“THE COUNTRY GIRL.”

Gisborne Times, Volume LV, Issue 6183, 14 September 1921, Page 3

“THE COUNTRY GIRL.”

PROPOSED PRODUCTION IN GIS-

BORNE

LIVE WIRE EFFORTS TO LAUNCH PLAY.

The matter of organising another Amateur Operatic Society in Gisborne is at present engaging- the attention of musical enthusiasts in the district. It is generally conceded that the talent available in Gisborne is of a surprisingly high order, a point which was commented upon by both the judges at'the. recent Competitions, and no difficulty is anticipated in securing the co-opera-tion of a sufficient number of people willing and able to assist in the production of one of the more suitable operas. Mr W. Samson, who has taken a prominent part in amateur operatic activities in the past, stated in conversation with a Times reporter yesterday, that the season was too far advanced to undertake the formation of a Society before Christmas, and that it had ( been definitely decided to hold the matter over until next year. It is hoped that, shortly after Easter, a start will be made to produce ‘’The Country Girl,” to be staged during the holding of the next winter steeplechase meeting in Gisborne. The exact date, of course, depends, among other tilings, on the fate of the Racing Commission’s report- at the next session of Parliament. Mr Samson has been in touch with Mr T. iPollard, who is at present in Napier, assisting the operatic society there in the production of “The Geisha,” and he has signified his willingness to come to Gisborne to further the interests of the movement in this town. Mr Pollard, while on a previous visit to Gisbonne expressed himself as very favorably impressed with the standard of musical ability attained by local performers, and what particularly pleased him was that, unlike some places, the amateurs never tried to arrogate to themselves the status of professionals. Taking everything into consideration, said Mr Samson, the prospects for success were distinctly bright, and those in charge of the .movement were satisfied that they could count on the same loyal support from the public that liad always marked their performances in the pa&t.