13 NOVEMBER 1926, Page 21

The New Competition

The Editor offers a prize of £5 for an Essay in Prose or Verse on "The Character of an Ideal Friend."

What are the essentials to be looked for in a true friend If you were lucky enough to possess a friend who was all that he should be (not necessarily perfect as a human being, but complete in everything that concerns friendship), how do you conceive his character ? How much intelligence does friendship need ; how much frankness ; • how much goodness of heart ? The editor• leaves competitors very free in their mode of dealing with the problem. They may discuss it abstractly, if they choose ; or they may draw a picture of their ideal friend.