Manawatu Repertory Society

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 154, 3 July 1939, Page 2

Manawatu Repertory Society

MEETING OP EXECUTIVE A meeting of the executive of the Manawatu Repertory Society was held ou Friday evening, those present being Mr. M. H. Oram (in the chair), Messrs. McNash, A. Coles, W. M. Webster, T. M. N. Rodgers, V. R. J. Hean, Dr. A. de Berry, Misses B. Rodgers, K. N. Woodhouse, R. Lees, K. Birnie, E. Hall and D. Wischnewsky. Apologies were received from Messrs. L. I. Plimmer and G. Driver. A letter was received from the Wangaiiui Repertory Society intimating their desire to arrange a meeting with the executive to discuss matters of mutual interest, and it was decided that we invite them to our next Empire Hall production to be held on July 22, 24 and 25, and so arrange the discussion on that date. Correspondence was received from the Little Theatre Society granting us the use of tack-ons in connection with our Opera House production just past; and a further letter was received advising us of the rules and conditions of a one-act play-writing competition, the entries for which close on October 31. It was decided that the secretary write the Little Theatre thanking them for their assistance in connection with the loan of properties. The Massey College Students’ Association wrote requesting the use of some of our properties in connection with their revue.—This was granted. The programme committee tendered a full report to the meeting, the most important item of which was the finalising of the dates for tho society’s Empire Hall production, “Tho Distaff Side," which is in the hands of Miss M. Mortland as producer, and which Will be staged during July. In addition, a comprehensive programme for the balance of the season, comprising three readings, a further production and an evening of one-act plays to conclude w T ith a social and danco on November 9 was tendered. The report was adopted. Acting in accordance with the society’s rules, the executive decided that all members joining after June 30 be admitted for the balance of the season at a considerably reduced subscription. Owing to the larger attendances at readings and evenings of one-act plays, it was decided that the social committee be empowered to purchase an additional quantity of crockery to be used in connection with suppers after the society’s functions. Details were finalised for “The Distaff Side." Miss Mortland, who was

present for this business, reported that arrangements were well in hand and a I strong cast was working well in preparation. In connection with the production, Mr. Bousted was appointed property manager with Mr. Hean in charge of the stage settings. Pleasure was expressed at the fact that Mr. W. i M. Webster was now able to assume his duties in connection with controlling the stage management. A motion that Mr. Webster be authorised to spend ;sufficient to enable the existing “flats" at the Empire Hall to be recovered with 1 canvas was passed. Mr. Hean advised j that he was unable to take charge of publicity in connection with tho forthcoming production and Dr. A. de Berry was appointed chairman in his stead. The names of Misses Rodgers and Birnie were added to this committee. Ail increased allocation for publicity was allowed in connection with the forthcoming production. In connection with the house management, it was decided that admission prices be 2s 6d and Is 6d as for previous Empire Hall productions, and that the box plan be at the secretary’s office as usual, j Miss Woodhouse reported upon the activities of the society’s new venture, the women's reading circle, intimating that two most successful readings had been held and that the future of this innovation appeared to be most promising, particularly in view of the fact I that special heating arrangements were i being made. A motion commending I Miss Woodhouse for her work in forming the women's reading circle was passed unanimously. The finance committee reported presenting accounts for payment in connection with the recent Opera House production, and intimated that the figures disclosed a satisfactory position 1 in this connection.

The social committee reported upon the recent masquerade dance held at the Empire Hall after the last production and it was decided that this committee be given power to make arrangements for a similar function after the forthcoming production. Mr. Hean reported on the very satisfactory results as *iin outcome of the working bee which had done so much to improve the interior of the Empire Hall.

The membership committee reported recommending the election of II new members, all of whom were elected. A complete report was received and adopted from the stage management committee arising out of which the secretary was instructed to write a letter of thanks to Mr. Muir for his 1 valued advice in connection with the production in the Opera House. Publicity arrangements were placed before the meeting and adopted. It was felt that the society should enter at least one one-act play for the British Drama League festival this year and in this connection it was decided that “Bamboo" be entered under the direction of Miss K. N. Woodhouse, who so successfully conducted the society’s recent evening of one-act plays.