CHILDRENS FLAYS

Southland Times, Issue 20203, 14 June 1927, Page 8

CHILDRENS FLAYS

THREE SOUTHLAND WORKS. CONCERT FOR KARITANE HUNT HOSPITAL. Next Friday evening a unique entertainment will be staged in the Invercargill Municipal Theatre, when one hundred Little Southlanders will present three plays written entirely by their own members. Last year, it will be remembered, the Little Southlanders held a bazaar, by which they raised £220 for the Children’s Ward at the hospital, thus being the means of establishing £440 in the bank for that object. This year, in addition to their annual bazaar in August, they decided to stage a concert in one of the small halls to raise money with which to purchase material for bazaar goods. As time went on, however, their project grew to such undreamed-of dimensions that all ideas of a smaller hall had to be abandoned. and more ambitious schemes discussed. After many qualms, they decided to pencil the theatre, and the enormity of what they had done caused them much trepidation. Rehearsals continued, however, and took definite bulk and significance, and for the last two months the children have been practising vigorously to justify the daring of their enterprise. By their bazaar, and by the Christmas treat they give the children and adult patients of the hospital each year, the Little Southlanders have earned for themselves a reputation which they will have to strive to uphold. It is, however, something definite for them to work on, a solid foundation for this year’s bazaar, a guarantee which must always stand them in good stead. But in presenting a concert they are breaking new ground, particularly when that concert consists of plays written by themselves, out of their own imaginings. They thought the project was worthy of the effort, and set to work with a will. The first play, “Sandals of Love,” was written by Cousin Sheila Campbell, of Northend, featuring thirty Little Southlanders of the Broadleaf Clan. This has been in charge of Cousin Sheila Campbell’s mother, and with the help of friends, they have brought the production to the verge of completion. The second play, “The Pride of Lady Lois,” was written by Cousin Eileen Mclntosh, of South Invercargill, a monologue, and the words of the song being composed by Cousin Millicent Broadbent, another member of the Wistaria Clan, whose twenty members take part in the production. The third play, “The Flower of Friendship,” was written by Cousin Daphne Godward, of the Kamahi Clan, North Invercargill. The prologue for this takes the form of a song of the same title, whose words and music are the work of Cousin Annie Playfair, Gummies’ Bush, who will play the accompaniment for Cousin Daisy Ward, of Awarua Plains. There are fortytwo members in this production, the combined forces of the Kamahi and Lilac Clan. The production of all three plays would never have Ijeen possible had it not been for the great assistance and perseverance of friends, and the enthusiasm of its members. Cousin James Betting, of Woodlands, will recite as a prologue to the second play, one of his recitations being a poem by Cousin Daphne Godward. The Little Southlanders have been extremely fortunate in their friends. An orchestra, with Mrs N. J. Brokenshire at the piano, and arranged by Messrs Phil Poole and A. H. Ferguson, will be a very great asset to their entertainment. Another feature will be the special limelight effects by Messrs Little and Colbran, w’ho also gave their services free of charge, as did Mr Alex. Sutherland, who has undertaken the stage management and all the responsibility such a position entails. The proceeds are in aid of the Karitane Hunt Home, for which section of the Plunket Society the children are devoting their efforts this year. The Box Plan is open at The Bristol, where tickets can also be obtained.