IMPROMPTU.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 78, 8 May 1914, Page 7

IMPROMPTU.

" CRITICISE THE COMPETITIONS."

A DIVERTING ENTERTAINMENT,

Whoever chose the subject for the '' Ladies' impromptu speech'' at the competitions last evening played right into the hands of the competitors in asking them to ' '-criticise the competitions. '' They did so freely and to the evident enjoyment of the very large audience.

The conditions were practically the same as for the gentlemen's section. Firstly, the ladies were incarcerated in the secretary's office, being brought forth singly under the escort of a strong guard of officials. They were allowed one minute for meditation, three minutes for proclamation, and a further minute for peroration. Two of the ladies were very loth to leave the stage at the end of the four minutes, but the third competitor could have left comfortably much sooner. The first exponent of the subject, Miss Goodwin, of New Brighton, was a 4 ' seriocomic"; the second, Miss Mazengarb, of Dunedin, was comically serious; and the third, Miss Searrell (Christchurch), should '' try again " at a future date, at least so said the judge.

THE WINNING SPEECH.

"Mr Chairman, ladies and gentlemen. I think if I had wished to choose a subject I could not have chosen a better one. Everybody knows what the competitions are, so there is no need to explain them. I ; wish to say what they are for. Primarily, they are to bring out any innate talent that may be in competitors; the idea is to bring out absolutely the best that is in them; If the competitors were left to themselves I think there would be Very little disagreement in the raqks, and ~L think a great deal of goodwould be the result. We all want to see' the best win every time. It is very disappointing'when one puts a good deal of work into some piece and in the end somebody else does better. One feels little encouraged to go onj but still everyone should work for the rear winner to' get to the top. There is a lot to criticise in the competitions. I won't criticise the committee. I think they are quite splendid, and they do all they can to make it pleasant for competitors. I will criticise those reports that have been appearing in our papers. (Stern glance towards the Press table.) It is most unfair that while the competitions are being held such reports should appear. When a" competitor gains the firsjf place, being. given that place by the judge, the public should take that as correct. The judge is chosen because he is a capable man. and he is doing hie best. I was astounded to-night to read in THE 'SUN what I call really insulting remarks about our own elocution judge. I hdve not had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Hopkins yet, but I should like to do so before I leave Christcburch. No reporter has any right to underrate the work, of any competitor. I don't* wish to mention any names, but it rdally is extreitieiy rude and unpardonable 6n the part' of the person who inspired the special article in THE SUN. But now that I have inade such disparaging remarks about the' Press — (special smile for reporters)—l must say that in some s cases the 11 newspapers are a very grea,t ai9 to tfce 'Competitions. They sdSm to want them to succeed, because they are for bringing out ail the'latent talent in young people." The^tiifl6keeper's bell was here insisting that Miss Mazengarb should retire, so she concluded with a plea for mercy at the hands of the newspaper ' Press generally —' 4 1 hope my remarks will not lead them to do anything very dreadful with me." Miss Mazengarb in her remarks had the audience with her entirely, and both she and they seemed to enjoy themselves immensely.

SECOND PLACE.

Miss R. O. Goodwin, New Brighton, convinced the judge that she , was worthy of second place, and the audience was pleased with the decision. She spoke at length in a general manner, and then put in a good word for the judges as follows: — "Some people are very fond of criticising the judges. It is a shame, because they do try to do their work (laughter), and they have a very strenuous time. Ido not think the public should criticise them, but should praise them."

INDIGNANT PROTEST;

The third lady, Miss H. Alice Searrell (Christchurch) bewailed, the fact that she was not conversant with the Bubject, having attended the' competitions but two or three times; She lodged an indignant protest against newspaper criticisms, however, as follows: — ' , ''

"I don't know what these dastardly things are which are being said about the competitions. I don't know how people dare to say such things about the management. I am sure they have done excellently well. The criticism seems all to have come from an outside source."

The lady's vocabulary here failed her and she sought the help of the audience with the question, '' What more can I say?" . The audience filled in time by indulging in several loud smiles which inspired the competitor to continue —

" I wish the competitions every success, and congratulate the winners with all my heart." '' One minute more,' ; said the timekeeper. 1 ' I am not altogether lost for a word yet," explained the competitor." Pause, and then confidently; "I have been told that I have a great flow of language, but I don't believe it. The gift is failing me at the critical moment. I shall retire." ' This she did about half a minute under the allotted time, being applauded heartily.