MODERN POETS

Waikato Independent, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2971, 7 August 1928, Page 5

MODERN POETS

PLEASANT AND PROFITABLE EVENING-. LITERARY AND DEBATING CLUB. Last night there was again a* splendid attendance at the fortnightly meeting of the Cambridge Literary and Debating Society, when the evening was devoted to some of the foremost modern poets, Kipling excepted, as whole evenings had previously been devoted to his works. The arrangements for the evening were in the hands ,of Mr Frank Pcnn, who also acted as chairman, though essays, etc., were given by four members. Mrs S: N. Ziman opened the business of the evening with an exceptionally able and informative review of the life and works of Rupert Brooke, the "Young Apollo" soldier poet, whose war sonnets created such a furore a few years ago, and are prized as among the finest works of the kind in the language. The speaker punctuated her remarks with numerous illuminating excerpts from Brooke's writing, and recited several short poems in excellent style. Mrs Ziman convinced the audience of the careful study of her subject, and all present greatly enjoyed her fine effort.

Mr E. B. Kemsloy dealt with a quartette of renowned modern poets, viz., Robert Bridges (poet laureate), with his classic, unique style of poetry; Sir Henry Newbolt, famous for his stirring poems of action, dealing with deeds of daring; John Drinkwater, the composer of delightful, appealing poetry, couched in choice language; and Robert Service, the Canadian poet, whose versos dealing with the war, and also the open spaces*of Canada have become so popular with all. Mr Kemsloy is a forceful and excellent reader, and his quotations from each of the poets mentioned above were most effectively rendered, more particularly his stirring recital of "Admirals All." Mr Frank Penn recited one of Service's "Songs of a Sourdough," entitled "Comfort," with musical accompaniment.

After reading a few appropriate anfl terse remarks on poetry—what it actually is, and its effect on the human mind—Mrs W. J. Ward gave some most interesting sidelights on Robert Louis Stevenson, Walter de le Mare, Francis Thompson and Wilfred Wilson Gibson, modern poets whose works, with the exception of Stevenson's, are not so widely known, though possessing great beauty. Mrs Ward read and recited several short poems to illustrate her subject, making her paper pleasing and most informative.

John Masefield, one of the most popular of modern poets, was dealt with by Mr Frank Penn, who gave a brief outline of Masefield's life, and made a few comments on some of his outstanding works. Several short poems and brief extracts were read and recited by Mr Penn, while valuable assistance was given him by Miss Gretchen Hulme, who recited -Sea Fever" and -Beauty"; Miss Ivy Arnold, with recital, "Laugh and Be Merry"; and Mr E. B. Kemsley, who read two sea ballads, "Cargoes" and "Third Mate," all of these items were capitally rendered". The evening's programme was brightened with musical items by the following, all the items being greatly appreciated:—Song, "Soothsayer Marguerite," Miss Margaret Sands; song, "Just a Wcaryin' for You," Miss Norma Langton; quartettes, "Soldiers' Farewell" and "Drink to Me only," Messrs T. Boyce, W. J. WeatherelL F. Kingsford and E. B. Hillam. Rev. C. W. Clark, on behalf of the audience, exprossod thanks and appreciation of the efforts of those who had contributed such an excellent programme.