YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8682, 26 September 1891, Page 6

YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

LITERARY COMPETITION. , The literary competition held yesterday evening by the members of the societies affiliated with the Auckland "i.M.C.A. was the first of its kind held in Now Zealand, but bo successful and interesting did it prove to be that probably it will be followed by many other events of a similar description not only in this city but throughout the colony. From the very large attendance in the Rooms last night, when it was known that some of the competitions would take place and the results of others be announced, it was apparent that the occasion had strong attractions for many others than those actively engaged in the proceedings. The Mayor (Mr. J. H. Upton) presided, and discharged the duties of his post admirably, the whole of the evening's programme, long and varied as it •vrns, being carried through without a hitch and terminating at a reasonably early honr. The first competition was in elocution, the four gentlemen selected at the preliminary contest on Tuesday evening boing the competitors. These were Mr. C. Trigg (Mount Eden Young People's Association), who recited "The Jackdaw of Rheims Mr. R. J. Entrican (St. James' Fellowship Association), whose piece was " The Legend of Lock briar Mr. R. H. Potter (Tabernacle Literary Society) who gave Sebastian, the Spanish Painter," and Mr. David Hutchison whoso effort was " Becalmed." Each recitation was listened to attentively, and won marked approval, and the decision of the judges (Messrs. W. Gorrie, E. M. C. Harrison, and Theo. Cooper) in awarding first place to Mr. Potter, and second honours to Mr. Hutchison seemed to be generally endorsed. A glee, by Messrs. Abel, Leigh, Norrie, and Jill followed—the Young Men's Christian Association alone being represented. Thero •was no competition and no certificate awarded, and then the chairman announced the awards made in the literary contests by the judges—Professor Thomas, and Messrs. W. Berry and Theo. Cooper. The honour of having written the best essay on " New Zealand Life in its Social Aspects" was conferred on Miss E. H. Mclverraa (St. James's Literary Society); but, as there were only two entries, no certificate was awarded. By a majority of 2 to 1, the judges found that Mr. L. St. J. Kekwick's (Y.M.C.A.) " Night's Ministry" was the best of the poems submitted to them and bracketed On the 300 th Anniversary of the Defeat of the Spanish Armada," by Mr. Aldis (Tabernacle Literary Society); and " Hamuera,*' by Mr. S. Clarke Johnston (St. James' Literary Society), as of equal merit for second place. Miss E. H. McKerras (St. James' Literary Society) secured first prize for novelettes, her story peing entitled, "The Ups and Downs of Colonial Life," while Mr. W. H. Carter (Tabernacle Literary Society) was second with a tale entitled, "The Accident and Its Consequences." Si:: manuscript magazines had been seit in by the affiliated societies, and the judges spoke highly of them all. placing that of the Mount Eden Young People's Association first, and that of St. James' Literary Society second. These decisions having been announced, Mr. Kekwick read his prize poem, "Night's Ministry," Mr. S. Gray an article on " Punch," which ho had contributed to the first prize magazine ; and Mr. S. Clarke Johnson the poem, " Life Chimes," which he had written for the second prize magazine. The next event was a competition in extempore speaking, the subjects submitted to the three speakers to choos6 from being (1) Single tax ; (2) Socialism ; and (3) Female Suffrage. The speakers were Messrs. 1). W. Jack (Devonport .Mutual Improvement Society), F. M. Hay (Tabernacle Literary Society), and Mr. C. J. Parr (Y.M.C.A.). Mr. Jack chose the Single tax for his theme, the two others took Female Suffrage, and Mr. Parr was placed first, with Mr. Hay second. The judges for the speaking were the same as those for elocution. In singing a lady and two gentlemon competed, the result being Mr. \V. Musker (Pitt-street Literary.Society) first, and Mr. Edgar Walton (St. James' Literary Society) second. Mr. E. Rice, in stating the deci Bion on behalf of himself and the other judges — Mrs. Judson; and Mr. H. F. Edger—said tho two gentlemen named had been very neatly equal, while all three" competitors deserved great credit for their expression and time. While the singing was proceeding tho competition in impromptu essay writing was also going on, twenty-three gentlemen being busy writing on the subject of "The Comparative Advantages of Town and Country Life." They were allowed fifte. minutes for the essay, and were required to compose and indite them in the hull during tho music, as a test of abstraction from mir?,ounding circumstances as well as of ready •writing. When the papers wore handed 'in at the expiry of the prescribed time, the Chairman announced that the decision of the judges (Professor Thomas and Messrs. Berry and Cooper) would bo made known in due course. This concluded the meet ing, and it was the unanimously expressed opinion that not only had the competitions served to show the respective capabilities »f those who took part in them, but had ilso provided an excellent and enjoyable ivening'a entertainment.