DICKENS FELLOWSHIP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 224, 21 September 1935, Page 18

DICKENS FELLOWSHIP.

CHARACTER COMPETITION. A MEMORABLE GATHERING. Looking and living exactly ns the great novelist has portrayed them, some 45 of Charles Dickens' characters were represented at the annual dress evening of the Auckland branch of the Dickens Fellowship on Thursday evening. Unanimously voted to have been the most successful function of its kind held in Auckland, the commodious Fabian Club hall was li 1 led to overflowing, seating accommodation being at a premium. Judging was in the experienced and capable hands of Mr. Henry J. Hayward, an ardent Dickensiau, whose mother was a close friend of the author's family. He expressed his obvious dillicuity in the selecting of the prizewinners, but his decisions in awarding Miss Nellie Lavers as Miss Haversham ("Great Expectations") premier position in the female division, Mr. B. B. Hooper as Mr. Pickwick in the male class, and little Miss Margaret Lornie as Tommy Bardell in the juvenile branch, met with enthusiastic and general approval. Miss Lavers was attired in an old and faded, but still beautiful, bridal costume upward of 100 years old and her appearance, voice and mannerisms coincided in, every detail with the weird description given by Dickens.

In a parade, led by Mrs. Kenneth Gordon as Mrs. Dowler ("Pickwick Papers") and Mr. B. B. Hooper as Mr. Pickwick, each competitor spoke, from the stage, words appropriate to the character, adding to the interest for the large audience.

Following arc other characters and books represented: —JTrom "David Copperfield": Betsy Trotwood (Miss Durier), Peggotty (Mrs. Ivan.Clark), Mr. Murdstone (Mr. J. W. Kealy), Agnes Wickfield (Miss Fowler), Mr. Dick (Mr. Preston Chambers), Mrs. Micawber (Miss Spicer), Old Mr. Peggotty (Mr. Hyatt), Wilkins Micawber (Mr. T. Clarkson), Agnes Wickficld (Miss Hodgkinson), Mrs. Gummidge (Miss E. M. Statham). From "Donibey and Son": Edith Dombcy (Mrs. Morton Smith). From "Little Dorritt": Little Dorritt (Mrs. Whitmore). From "No Thoroughfare": Marguerite Obenrightser (Miss Sloane). From "Nicholas Nickloby": Mrs. Nickleby (Mrs. M. Free), Madame Mantelini (Mrs. J. W. Kealy). From "Martin Chuzzlcwit": Saircy Gamp (Miss Nennis), Mrs. Todgers (Mrs. G. Cruickshank). From "Bleak House": Mrs. Jellaby (Mrs. Pickmere). From "Pickwick Papers":. Sergeant Buzfuz (Mr. J. E. Green), Mrs. Cluppins (Mrs. M. C. Mctherell), the Fat Boy (Master E. GilTany), Sam Weller (Mr. T. Vivian), Sergeant Snubbin (Rev. C. E. Perkins), Justice Starelcigh (Mr. G. Cruickshank), Mary the Housemaid (Miss Tulloch); Mrs. Tony Weller (Mrs. Groensmith and Mrs. Wight), Mr. Skimpin (Mr. H. C. Robinson), Emily Wardle (Miss ITaresnape), the Goblin (Mrs Morrison), Thomas Groffin (Mr. G. R. Turner), Mr. Winkle (Mr. G. K. Fowler). From "Barnaby Rudgc": Dolly Varden (Mrs. L. J. Morris). From "The Christmas Carol": Marley's Ghost (Mr. Townlcy Little). From "Our Mutual Friend": Bella Wilfer (Miss Margaret Free), Mrs. Boffin (Mrs. Whitby). From "The Chimes": Trotty Veck (Dr. Kenneth Gordon), Meg Veck (Mrs. Millar). From "The Old Curiosity Shop": Mrs. Jarley (Miss Wvatt), Sally Brass (Mrs. Mullcr). From "Great Expectations": Miss Haversham (Miss Brooks and Miss Lavers).