Civic Centre Association Well and Truly Launched

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 122, 26 May 1944, Page 7

Civic Centre Association Well and Truly Launched

Formed with the laudable object of encouraging interest in all cultural activities, the Civic Centre Association of Palmerston North, was launched on Wednesday evening with auspicious success which should be gratifying to the promoters. The movement, which is unique In the Dominion, is sponsored by the City 'Council and centres round the Municipal Library with the cooperation of the dramatic and musical societies of the city and also the W.lfi.A. Wednesday evening saw the first of a series of free concerts presented at the Opera House which was crowded, a sure indication of the sympathetic interest in tho project by ttu public. Before the programme opened there wore a few introductory remarks by the Mayor, Mr. A. E. Mansford, who was introduced by Mr. B. J. Smith, member of the executive. Voicing his pleasure in be»ng associated with the first programme of the Civic Centre Association, Mr. Mansford mentioned that with the Centre Committee comprising representatives of the various dramatic ancl musical societies as well as two councillors, Messrs F. G. Upio and T. It. Lees (the last named be.ng chairman of tho executive, with Mr. H. Greenwood, City Librarian, as secretary), its constitution was such that there was no reason why all societies of an educational nature snould not be associated. Tribute was paid to the inspiration of Mr. S. Bradfield, who had brought forward the idea, and mention should be made of the considered support of tne late Cr. W. G. Black, then chairman of the Library Committee. Mr. Mansford went on to speaii of the series of free entertainments it. was proposed to stage and said tne council, realising me benefit and educational value, nad made concessions in the charges lor the Opera House. He trusted the citizens would take every advantage and it was hoped to establish a Centre where members couid meet to study and enjoy all the educational and cultural activities. They would live fuller and happier lives which enrichment must have ns reflection on the future and benefit the city. As chairman of the Alan Loveday Committee, he said it was gratifying to note that support was being given to tho appeal lor this talented young violinist wno would in time make a name for nimselt and Palmerston North. Thanks were expressed to the Competitions Society, to .ueasrs Be gga Xjtd., the Para .Rubber Co., Messrs Ooilinson and Cunninghame for assistance, also the Press for full cooperation. In conclusion, the Mayor wished the Association a long, prosperous and usexui life in the city. Apoiog.es were offered on behalf of Mr. j. Hodgens, M.P., Mr. H. D. C. Somerset (Feilding), and a telegram of good wishes was received from Mr. W. J. Mountjoy, junr.

An excellent programme nad been arranged with a 40-rmnute session of instrumental and vocal selections by talented members of the Palmerston North Girls Music Club, also the Manawatu Repertory Society and Little Theatre Society in contrasting one-act plays. Tho musical section of the programme was as follows: Instrumental trio, “Sonata in G Major” (Haydn), Mesdames J. Fisher (violin), H. Palmer (’cello) and .Miss H. Muir (Piano); vocal, “Constancy’’ and “The Vain buit” (Brahms), Miss M. Penketli; ’cello, “Vito” (Popper), Mrs. H. Palmer; Pianoforte duo, “Tarantelle” (Rachmaninoff), Masses M. and F. Anderson; vocal, songs by English, American and Russian composers, “Four By the Clock” (Mallinson), “Sea Moods’’ and “Song of the Sleigh-Driver,’’ Miss L. McDonald; pianoforte, “12th Rhapsodie" (Liszt), Mrs. J. Gibson. Airs. i. Rickard and Miss H. Muir were the aecompanistes. The Repertory Society had chosen an entertaining comedy of medieval times with Mrs. J. Davidson as producer, presented by a well-balanced team, Mrs. JVI. Wilson, Keith Nicholson, Misses C. Verry, B. Everett, Eleanor Bennett, Ann Langley and Julie Dean. Little Theatre players were seen in a most dramatic play produced by Air. W. H. Loch, an excellent cast comprising Mesdames N. Holland and Du-Fresne, Miss V. Hillas, Alessrs R. E. Jackson and Ron Reps. Entr’acte music was provided by a quartet from the Garrison and City Bands conducted by Air. J. Cosgrove. Air. E. J. Smith was stage manager. The stage had been attractively arranged with autumn foliage in tall jars supplied by the City Curator wnich was most colourful against the dark draping.