ANSWERS TO CORRESPOHDEHTS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVII, Issue I, 4 July 1896, Page 10

ANSWERS TO CORRESPOHDEHTS.

Notice to contributors.—Any letters or MSS. recieved by the Editor of the New Zealand Graphic will be im mediately acknowledged in this column.

‘ Trilby.’—lt is not at all necessary for any one to be a correspondent of Cousin Kate in order to send money in aid of the Cot Fund. Consin Kate assures me she is very much pleased when anyone, beyond the cousins, shows sufficient interest in it to send her a contribution. Would you like a collecting card ? They cost the collector nothing. In reply to your second question, I was at first going to give an immediate ‘ Yes,’ but on thinking the matter over, I see it would have to depeud on one or twofpoints. First, is the gentleman considerably older or entitled in any way to any special consideration ? And again, does she wish to leave from any sudden caprice or whim. If for either of these reasons she desires to leave theatre, dance, or any place of amusement, I think she is wrong, especially if he would prefer to remain. But perhaps you only mean can she be the one to suggest going ? Most certainly she can ; but she should ask him if he has any more engagements on his programme, or if he would object to leaving the theatre as she is cold, or indisposed, or must be home by a certain time ? If she proposes leaving in a pretty pleasantmanner thanking him for the pleasure he has afforded her, no man would feel annoyed with her. You ask, thirdly, how to start an Amateur Dramatic Club ? If I were in your place I should run over in my mind and then make a list on paper of all the people you know who have sufficient talent and would be likely to prove good members Then get one or two of the best together—in your own drawing-room—and talk the matter over. First settle on a place for general rehearsals; if possible where no payments will be wanted. Choose a good manager (who could also be secretary) and a treasurer. Fix your subscription as low as possible—or have none at first if you can manage to get books for your first play—and let each copy his or her part (you must allow extra time for this). Have a very small committee who will arrange a piece, and decide on the various actors —who shall be asked to personate a character, fix the rehearsals, and the date of performing. If in public, they will hire the hall and issue tickets. You ought to pay expenses by a good piece, and have something in hand towards buying extra wigs, costumes, etc., which must be the property of the Club. Be sure your committee are good-tempered and likely to work well together. If I can help you in any way further, I shall be very pleased. ’ Vivian Arden.’—Your manuscripts received.