VOCAL CONTEST

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27196, 27 September 1949, Page 6

VOCAL CONTEST

Sir,—May I say how disgusted I was to read letters from ‘ Oats," “ Interested Listener,” etc., on the above topic? I must admit I was a bit disappointed at not being allowed to vote, but I am sure the result would have been the same, as Miss Carmody was the outstanding vocalist. Good for Balclutha in turning out to support their local entrant so well. —I am, etc., Impartial Observer. Sir,—What right have " Oats ” and “ Interested Listener ” to say that the people of Balclutha turned out in busloads at the Town Hall to "clap the winner,” as one says? They are far from right. I should know, as I travelled in the bus, the only bus (as far as I know) that went in. It carried about 20 persons. Do they honestly think that 20 persons could he responsible for the acclamation Miss Carmody received? It is absurd to suggest it. “ Oats ” asks. “ have we not been voting for the most suitable voice, for dance hall entertainment, not the most popular and vivacious young lady? ’’ Might I reply that Miss Carmody is both. I should add that we did not “ get the wheeze ” that the contest was going to be carried by acclamation.—l am, etc., A Talent Lover. Balclutha. - Sir, —I would like to point out to “ Oats ” and “ Interested Listener ” that the reference in their letters to bus loads of spectators from Balclutha, to my mind, is in very poor taste. No doubt all the competitors from the one-eyed city of Dunedin who participated in the final had their friends and supporters present in the hall to give them some encouragement in front of the large crowd and the microphone. Actually the one bus load of supporters (16 people) which went up from Balclutha was comprised of interested people who journeyed up to give a little encouragement to one from their own'town. Last year, when Balclutha had two tug-of-war teams competing at the contest in the Town Hall, two bus loads of spectators accompanied the teams in support, and that contest was not judged by acclamation. Also, the fact that the contest was to be judged by acclamation was not known until the supporters arrived in the hall.—l am, etc., Brush Those Tears From Your Eyes.