W.E.A.

Evening Star, Issue 19842, 16 April 1928, Page 5

W.E.A.

DISTRICT COUKGiL SOCIAL The District Council of the W.E.A. has reason to congratulate itself on tho success of the opening social held on Saturday evening last in the Returned Soldiers’ Association Hall, when there was u large attendance of members and friends. Professor G. E Thompson, president of the movement here, officiated as chairman, and in his remarks referred to the fact that there wore more students attending tho classes of the W.E.A. than tlio universities of New Zealand. Appealing on behalf of the W.E.A. magazine, ‘ Highway,’ ho stated that at the last New Zealand W.E.A. Council it had been decided to reduce the publications per annum to eight and the subscription to 2s Cel. Dr Fisher outlined the work proposed fertile coming session, emphasising tlio splendid results obtaining from the enthusiasm of members to help the movement.

Aii important item on" the programme was tho staging by the drama class of the play ‘ Wurzcl Flummery,’ by A. A. Milne. The story is based on the bequest to two prominent members of tho House of Representatives, already well up tho ladder of social fame, of £'50,000 each, tho condition attaching to which is that the beneficiaries take the name of Wnrzel Flummery. The part of Mr Robert Crawsbaw was most capably taken by Mr Giddcns, who, along with Mr E. Hunter as Mr Richard Mcriton, showed ability in portraying the resentment that such a stipulation should have been made, and yet their unwillingness to refuse such substantial estate through requiring them to adopt a name not to be found in any ‘Who’s Who.’ As Denis Clifton, the erstwhile writer of plays, but now a solicitor to bis deceased uncle’s estate, Mr Lloyd Ross was decidedly successful in infusing into the part the right amount of roguishness and fantasy required to portray an unworldly young man, overflowing in theatrical etiquette, handling his first brief. Clifton is fully aware of his late uncle’s beliefs in making such a will, and Mr Ross very cleverly visualised the subtlety conveyed in the chosen name. Others in the cast were Miss Laing and Miss Hatton, who also capably acted the respective parts of the wife and daughter of Mr Robert Crawsbaw. Other pleasing items on the programo were community singing conducted by Miss Wilkie, with Mrs Moore as accompanist, pianoforte solo by Miss Lightfoot, humorous recitation by Miss Newey, and song by Mr Giddens. Supper and a vote of thanks to all those assisting, including the Social Committee secretary (Miss Hollo), brought a very enjoyable meeting to a close.