H.B. DRAMA LEAGUE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 145, 4 June 1936, Page 6

H.B. DRAMA LEAGUE

Most Successful Year Reviewed

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

The president of tho Hawke’s Bay Drama Longue, Mr. Cecil Duff, is to present tho following annual report at the annual meeting to-night. In his introductory remarks he says that the past year has been a most successful one, iu that much work was achieved. Support from all parts of tho district has been most encouraging. "The principal object of the league, which is to encourage tho art of the theatre," says tho report, "both fur its own sake and as a means of intelligent recreation among the whole cffnniunity, has been enhanced during the year by a splendid co-operation of all members. "Festival. —The league held' its fifth district annual festival for two nights on September 26 and 27, 1935, at the Assembly Hall, Hastings. Six teams entered, and your council extends its most sincere congratulations to the H.B. Little Theatre Society, whose entry won first plime with "The Betrayal," and to the Napier Repertory Players for gaining second place with "Witch’s Brew.”

"Miss Doris Symes acted as adjudicator. Her criticism.: were most helpful to all players, as well as to the audience, and tho teams benefited greatly iron this. Each member realises that it is only by such constructive criticism that excellence can be attained. "New Zealand final.—Tho New Zealand final festival was hold in Hastings at tho Municipal Theatre just after our district festival last year. The final festival was most successful, and financially the headquarters of the British Drama League in Wellington benefited. Our parent body over the past few years has found finance very difficult at times, and it was gratifying that our efforts in holding the New Zealand final festival locally gave a fillip to their funds. "Drama School.—Last month a drama school was held nt Havelock' North, and was attended by many pupils from all parts of tho Dominion. Many members of the league took advantage of this school to gain further Experience in dramatic art. "National Council. —Your council appointed Mrs. W. A. Whitlock, Messrs. C. Duff, A. C. Cunningham, 11. 11. Harding and J. O. Kelsey as its delegates to the Notional Council of the British Drama League.

"Financial.—Tho statement of accounts shows an excess of income over expenditure of £4 10/4. "During the past two years, your council has not debited any toil fees to member societies, but has paid these out of its profits from festivals to the New Zealand Branch of tho Brititsh Drama League. Iu effect this has reduced tho amount of net profit each year, but it is realised that that has been of great benefit to the societies concerned, and it is hoped to be able to continue this privilege. “Appreciation.—Your council wishes to record its deep appreciation to the Press for their liberal co-operation; to Miss D. Symes who acted so capably as adjudicator; to Mr. P. J. Priest who acted as auditor, aud to Airs. W. A. Whitlock for tho splendid service she rendered as organiser of the district and Now Zealand final festivals, aud as secretary of tho drama school held recently iu Havelock North. Drama in Hawke’s Bay owes a debt of gratitude to Airs. Whitlock for all she has done for it since she has been here. Her vast knowledge and ability have done much to promote the objects of the Drama League locally.”