CELEBRITIES VISIT OUR EXHIBITION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19692, 20 January 1926, Page 4

CELEBRITIES VISIT OUR EXHIBITION.

SHAKESPEARE'S SHADE. By "M." Throughout the many years I have known Jenks I have always found him straightj forward arid' truthful. Consequently, when [ Jenks informed me that he had been to the ] Exhibition with no less a person than Shakespeare. I was astonished, but I did not doubt his word. I felt that if Jenks said so, it must be so. In answer to my inquiries Jenks explained very fully how the poet had travelled to Dunedin, and why Shakespeare had sought him out specially. 1 do not deem it advisable, however, to set down Jenks's explanation. Sceptical persons exist in every community and these persons, not knowing Jenks as I do would probably declare it to be absurd, or out of reason. At the present time, when the world is-almost overwhelmed with controversial questions, it would ill become me to add another. Omitting then, such statements as are likely to engender controversy, I append Jenks's account of his visit to the Exhibition with the illustrious writer, and the- reader may place whatever interpretation upon the story his fancy pleases. Here then, is Jenk's narrative: * # ■• . ; ■ # Lunch was just over, and! I was resting for a few minutes before going into the garden when the front doorbell Tang. I answered the call myself, and was astonished to find my caller none other than Shakespeare. I recognised him at once. He explained the circumstances of his journey to my house, and then proffered a request that I should accompany him to the Exhibition. "I replied," continued Jenks. "that I should be very proud to do so, provided—■ that is to say—" ■ Shakespeare was quick to see my hesitation and said that if there were any obstacles in the way to state them frankly. "Well, the fact is," I answered, diffidently, "I do not think it altogether advisable to go to the Exhibition in your present attire. ! With all due respect I would say that you stand a great chance of being taken for a performer in the Capping Carnival, which happens to be out of season just now. It is customary these "modern days, to wear clothes of a more sombre hue, and I would respectfully suggest that you exchange your present attire for an up-to-date suit."" "Ah!" he said smilingly, "Oustom, like conscience, makes cowards of us all. Certainly I agree to your suggestion." A change of clothes was accordingly made, and the broad white collar, the short red and black tunic, the knee-breeches and long silken hose were doffed, and in their stead were substituted a dark tweed suit, I a bowler hat, and modern shoes. The absence of colour seemed to sadden Shakespeare, and I detected a look of pleasure when I handed him a pair of jazz socks, and a red tie, though I had a foreboding regarding the latter, that it might lead to trouble. It is, as you know, some distance from my home to the Exhibition, and Shakespeare inquired as to the possibility of hiring horses. On being told that horses were not available, the poet expressed a desire to walk. Despite the fact that my shoes pinched him, ho arrived at the Exhibition looking quifco fit, but I was glad it was not any farther. Ho said that he preferred to walk rather than to be boxed in one of "those queer horseless coaches." I shall not attempt to mention all the places Ave visited; all the things we saw. Shakespeare's great love of flowers was exemplified the moment wo entered the grounds. As he passed from one flower-bed to another one could not but realise the joy the flowers were to him. Once I heard him murmuring— There is pansies, that's for thoughts. . . . and columbines . . lilies of all kinds, 'll le fleur-de-lis being one. Nor was he less appreciative of the music of the band. "Oh!" he said, as an enchanting melody was wafted to our ears, It came o'er my ear like the sweet south That breathes upon a bank of violets, Stealing and giving odour. As might be expected the poet was greatly interested in the British Court. The repose, dignity and refinement of the court, and the many evidences of achievement which he saw gave him pride and pleasure, and I could see that the atmosphere of "Home'' affected him visibly. Ho was less interested in the motor exhibits than I had anticipated. "You see," lie. explained, "when I first went to London I had to hold horses for a living, anil I came to love them, and I am sure you cannot have the same affection for a machine." I appreciated his sympathy with and respect for the horse, but I could not refrain from |>ointing out that a car would have enabled him to travel the distance of a hundred miles from Stratford to London in

