [ do wish to state that such a. small number could not possibly do justice to such a worthy cause. —Yours, etc.. “INTERESTED.”

[to the Eurron. I Sir, —After reading the letters published regarding the poor attendances and lack of interest in the local Competitions, may 1 offer another side to the story which will explain fading interest in the Competitions. Greymouth has ever been noted for not only talent, but for its- true sportsmanship, but when one experiences the unsatisfactory manner in which the judging has been conducted in certain sections at recent festivals, one need not wonder at small entries and lack of support, but may wonder at the sportsmanship shown by competi- ' tors in seeing the' session through. It is a written rule in every centre in New Zealand, that on no account may teachers or competitors confer with the judge during competitions. Yet it is permitted in Greymouth: in fact it was so obvious last year that one wondered at times who was actually doing the judging. Why does not the committee waken up and enforce, proper rules. There- is definitely dissatisfaction amongst the competitions, not all "also rans” either, but who are sporting enough to wish the best man to win. It is most disheartening when awards are given to some who' have put up really weak performances and certainly makes one wonder as to the qualifications of the judge. The Competitions are of great benefit educationally, so why not run them with the dignity they deserve and 1 am sure they would receive the full support of the. public tint! the entries would also increase.—Yours, etc.. “COMPETITOR.” I.TO ’HIE EDITOR. I Sir, — I have read with interest the correspondence appearing in ’ the “Star” recently regarding the Competitions. As one who has always taken an interest in the- Competitions from the point of view of a member of the audience, I must admit that the festivals have slipped badly in recent years. Whether this is due to the lack of talent in Greymouth, or to the officials of the Society, is probably a matter for argument, but the standard of local talent we hear at the various concerts, etc., does not appear to be inferior to that of a few years ago when the Competitions l were something to be remembered. Apparently the fault lies' with the officials. It seems a pity that talent is going to waste in Greymouth—talent that would assuredly be brought to the fore if encouraged by those who are in an excellent position to offer encouragement. Apparently what is needed is new blood, not among the competitors, but the executive, as it is apparent that is where the fault lies. With few exceptions', judges have been loud in their of the standard of music. elocution, and dancing in 'Grey-; mouth, and instead of encouraging would-be competitors, the officials seem to be satisfied to sit. back and reflect in past glories. As 1 do not profess to be a musician or critic, 1 will not say any more, but will leave it for others who feel the same way as I do. —Yours, etc.. NOT SATISFIED.

[to the eihtoi:.] Sir, —At. last the interest of at least one person who apparently is connected with the committee of the Compeitions Society has been aroused, to ‘Wit, "E. Trott.” Now, I think from a perusal of his letter that we might reasonably assume that he is a member of the committee in question, and as such, perhaps he will consider my suggestions. He invites me to attend a “Shop Day.” I understand that, by a “Shop Day” is meant that persons donate goods to be sold and other persons buy the said goods. Now, I fail to see any connection between Competitions and, this form of bartering. 1 have heard of this system of making money being ini reduced by religious bodies and the like, but surely such a Competitions Society as we should have in Greymouth does not require to resort to such methods in order to become financial. However, we must commend “E. Trott” in that he seemingly intends asking the public to support, and co-operate in the running of this “Shop Day”; but that is only interesting them in a shop as a place wherein /to purchase goods. During my experience of Competitions in both the North and South Islands, I have not previously found such commercialism as a “Shop Day” being

held to support the funds of any Society. „ There is absolutely no reason tor any Competitions Society in a. thriving centre such as the West Coast to be unfinancial, but that is apparently the case in this instance. Perhaps' ETrott” as a member of the committee, will advance a reason to the general public for the Society’s being in such an unfinancial condition. To my mind, the most feasible reason is the recognised fact, that the support of the public has not been forthcoming, and in this connection I heartily endorse some of the sentiments expressed in “E Flat's” letter, when he suggested that the Secretary call a public meeting. Perhaps “E. Trott” as a fellowcommitteeman will use bis influence as such to draw the attention of the Secretary to this correspondence. When he stated that I agree with “E. Flat” in some points I must also state that. I disagree with him in some of his statements. Such things as waiting a few weeks for prize money are common to most competitions societies of any dimensions, and ’I consider the statement. “Last year they were put. off two weeks whilst our worthy Secretary went away,” is not quite correct. If I remember rightly they were advanced some few (lays. But the fact as stated by “E. Flat" that “The whole concern is a huge failure." is nothing less than the truth if we consider everything at face value. Such a deplorable state of affairs is not typical of the work of West Coasters, so if the Secretary has the interest of his fellow provincials at heart, he will not hesitate to call a public meeting at the earliest opportunity—Yours, etc., “HOPEFUL."