BRITISH DRAMA LEAGUE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22447, 17 December 1934, Page 17

BRITISH DRAMA LEAGUE

The Otago branch of the British Drama League held its first annual meeting on December 7. The president, Miss Bessie Thomson, in presenting .the report for the year, surveyed the history of the league since its inception. She said that the representatives of the affiliated societies, which now numbered no fewer than 18, had met at various times, and as a result of their efforts, and the enthusiastic cooperation which the league had always received from its affiliated groups, the festival held in May last year had been an outstanding success, both artistic and financial. The Festival Committee, which had borne the burden of the organisation, and Mrs Sutherland Ross, who had done yeoman work nr organiser of publicity for the festival, were to be congratulated on the splendid result of their efforts. The Otago area won the distinction at this festival of being the first area in New Zealand to have an A certificate awarded, this being gained by the winning team from the Dunedin Repertory Society with its presentation of “ Grnach.” The president thou referred to the fact that Mr Dali had been compelled through pressure of work to resign from the secretaryship of the league. It was with groat regret that the committee had accepted his resignation, as his task, no light one, had always been well and capably done. Finally, Miss Thomson said she hoped that in the coming year the groups through their representatives would work not i only for another successful festival, but also for (he other objects of tbc league, one of which, the promotion of periodical vacation schools of drama for amateur producers and actors, if once ws'J launched, was sure of a big response. The treasurer read the balance sheet, which showed a very substantial balance on the right side of the ledger. The election of office-bearers resulted as follows: —Patrons, Lady Ferguson and Mrs P. R. Sargood; president, Miss Bessie Thomson; vice-presidents. Mcsdames Sutherland Ross and Richard Hudson, Miss M. Barron, Dr E. H. Williams, and Mr C. R. Allen; honorary secretary, Mr P. H. TV. Nevill; honorary treasurer, Mr R. G. Napier; committee, one representative from each affiliated group together with Mesdamcs Maurice Myers and Lawrenson and Mr W. V 7. Bridgman. After some discussion it was left to the incoming committee to decide the date of the next festival. Miss Thomson and Mr G. B. Niven were appointed representatives of the area at the National Council to be held in Auckland during the Summer School of Drama this Christmas. The meeting closed with votes of thanks to Mr Dali, the retiring secretary, for his work during tbc past year, and to the chair.