AUCKLAND COMPETITIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19474, 2 November 1926, Page 12

AUCKLAND COMPETITIONS.

THE LITERARY SECTION. ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS. The judging in the literary section of the Auckland musical and elocutionary competitions has now been completed. Appreciation of the fine work in several of the classes is. expressed by the judge, Mr. J. W. Sha-vf, M.A. Results arc as follow: ESSAY. 15 to 18 years. "The Power of the Press." Marion St. J. Biggs, Mount Albert .' 1 Moya Jones, Devonport 2 Ruel N. de Cossey, Birkenhead . v 3 "An Appreciation of New Zealand's Natural Resources." , Wynona H. Wright,- Bayfield . .. 1 Ronald Buchanan, Green Lane . . 2 Eileeh Malone,Ellerslie .. . . 3 . ESSAY. Under 13 years. : "The Evolytion of the Means of Transport and Travel." Mjlton Greehslade, Henderson .. . 1 Pqyesn Saunders, Wellington .. 2 Marjorie Pettit, Bayfield . . . . 3 SHORT NEW ZEALAND STORY." Secondary Schools' Pupils under 18. Kate P. Hackett, Popsonliy .; J. '1 Chrissie Allison, Piikekohe >.• 2 The winning story showed imagination and some power of character drawing. Miss Allison's story was pleasantly told. -NEW ZEALAND FAIRY TALE, Primary Schools' Pupils, under 15. John Warren, Mount Eden . . . . 1 Rosalie Daniels, Mount Eden V. . . 2 Doreen Wellington . . . . 3 Several of the competitors were too obviously indebted' to the "Maoriland -Fairy Tales" of Miss Howes. The first prize tale was finely conceived', and beautifully told. Miss Daniels' was a pretty story well wprked out and told. Both .were, definitely New Zealand stories in theme and setting, and in treatment. Miss Saunders wrote a story of the conventional type. It was an old-world fairy-tale set in local surroundings.

SHORT NEW ZEALAND STORY. Open class. Rev, Jasper Calder, Auckland . . 1 Mr. Arnold Potter, Herns Bay . . 2 Mr. J. K. Jamieson, Devpnport . . 3 The judge said the three placed stories were admirable. "'Shiney' Gault.V the winning story, was a remarkably fin a piece of work. The story moved to a free and satisfying climax, the characters were well conceived ■ and_ skilfully drawn, and the pictures of certain aspects of New , Zealand back-blocks life most vivid and satisfying. The dialogue was on the whole natural and convincing, and ; the story was told with vivacity and gusto. . "Back-Stage," Mr. • Potter's story, dealt humorously and sympathetically with the life, of a travelling show in the New Zealand back-biocks. It was a lively tale- full of interest and movement. Mr. Jamieson's story, "The Mast," Was, the best written from a purely literary point of view. The author had the gift of picturesque narration, and some power of style. ■ ORIGINAL POEM. Mr.. H. P. Gaudy, Auckland .. . . 1 Miss Una Currie, Auckland .. ;v'>, -2 Mr. J. Morgan' Davies, Auckland . > 3 The judge said- the ppems were surprisingly good, most of them being freo fmm the usual technical blemishes. The winning poem, .''Pals," had ono big defect, its title. The heading gave a wholly false impression as the poem moved on a high level of thoughtful expression. Both vision and power of thought were shown and the old heroic couplet moved with unusual grace The author treated of friendship and love'from a- novel and striking viewpoint Ha had found a friend; and a meaningless world; suddenly fell into rhythm and harmony. Miss Curna's poem, "The Mechanic," was written in the; tnodero style. There wore deliberate breaks in : the ■ rhythm and certain crudities and harshnesses: ' If 'not'beautiful the poem- was strong and left a most vivid impression. "Rose Leaves," Mr. Davie?' poena, ww written in a most conventional strisimu It worked out a pretty fancy.