a. morning. He could also have taken Mrs Shakespeare and the children for a spin to Kenilworth or Coventry any summer evening after tea. There was, however, one exhibit that attracted his attention greatly. This was a stand on which was displayed a sample football. “I am really pleased to see one,” he said, “and won’t Hannibal and Julius Csesar and the rest of the boys be glad to hear about it?” As he appeared to be interested in sport I suggested a visit to the Exhibition Sports Ground. On the way I imparted to him some information about the All Blacks, but I found him surprisingly well acquainted with their performances. He said that the results of their matches had been posted up in the spirit world regularly. We spent a considerable time in the Sports Ground, and Shakespeare plied mo with many questions regarding our numerous outdoor games. Then for a time he remained silent, and I felt that behind that, dome-shaped head a master-brain was at work. At last he spoke: “Do you remember that little speech that I wrote for Jacques in ‘As you like it?’ Well, instead of calling the world a stage, why not term if a playing field? The effect would be equally as good, and should appeal to the modem public. Now listen to this: ' "■ All the world’s a field, And all the men and women merely •pla.yors: They have their bats and balls and bowls; And one man in his time plays many things. His games being chiefly seven, I have forgotten the succeeding dines, but I know that they included references to marbles, tennis, football, and golf. I was in complete accord with Shakespeare’s suggestion, but I warned him that he might expect considerable opposition to the change from the conservative highbrows. We arranged that when the poet returned across the Styx, he was to write out the new speech for Jacques, and get Charon to post it to me on one of his return trips. Wo wandered on from exhibit to exhibit and from court to court. -Wo saw many marvellous things, and many beautiful things. Shakespeare became more and more enthusiastic. At least he could not restrain himself any longer. He must tell the people what he thought. There happened to be a few steps leading to a small platform, and the poet, mounting this, held up a hand to attract the attention of the passers-by. Many persons at once stopped, and as these were joined by others, there was soon a large audience Then jn a clear, cultured voice he began: Friends, Dunedinites, Otago-ans, lend me your ears; I come to' praise your Exhibition, not to spurn it. The . . Then the tragedy happened, for it was nothing less than a tragedy. An official came bustling up, and seeing the crowd being addressed by a speaker with a red tie at once concluded that it was not an orthodox gathering. “Now, then,” he said, “we cannot have this. Move on, please, move on.” Then turning to Shakespeare—‘ Hero, you with the red tie, got down out of that. We can’t have any Bolshevist speeches here, you know.” Shakespeare came down. He seemed amused at the mistake made in his identity. As for me, I was grieved beyond measure at the untimely interruption. Shakespeare’s panegyric on the Exhibition would probably have gone down to posterity as a literary gem, or as a flower of oratorial expression. . Moreover, from a commecial standpoint, the value of his remarks would have been incalculable. As a world-famous writer, his speech would have been telegraphed all over the world, and thousands of papers would have printed such items as — “Shakespeare Delivers Oration at Now Zealand Exhibition!” “Shakespeare Says Dunedin Exhibition' a Sure Winner!” On the return journey home, Shakespeare was most appreciative in regard to the many wonderful things he had seen that afternoon. Indeed, so full of admiration was he, that when he changed his clothes, prior to his departure, he stated his intention of repeating his visit and asked if I would accompany him. I said I would be delighted provided—- “ Provided what?” said Shakespeare encouragingly, “speak the speech, I pray you.” , “Provided that next time you go to the Exhibition you don’s wear a red tie.” • a « Jenks ceased talking, and fell to pondering upon his remarkable experience. After a time I broke the silence. “By the way I suppose that Jenks saw Shakespeare? What impression did she form?” Jenks frowned. “Well the fact is, she says she did not see him at all. She insists that I feh asleep after lunch and dreamt the whole thing. Oh, yes! I have tried to convince her,” said Jenks wearily, “but it can’t lie done.” EXHIBITION BROADCASTING. TO THE EDITOB. Sir, — I notice in your issue of to-day a letter boosting the VLDN Broadcasting Service. I would like to ask the writer how VLDN compares with 3LO, Melbourne, or 3BL, Sydney, stations which are managed by experts and run on good lines, and never fail to give promised items. Take VLDN on Sunday evening. In the beginning them was a complete break of a quarter of an bour, and the tramnission was very erratic until the beginning of the sermon, which was received perfectly. On Sunday night we were promised that the band concert from the Festival flail, a few studio items, and a lecture would be given on the following night. What did wo receive? One excellent speech, a few player-piano selections —items w’hich are quite superfluous in a programme—a few indifferent conceit items, and about 15 minutes of the .band, when at least one hour was expected. Is this fair to listeners-m? Why does VLDN not give a news service? Are there no events at the Exhibition worth announcing? Why was the name of the winner of the gold watch not broadcasted? There must have been hundreds of lisicnersin eagerly waiting to hear who had won it. Surely there are enough events happening about the grounds during the day to form a small news service and also help to advertise the Exhibition. If the technical side of the broadcasting cannot bo improved, the service can be. When a breakdown occurs, why not broadcast the reason and satisfy listeners-in ?—i am, etc., W. M'Lean. , Milton, January 19.