ROUND ABOUT WELLINGTON

Otago Witness, Issue 3768, 1 June 1926, Page 27

ROUND ABOUT WELLINGTON

By

PENCARROW.

(Specially Written for the Witness.) The National Repertory Theatre Society recently formed in Wellington gaxe its first Serformance last week, when it prouced Bernard Shaw’s brilliant comedy, “Pygmalion.” The play was presented three times on each occasion before a large and appreciative audience. The society thoroughly earned the very favourable verdict passed on its work by both press and public. In putting on so difficult a production as its first effort it aimed high, but it may honestly be said that it achieved success. The actual memorising of a big Shaw part is not an easy task; apart trom its great length, the extreme originality and topsy-turvy-dom of its ideas, the queer unexpectedness of its humour, and its utter unconventionality—giving the performer no clue as to what is coming next—provide many a pitfall for even an experienced actor. The characterisation, too, is very difficult— Shawian men and women are far from being ordinary mortals (owe suspects that a good many of them are simply so many Bernard Shaws, and it is frequently difficult to make them convincing). On the whole, however, there were few traces of amateurishness in the Repertory Society’s performance and its creditable effort, and the undoubted enjoyment it gave its audiences should encourage it to continue the good work it has begun. One of the disadvantages of living almost off the map, as it were, and of having so small a proportion, is that we in New Zealand get practically no chance of seeing the work of tne intellectual dramatists interpreted on the stage, and it therefore behoves those to whom such work appeals to support the movement started here by the Repertory Society. It is to be hoped that its example will be followed in the other centres. By obtaining a large membership of keen amateur actors, performances can be given frequently, with changes of cast, and the heavy demand on the time of the artists which usually brings about the decrease of amateur theatrical societies can thereby be obviated. The Wellington society is very fortunate in having as its director and producer so experienced and capable a gentleman as Mr Leo du Chateau, to whom much of the success of the performance was due. Of the company which gave him such excellent support, three may be mentioned as having given performances of outstanding merit: Miss Nan Pyke, as Eliza Doolittle ; Mr W. S. Wauchop, as Professor Higgins ; and Mr Vivian Rhind, as Alfred Doolittle.

The tram tunnel at Northland, the Wellington western suburb, has provided mystery and aroused consequent interest for months. It looks very nice and tidy, but has never been used. It cost about £30,000, but question was raised as to its safey. One lot of experts said it was excellent, while others said it was a total failure, and unsafe for traffic. The Public Works Department refused to approve. A commission was supposed to have been appointed to report. Two gentlemen, both experts, were the supposed commission, and after some months of waiting on the part of the public the two experts issued a report. No one outside the City Council knows or, at least, is supposed to know what is in the report. All that is known to the public is that certain officials of the council are being asked to give their opinions on the report —in fact, to report on the commission’s report—while the tunnel stands still idle in the middle distance. It appears now that the commission is no more a real commission than the tidy-looking tunnel is a real tunnel, because the two experts were not appointed as a commission under the appropriate statute. The consequece is that the report is not absolutely privileged, and the law of libel fills the air. It would seem that the report contains uncomplimentary remarks about some person or persons unknown. In view of a dud tunnel and a dud report it would appear that, as at the charge of the Light Brigade, “someone had blundered,’’ and that to paraphrase freely the famous French critic of that charge, “C’est magnifique mais ce n’est pas—a tunnel.

The appeal for funds for a carillon to be erected as a memorial to our fallen soldiers has found a jeady response in Wellington, and offers of bells, both large and small, have been coming in thick and fast. Although common in French and Flemish cities, carillon bells are new to this country. The idea, however, is one that makes a strong appeal to all, and it seems highly probable that, once instituted here, there will arise demands for similar erections in other towns as a fitting and beautiful tribute to the fallen. It is encouraging to know that the effort meets with the warmest approval of the returned soldiers, and is very much appreciated by them. A novel entertainment took place a few nights ago, in the form of a dance given dn board the yacht Surprise, which has been cruising round New Zealand shores for some time past. The evening appears to have been very enjoyable in spite of rough weather, many of the guests making a night of it, so to speak, and dancing till the morning, returning home after a breakfast of bacon and eggs on deck. The Argyll and Sutherland Band was given a very enthusiastic send-off at its final concert, and Wellington felt very sad at its departure. One and all we enjoyed the concerts immensely, and great excitement has been aroused by the proposal of the formation here of a State military band.

The general opinion of leaders of the musical world, however, seems to favour

the idea of a State symphony orchestra as being better suited for the musical education of the public—music written for a military band, it appears, is an adaption of brass band music, and lacks the refinement of orchestral music. True, maybe, but there is no doubt of the popular appeal of a band. An interesting week’s work has just been concluded at Victoria College, where a refresher course for secondary teachers has been held, consisting of lectures on various topics of educational interest—for example, the treatment of stammerers, music in schools, phonetics, rhythm, and so on. These lectures proved very helpful to those teachers who attended them, and were concluded on Saturday morning with a hearty vote of thanks to those who had worked to make the course a success, notably, Miss Do-othy Stewart, Professor Shelley, and Professor BoydWilson.

Slight consternation prevailed in the city on Wednesday evening when it was found that the water had been turned off. However, it was only temporary, being caused apparently by a break in the old water pipe from Wainui-o-Mata, on the Hutt road, and all is well to-day. We are not yet reduced to the straits of Aucklanders, and are still able to enjoy our morning baths.

“Give and Take,” a three-act farcecomedy which is being presented at the Grand Opera House, is having a very successful run. It is witty ana humorous, with clever dialogue and splendid acting—a play that is likely to be very popular during its season here. We are looking forward to the arrival of Pavlova, who appears to be having a wonderful reception in Auckland. Wellington people especially will be interested int 4 arrival of the company, for among them is a Wellington girl, Miss Thurza Rogers, who holds the honoured position of premier danseuse. Miss Rogers went to London in 1920, studying the Russian method of dancing with Princess Astafieva, after which she went to Madame Kasavina, joining Madame Pavlova later, and going with her to America. She has been with the company ever since. Wellington people are rather preening themselves on the appointment of Mr Wright as Minister of Education. It is so long since a Wellington member of the Lower House held a ministerial office that they are quite unused to the sensation of owning one. It is generally supposed here that the average intelligence of Wellington people stands so high as to render it quite unnecessary that a member of Ministerial rank should be in charge of their interests. ✓

Many consider that some portfolios other than that of Education would have given fuller scope for the exercise of Mr Wright’s special abilities, but almost all are pleased that his energy and courage have received recognition.