TAIHAPE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 282, 28 November 1936, Page 5

TAIHAPE

TWILIGHT SPORTS The weekly twilight sports meeting undeA the auspices of the Taihape Amait’ur Athletic Club was held on Thursday evening with the following results :- One Mile Cycle.--Taylor (90yds.) 1, Guilliard (15) 2, Quigley (80) 3. Three-mile Cycle.—Walker (300) 1. 220 Yards Handicap.—Wilkins (22) 1, Johnson (7) 2, August (22) 3. Onc-mile Handicap.—Morgan (15) 1, Wilkins (80) 2, August (80) 3. [ Boys (under 12).—C. Masters 1, J. ; Roy 2. Girls (under 12 years).- P. Graham I, J. Rolley 2. Girls’ Cycle Race. I. Mu Hany 1, N. L Fitzherbert 2. Boys' Cycle (half-mile).—Doyle 1, I Cardiff 2. Girls (over 12 years).- June Graham .1, Noeline McGuinness 2. Boys (over 12).—T. Ongley 1, B. Lyons 2. Tyre Race. G. Fuller 1, M. Wilson ; Boys' 880 Yards Handicap. T. Ong--1 ley 1, Holmes 2, Fuller 3. DRAMA FESTIVAL A drama festival was held in lhe Town Flail, Taihape, on Wednesday evening, under the auspices of the Ruapehu District Federation of Wo- ■ men’s Institutes. Fiv.e one-act plays were presented, each by a different i branch of lhe institute, and a high standard of efficiency was revealed in every case. The whole function was , a distinct novelty as far as Taihape is ? concerned, and one that should be i encouraged. The large audience was s most appreciative and each play was loudly applauded. Mr Paul Latham, of Wanganui, was the adjudicator, and at lhe conclusion of each play he appeared on lhe > stage and offered much valuable con- : structive criticism and advice. His comments were interesting and instructive and proved to be one of the . features of lhe drama festival. He certainly knows his job and carries it I out in a manner worthy of lhe highest praise. The Ruapehu Federation was indeed fortunate in obtaining the services of a man of Mr Latham’s calibre to judge the various plays. The performance opened with a play by the Rangiwaea branch, entitled "The Bathroom Door - .” The cast of characters was as under: A young man, Mr J. Hitchcock; an old maid. Mrs J. ) Hitchcock; a young lady, Mrs Good- ? all; prima donna, Mrs Brown; an old gentleman, Mr Brown; boot boy. Mr ’ D. Bell. Commenting on this play, Mr Las tham said that it was quite good. The setting was effective and the repros duction work satisfactory. The young man had a good speaking voice, while the old maid gave an excellent per- ■) formance. The old man and the young 1 man were both a little fidgety. The prima donna was inclined to drop her ) voice at. the end of a sentence, other- - wise she played her part well. The second play presented was entitled "Widows,” and will be rememI bered chiefly for the excellent performance given by Mrs Kirton <KaI rioi). who played the part of "Mrs t / Smith,” a widow. In announcing the _ results at the conclusion of the festival, Mr Latham awarded the prize for . lhe best individual performance to Mrs Kirton. There were only three . performers in this play and each appeared in the role of a widow. The other two players were Mrs Sinnett. . known as “Mrs Pink,” and Mrs Strachan, who played the part of "Mrs Tobb.” In constructively criticising this play. Mr Latham praised the excellent performance of Mrs ' Kirton, and added that the characterisation of the play was well done. ’ Three distinct and contrasting char- ' acters had been portrayed with good ' effect. "Mrs Pinks’” facial expression ’ was good, but the players should pay * attention Io emphasis. The whole play could be described as a com- ■ mendable effort. ! The third play on the programme ; was known as "The Bishop's Candlesticks,” and was presented by the Ohingaiti branch. The cast of characters was as under: Persome, Mrs F. B. Slewart; Marie (a maid). Miss Pearl; the bishop, Mr D. Jackson; the convict. Mr A. Charles; sergeant of police, Mr K. Stewart. Commenting on this play, Mr La- ■ tham pointed out that It called more perhaps than most plays for atmosphere and the kindliness and charm i of the bishop was lost because of the I inaudibility of Marie. The acting of I the convict was good, but the part i called for a big man and not one of (small stature. The bishop gave a I good performance, but as previously, ; pointed out lhe play lacked atmosphere, and the furniture was not arranged to the best advantage. There should be a sense of reality in every play, not merely play acting. Nevertheless lhe play was quite a worthy effort for amateurs. The fourth play to bp presented was entitled "Molly and the Milliner.” It was staged by lhe Mangaweka branch and was adjudged the best play of the evening. The performers were as follow: The milliner. Mrs Kirby; MoU'y (who visits the shop to buy a hat), Miss Weston: Jack (Molly’s husband), Miss M. Gardiner; Tompkins, Mrs H. Waymouth. Mr Latham described this performance as a smart play of emotions and went on Io say that lhe hats did create an atmosphere. The four characters were all quite in line, and the play was noted for even teamwork. Miss Gardiner had played the part of a man very well indeed. Tompkins was effective, but at times was a little too forced The milliner and Molly were both good. Mr Latham concluded by saying that he was very pleased with the play. The fifth and final play of the evening was presented by lhe Utiku branch. It was entitled "Keep Calm.’’ and the east of characters was as under: Mr Grant, Mr Barnett; Mrs Grant, Mrs Allen; Mrs Primrose (a cook). Mrs Kendall; Jane (a maid), Miss P. Prime; the detective, Mr D. McKenzie: the plumber, Mr Jones. Mr Latham, in passing comment on this play, said that it was quite a good piece of work, but. its chief weakness lay in the fact that the players had kept calm, whereas they jwere not intended to do so, according to lhe play. The pace was lost and lhe play lacked "ginger.” hut was quite good. The detective had performed with credit. Mr Latham went on to say that the drama festival had proved most interesting and the Women’s Institutes were doing good work in encouraging work of this kind. Voice, action, and character were the main essentials in one-act plays. The voices heard during Ihe festival were good, | but there was no comic, tragic, or |

