W.E.A. SESSION ENDS.

Wairarapa Age, 4 November 1930, Page 4

W.E.A. SESSION ENDS.

FINAL FLAY READINGS LAST EVENING. PLANS FOR' NEXT YEAR. The Masterton branch of the W.B.A. brought a very interesting successful session to an end last evening, when play readings and a brief musical programme were followed by a social gathering at which supper was served. Members finally parted with many expressions of determination to assemble in full force next year. The Mayor (Mr. T. Jordan) presided over a very large- attendance. It had been announced that the play readings of the evening would be given by junior members, but there was nothing juvenile about the performances. Ota the contrary, both in scenes from “The School for Scandal,” directed by Miss I. Grant, "and in. the reading of “To Have the Honour” directed by Miss J. Dickson r which followed, high standards were set, both in expressive reading and in the interpretation of character. In both plays, the readers were iu costume, which considerably heightened the effect. After the first play reading two songs were sung by Mrs J. H. Fieldhouse, who was enthusiastically encored. Mrs W. G. Perry played the accompaniments. When the set programme for the evening ha’d concluded, the Mayor said he wanted to express the thanks of those present and his own ft>r the very fine performance these “socalled juveniles” had put on. He hoped that next year they would be promoted. He hoped an'd believed' that the juniors had derived just a» much enjoyment from the entertainment as had their audience. He 'also thanked Mrs Perry and Mrs Fieldhouse for the entertainment they had' provided. , The committee had asked him to' state that next" year the associationl ptOposed to put on a. literar tore course on the development of the drama. This course would be in the capable hands of Mrs Barrer. (Applause). Mr. Brailsford would give a very interesting course on East and West, on which he was a recognised authority and there would be another short course. Mr. Jordan said a word of farewell to Mr. H. B. Reid, whnhad been an interested member of the association since his arrival in Masterton. On behalf of members and for himself, Mr. Jordan wished' Mr. Reid prosperity in his new town. (Applause.)

Mrs T. B. Barrer said this was the last night of the W.E.A'. season and she did not want to let it pass without thanking some of those who had assisted the association. She particularly thanked those who had helped in producing plays. She wished to thank also Mr. M. G. McKay, Mr. H. C. L. Robinson, the W.F.C.A., through Mr. Bowden; the Amateur Theatrical Society, through Mrs Page, fbr the loan of some of the costumes used

that evening;: Mis Kummer, for the loan of the rest" of the costumes; various members of the legal fraternity for the use of wigs. Mrs Barrer expressed grateful' thanks to Mr. Brailsford (staff tutor) and to Mr. Boekel (secretary), arid' to members generally who had assisted in play readings or- Had attended to hear them. They had been a very happy and harmonious company. She look ed forward to all present attending next year and bringing their friends with them. The annual meeting of the W.E.A. would l be- held in March. Ail: should attend this meeting, of which notice would be given in th® Press. The annual meeting elected the committee. She would like to see some of the l younger people come along to the meeting. (Applause). Mr. Brailsford expressed his own gratitude and that of members to Mrs Barrer for the work she had done in organising the play reading. Her efforts were in great part responsible for the success of the season. They were very grateful to Mrs Barrer and were glad that she was going to give a course of lectures next year on the drama.

©a Mr. Brailsford’s motion, a hearty vote of thanks was carried to Mrs Barrer and another to the committee. Mr. Brailsford specially mentioned the secretary, Mr. Boekel, upon whom a great deal of work had fallen.

Mr. H. B. Reid briefly replied to the kind words of farewell said to him and spoke with pleasure of the time he had spent in Masterton. This 'town, he said, could outrival the South in hospitality and was noteworthy also for its beauty. A vote of thanks was passed to the Mayor for presiding and supper was then servdd by lady members of the association.

Including a sum of over £5 colectcd last night, nearly £l5 is to be forwarded from Masterton as a contribution to the AV.E.A. library.