WARDEN’S WORD COMPETITION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 8123, 21 March 1887, Page 2

WARDEN’S WORD COMPETITION.

TO THB BDITOE. Sib, —Referring to Lucilla’s letter of Thursday, I may say I was fortunate enough to get nearly 250 words formed out of the last word given, yet without success. I say, by all means publish the successful prize-takers’ lists. —I am, &0., MICHAEL HART.

TO THE BDITOE. Sib, —As a competitor in the word "ecclesiastical,” I quite endorse " Lucilla’s” suggestion that the words of the first prizetaker should be published, and I will also suggest that the first six names next to the last prize-winner be published, with their respective number of words. I must say that I tMnk " Lucilla,’’ who says she subjected four dictionaries to the deepest search, and barely found 200 words formed out of ecclesiastical, should have had considerably over that number. I may add, in conclusion, that with only one dictionary I found nearly 300 words.— I am, &c., PHILANTHROPIC.

TO THB EDITOR. Sib, —The suggestion of your correspondent “Lucilla” in your issue of Thursday morning re the publication of the words of prize-takers in the above competion will, I think, meet with the approval of aU who take an interest in these word competitions. Although not a competitor, I looked forward with a lively interest to the result of the late word competition, owing to a young friend in whom I am much interested having entered thb lists. She did not take any prize, but when she learnt the high number of words the successful competitors had obtained, there was no room for disappointment on her part, and she at once exclaimed, “ O, my poor words were nowhere in the race, for even the lowest prize-taker got twice as many” (300). My young friend, acting upon my advice struck from her list many words which I thought might disqualify it, and was particular to adhere strictly to the conditions laid down, viz., "That mj proper names, obsolete words, or abbreviations, would be counted.” But, in view of the very high number of words that were obtained by tbe successful competitors, I have since been inclined to think that a strict adherence to these conditions was not, perhaps necessary, and I, therefore, hail with great satisfaction your correspondent’s suggestion to publish the " prize lists,” as by so doing we should all be instructed as to the words that are admissible in these “word competitions,” and the number of future competitors would doubtless be thereby greatly increased. —I am, &c., INQUISITIVE.