dramatic voice. Players should be definite in their movements. There had been a lot of real talent, but no inspiration of genius. Mrs Kiri on, as "Mrs Smith.” in the "Widows’” play, seemed to be a real character, and hers was the best individual performance. The play "Molly and the Millner” was the best play, with "The Bathroom Door” second. Mrs J. R. Dellow, president of the Ruapehu Federation of the Women's Institutes. thanked Mr Latham for acting as adjudicator, and added that his helpful advice was very much appreciated. She also wished to thank Mrs Barton and Miss Oldham for their assistance, not. forgetting the public for its excellent, support. REST ROOM COUNTRY QUEEN DONATION LIST The following donations have been received towards the Country Queen rest room campaign: £ s. d. Previously acknowledged .171 14 10 Taoroa Branch W.D.F.U. 7 10 0 Mrs Studholme 11 0 Mr Samways 1 0 (1 Mr A. W. Bicknell 0 10 6 Mr Deacon 0 5 0 Mr Spooner 0 5 6 Mr P. Kearns 0 5 0 Mr McNeil) 0 5 0 Mr E. E. Wcekes 0 5 0 Mr Brophy 0 2 6 Mr Hodder 0 3 0 Mr A. J. Buckley 0 2 6 Mr Devane 0 2 6 Mr L. O’Callaghan '• 2 6 Mr Reid 0 2 6 Mr Johns 0 2 6 Mr J. Beard 0 2 6 Mi’ S. Karam 0 2 0 Total 184 4 4 HIE MAJESTIC “WIFE VERSUS SECRETARY” i The "perfect triangle” has been (found at last. It is made up of Clark Gable, the husband; Myrna Loy, the