OUR PUZZLE

Observer, Volume 1, Issue 1, 18 September 1880, Page 7

OUR PUZZLE

In order to make the columns of the Observer as attractive as possible, it has b-en determined to inaugurate a series of weekly competitions on a novel and amusing principle. The prizes w'll consist of substantial sums in HARD CASH, and the problems for solution Avill bo of a various and diverse character. One week, perhaps, the puzzle editor may offer a guinea for the best original epigram, conundrum, or charade, and the next test the capabilities of our Colonial housewives by demanding the best recipe for a plum pudding, or even a haggis. The endeavour will be to make the competitions as diverse as possible, so as to give all classes of the community a fair chance. Appended are the

RULES. 1. The sum of one guinea will be given every week for the best Epigram. Conundrum. Recipe Charade, or whatever the announced subject of competition for the week may be. 2. The competitor must cut out the coupon at the foot of these rules and attach it to the pancr on which his or her answer is written All answers unaccompanied with coupons will be looked upon as invalid, and their authors disqualified. 3. A norn de plume, such as " Lex," " Virgo," " Innocent," &c, of not more than twelve, or at most fourteen, letters must be attached to each competitor s answer. When the Puzzle Editor has mad his selection he will publish the winner's norn de p ume, and the lucky lady or gentleman will then have to forward her, or his. real nanif and address. Bonaflde names and addresses should not on any account accompany answers. 4. The decision and award of the Puzzle Editor must be considered final and irrevocable, and, for obvious reasons, no appeal from his critical judgments can be entertained. 5. In every instance the prize will be given in money, subject to no condition whatever, except the above, and the publication of the winners' real name and address in this journal. 6. Competitors will be allowed fourteen days for the composition and dispatch of their efforts ; but all such communications must, at the latest, be received at the Observer Office by the first post on Friday morning in the second week succeeding the publication of the subject for competition. 7. No communications can be received on postcards, by telegraph or by hand. They must all be sent in the time iiamtd above, as post letters, addressed—