NEW DRAMATIC CLUB IN DUNEDIN.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LIX, Issue 6876, 14 March 1883, Page 5

NEW DRAMATIC CLUB IN DUNEDIN.

—————— {T«b Paws Assoousioif.J

DtWBDW, Maiicim 13, It is proposed to found in Dunedin a Dramatic Club, literary and histrionic, the promoter of which is Mr Charles Umbers, of this city, and in honour of the well-known English tragedian, it is to bear the name of the " Irving Club." The main purpose of the Club will be the study of Shakespeare'e works and those of other great dramatists ; the production of literature in the way of short essays, pkys, and biographical sketches, the giving of lectures) and by means of occasional entertainments and readings, scenes, or full representation* of playf, the raiting of funds to be devoted to charitable objects. So far, Mr Umbers haa been very successful In getting honorary members for the Club. Mr Henry Irving himself heads the list, with Mr Dion Boucicault. Ihen follow the Bishop of Dunedin (Dr Neville), Sir Julius Vogel, the Hon H. Oliver, and others. Sir Julius Vogel very kindly purposes tending to Mr Umbers from London a collection of books such as the «01ub would require. Mr Irving is greatly pleased with the prospeot of founding the Club, and in a letter to Mr Umbers says—- " Such a recognition from to distant a part of the world of my efforts in the dramatio pro* fettioD, is one of the highest compliments I oould wish. Pray convey to all the gentlemen associated with you in this enterprise the assurance of my deep interest and sympathy. Someday, perhaps, I shall have the satisfaction of thanking them and yourself in person for this graceful mark of appreciation." And further he says-"! am confident that a Club so constituted must maintain a very remarkable standard of intelligence."