THE RUSSIAN BALLET

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23706, 13 January 1939, Page 10

THE RUSSIAN BALLET

TO THE EDITOR Sir,—lt is indeed disappointing to learn that this artistic combination is not going to visit Dunedin. However, along with other artistic and quality productions (movies excepted), the people of New Zealand in future will only obtain what economic circumstances will permit, in spite of our socalled high colonial standard of comfort, Unfortunately “cost” enters into the management and production of artything worthwhile, and in this connection, with the prevailing high hotel tariffs and State railway fares, not to mention the countless other prevailing high costs, is it any wonder that the promoters of this fine combination of artists decide to cut out the south of New Zealand?

Recent population figures show that two-thirds of the Dominion’s population is domiciled in the North Island, so in: spite of Dunedin’s high percentage of cultured citizens per head, more people will pay to see : this fine company in nine weeks’ itinerary through the North Island than in nine weeks in the South Island. Perhaps if some of your correspondents will call a mass meeting and do some “ reiterating ” or pass some resolutions of “unswerving loyalty ” to Mr Savage, he may grant the visiting company a “ guaranteed price” so that all his unfortunate taxpayers may at least see this fine imported article which unfortunately he cannot have made in New Zealand.— I am. etc.. Cost Acct.

TO THE EDITOR Sir,—l would like to give my wholehearted support to a letter appearing in; to-day’s issue of your Times on the above subject. Perhaps the powers that be could give Us a little. information on the matter, arid tell us what Dunedin has done to deserve such a slight. The packed houses, and the enthusiasm of the public on the occasion of the last visit of a company of the kind make it impossible to think that the managers expect lack of support and appreciation. According to some of the artists of the company which appeared here in 1937, Dunedin audiences were the most responsive and sympathetic in the Dominion. What, then, is the reason? —I am, etc.. Balletomane No. 2. January 11. TO THE EDITOR Sir,—lf it is any comfort to the correspondents who have written expressing disappointment over the apparent fact that the Covent Garden Ballet is not coming to Dunedin, they may like to know that the Sydney Morning Herald of December 26. in an article concerning the New Zealand tour, stated that a week in Dunedin was contemplated. While understanding, and to a very great extent sharing, the anxiety of your correspondents, I think it is still too early to jump to conclusions, as, it seems to me, the compiler of the headlines for last Friday’s cablegram did. There is a keen public for the ballet in this city, and if a visit he,re can be arranged it will save at least one of us the inconvenience of week-end visits to Christchurch. —I am, I etc., Wait and See.