"THE GIRL FROM RECTORS."

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 888, 6 August 1910, Page 6

"THE GIRL FROM RECTORS."

o [To tho Editor.] Sir,—l noticed a letter in your paper this morning headed "Where are the Women?" This letter's sole object seemed to bo centred in the desiro to make women rush into print, and condemn a "comedy" many of iliem may not have seen. As this company .contains many Christian men and women, in the true sense of the word, it is not to be expected that any good woman would soil her lips or degrade herself hv' writing such dreadful un-Christian-like language as that which has been used. Bui. I liavo not tin: slightest doubt that when they do speak through your paper it will be words of praise and expressions of gratitude for each member of Mr. Ward's company

for their generous help towards Children's Hospital. scheme. A true Christian is not all talk, but his actions, as in ■ this case, should be able to'speak for him. —I am, etc., •NELLIE ELESTER; [To tho .Editor.] ' Sir,—Wellington citizens- ..should thank tho Revs. J. J. North and Dr. Gibb for their courage in drawing attention to the evils of the play's which have inundated the city, lately. If tho* posters on the hoardings aro any gaugo of the play, .they are immoral and vulgar indeed. About four years ago, when 011 a visit to the Old Country, I was taken by some friends,to a theatre in Edinburgh to witness' a, play by Olga Nethersoie. "Sappho" was the piece staged. It was a- degrading performance; and I thought it a pity that an. actress of Miss Nethorsolc's undoubted ability did' not turn her talent to nobler account. Thanking our. reverend follow citizens. for nobly doing their duty, and. fearlessly steming this muddy tide that is pouring in oil us. —I am, etc., . A DISGUSTED WOMAN. Wellington, Augu3t''s, 1910. ITo the Editor.] Sir, —1 am not. surprised at "J.F.'s" query, "Where are tho women in the present controversy re 'The Girl from Hectors'?" I think the' amiwer is as follows; — ' Firstly, tho type of woman who devotes her time and energies .to fighting tho evils of drink and immorality has no leisure for .theatre-going, and .so wisely keeps silent on a subject'* of which she has no personal knowledge... Secondly, the, type of woman whose social duty or inclination, limits _ her sympathy with those good causes. to an occasional monetary subscription or attendance at a meeting, has'not tlie. pluck to expose herself to the ridicule and scorn of her social sot, wl]o are usually inveterate theatre-goers, by voicing her real sentiments, supposing she has tho good taste and good feeling to disapprove of a play made up of evil suggestion and risky situations. Thirdly, there, exists, unfortunately,, a typo'of-woman, perfectly moral and upright of conduct, sincere and conscientious ill her relations of. wife, mother, and friend, who has not sufficient originality to think for'herself in these matters; The opinions aro those of her set. ■ Shu laughs when they laugh, disapproves when they disapprove, and unconsciously allows hei views of 1 right and wrong to be governed by good or bad "form," by what is, or is not,-. "the thing," by' what is fashionable, or otherwise. Personally, I think it deplorable that such sweet, wholesome comedies as "Tho Professor's Love Storj," "Dalidy Dick," "The Amazons," etc., should have been superseded by a French hotch-potch of risky, suggestive situstions. I am an old theatre-goer, and have'had-a'near relative on tho stage, so that' I consider I am fully qualified lo speak on theatrical matters. I cannot say that I am as dazzled as some of your correspondents appear to be by Mr. Ward's. grand scheme. It will only cost him .6.100, which he can well afford, and is about the best advertisement he could, have.. It is strange that 119 did not discover a like need in Christchurch, Dunedin, Auckland, or even. Wellington, in the past. —X am, etc., , A WOMAN; [To the Editor.] Sir, —Ha.ving read in this morning's issue of The Dominion a letter headed "Whore aro the Women?" I take'the liberty of expressing my liumblo opinion on this much-discussed'question, "The Girl from , Rector's. • Well, to begin with, I must tell you I have never seen or heard the Rev. J. J. North or the Rev. Gibb, but .l must say they arc courageous and well-meaning men. If the account given by the Auckland "Star" (re the last .act in tho-play) is corrcct, then I, as, a woman, without hesitation, say that 110 man or woman worthy tho name could agree that it is a harmless farcical comedy. No right-minded man would liko to know that ■ his wife or daughter would witness a play so utterly -devoid of reverence for the marriage' tie. And, "011 the pity of it," to think there aro people. that will uphold such impure aud vilo suggestions. And, mind, I am 110 angel myself, but enjoy to tho utmost such plays as a "Bachelor's Honeymoon," or any. of the plays usually staged by Mr. Hugh Ward; It is to be hoped that some of the other ministers will wake up to.their responsibility in this, matter, and ,do their duty'. One word more re tho modification of ilic play since being staged in Auckland. ' Wiil Mr. Hugh Ward be kind enough to answer that question. Now, Mr. Editor, thanking yon in anticipation.—l am, etc., A WOMAN OF BROAD MIND.