DEBATING

Southland Times, Issue 19898, 17 June 1926, Page 5

DEBATING

WOODLANDS CLUB MEETS. (From Our Correspondent.) The fortnightly meeting of the Woodlands Debating Club was held on Tuesday, June 8, in the presence of a large and appreciative audience. The evening took the form of a Shakespearian reading, the piece chosen being the trial scene from “The Merchant of Venice.” Mr J. A. Cushen, of Eden dale, introduced the subject dealing generally with Shakespeare and his plays, special reference being made to the theatres of his time, the poetry and the humour as compared with the modern stage and modern productions. He then gave a lengthy description of the different characters that figure in the play and the events leading up to the trial scene. Mr C. J. Bigwood took the part of the Duke in a most capable manner, his rendering proving him to possess histionic powers beyond the average. Mr M. Schmidt took the part of Antonio, very ably interpreting that character’s part in the scene. To Mr E. J. Chapman fell the part of the cringing, grasping Shylock in such a manner as to win the approbation of the audience. The Rev. J. Robertson acted as Bassanio, and proved himself to be a past master in elocutionary art. Masters Robert Scott and J. McHardy fulfilled their parts as Gratiano and Lorenzo respectively, who are to be commended for their excellent rendering. To Miss A. Sadlier fell the most difficult but certainly the most attractive part as Portia, clearly interpreting that noble and inspiring character’s part in the scene. Miss Bertha Sadlier ably filled the bill as Portia’s serving maid. At the conclusion of the reading Mr J. Cushen, in his summing up, congratulated the participating members of the club for the excellent evening they provided. Mr W. Bell also endorsed Mr Cushen’s remarks. A vote of thanks by Mr H. Milliken, the chairman, to all who had taken part closed one of the most successful evenings spent by the Woodlands Debating Club. RIMU. On Tuesday evening last a very pleasant function in the form of a gift evening was given to Miss Molly O’Connor on the occasion of her approaching marriage to Mr Martin Hannery, of Central Otago. Miss O’Connor was the recipient of many valuable articles. Dancing and card games were the chief forms of amusement, these lasting until the early hours of the morning. At a suitable interval Mrs Church called upon Miss O’Connor to come forward to accept the numerous gifts, to which Mr Flannery responded on her behalf.