SHAKESPEARE CLUB.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 2631, 5 August 1908, Page 7

SHAKESPEARE CLUB.

Tho roa.ding of Shakespeare has como to bo regarded as a literary tondoncy indicative of tho mind that soars above tho commonplace. His works constitute a vast stOrehouso of knowledge, of worldly wisdom ripo for tho student, and to those who dip deep an elevating and refined pleasure that grows and grows as acquaintance becomes closer. Few households exist without a copy of tho master's works, and'if ono could bo cortain that tlicy are put to the best use there would be brighter hopes for a broader mental piano in tho generations to be, but it is only too true that in many cases tho word Shakespeare on tho binding is all that is road from year's end to year's end, and in others the plays are kept as works of casual reference. Ono thing, however, of which wo are cheerfully' assured is that tho members of the Wellington Shakespeare Club pay duo respect to tho Bard of Avon, and in doing so abstract that sure and cortain benefit and pleasure open to everyone. Tho Club essayed a public reading of "King John" at tho Concert Chamber of tho Town Hall last evening,' and acquitted themselves with credit. "King John" is one of tho moro'rarely played of tho historical section Of tho plays, arid reflpcts in'graphic language and pageantry that period when (as Dowden says) the i national life of England was at tho hour of its utmost ebb. Its strength in portraiture and situation are urideniablo, and tlrere are passages which, only need tho requisite imagination to convinco ono that tho . characters aro something more than a playwright's puppets. There is a fine majestical dignity of diction in the scene between the Kings of England and France before the walls of Angiers; admirable scorn in the passages between tho Queens; fascination in tho treacherous methods of John the Weak when ho instructs Hubert to.put out young Prince Arthur's eyes; and an ocean ol pathos in the scene between the Princo and his keeper. In last evening's reading Mr. H. E. Nicholls read King John forcefully and with considerable dramatic success, -erring perhaps in not emphasising where possible tho vaccilation of tho King. Ho was particularly good in tho important interview with Hubert when ho forgot the book in the intensity with which he recited tho lines that convey tho fatal inuendo.' Mr. J. W. Joynt read tho King of Franco as a student, and was less interesting than those who infused an appropriate vigour and character into their readings. In this regard Mrs. Sutcliffo as; Constance fully realised her responsibilities, and gave a telling representation rather than a reading of tho part. Mr. W. R. Book was also admirable as tho blunt l'hilip Faulconbridge, tho bold true-hearted soldier. Mr. F.'M. Hay read Hubert passively, but Miss L. Ogborno as Princo Arthur was admirably suited. Tho other characters wero allotted as follow:— Princo Henry, Mr. N. Phillips; Pembroke, Mr. J. Zachariah; Salisbury, Mr. G. Toogood ; Robert Faulconbridge and Lord Bigot, Mr. W. T. Brunton; Lewis, Mr. Leo. Buckoridge; Duke of Austria, Mr. J. C. Wobb; . Chantillon, Mr. J. Rutherford; Queen Elinor, Miss Young; Blanch, Miss Lulu Arnold; English Herald, Miss Ivy Gallic; French Herald, Miss E. Luko. Tho Club will commence the study of "The Merry AVives of Windsor" on Saturday evening next.

Tho Now Zealand Express Company, Ltd., gives special dttention to consignments'of all sorts for up-country clients. Livo stock a speciality. Address, 20 Customhouso Quay, Wellington. Thono 1333. CB9D REMOVAL NOTICE. Wo hereby ueg to notify tho publio that wo have let tho downstairs portion of our premises situated at GT Willis Street, and will in future conlinuo to do business TJPSTAIKJ as heretofore. Entranco from Mercer Street below Beadnall's. Telephone 1019. Garage, 24 Harris Street; telephone 2411. INGLIS BROS.—Advt. A sheen farm of 1200 acres is advertised for salo by Messrs. Dalgoty and Company. r Mr. Newton King, New Plymouth, advertises farm properties for solo,