30 SEPTEMBER 1955, Page 29

SPECTATOR COMPETITION No. 294 Set by A. M. O. S.

In a recently published book, The Fire and the Fountain : an Essay on Poetry, Mr. John Press, to illustrate a theoretical point, perpetrated this parody of the opening lines of `Kubla Khan': In Bakerloo did Aly Khan A stately Hippodrome decree Where All the bread delivery man . . . Competitors are challenged to continue this amusing beginning for a further thirteen lines in the same comic vein. Usual prize of ES, which may (and probably will) be divided.

Entries, addressed 'Spectator Competition No. 294,' 99 Gower Street, London, WC1, must be received by October 11. Results in the Spectator of October 21.

NOTE: Competitors may, if they wish, submit more, than one entry for Spectator competitions.