PREMIERE OF PLAY

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28532, 11 March 1958, Page 7

PREMIERE OF PLAY

Funds For Town Hall Scheme

A gala premier of “Cavalcade,” Noel Coward’s panorama of life in Britain in the first 30 years of the twentieth century, will be produced by the Canterbury Repertory Society in support of the fund raising campaign of the Town Hall Promotion organisation.

This was announced at last evening’s meeting of the general committee by Mr Colin McLachlan. speaking for the society and the Junior Chamber of Commerce, whose members will sell tickets at £1 each. “Cavalcade” had not before been presented in either Australia or New Zealand, said Mr McLachlan, who promised “a brass band, a decorated theatre, and searchlights.” At the premiere, on May 1, the net proceeds would be credited to the town hall fund. A warning on the clashing of dates was given by Mr L. F. de Berry speaking for the Christchurch Ciciv Music Council. The committee would need to be careful not to make more than one appeal at one time to a largely similar group of people, he said. Music Festival The music festival, which his council had been planning for some time, would be held on April 14, said Mr de Berry. This was barely a fortnight before the opening of “Cavalcade.” After Mr J. F. Skedden had suggested that in this instance there would be little conflict of interest, the committee accepted Mr McLachlan’s proposals for submission to its full meeting on March 24. Suggestions for raising funds were discussed and tentative dates proposed. At present the committee’s plans for the year include: April 14-19, Music Festival; April, raffle of section at South Shore; May 1, production of “Cavalcade”; May 8-24, wishing well at Industries Fair; MayJune. canvass of business firms. July, car competition; August, mystery envelope competition; September, canvass of householders: November, civic ball and bowling tournament. On the nomination of the chairman (Mr P. B. Watts). Mr H G. Hay was appointed chairman of the finance committee. Messrs W. J. Cartwright and L. F. de Berry were elected to the executive.