SHAKESPEARE'S TERCENTENARY

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2699, 19 February 1916, Page 13

SHAKESPEARE'S TERCENTENARY

The third centenary of the death of William Shakespeare occurs on April 23 next. With a view of suitably colebrating the occasion a preliminary meeting of students of the great poet's works was held at the Town Hall last night. Mr. J. M. Clark, who presided,, said that similar celebrations would be hold all over the world; and ho thought that' Wellington people should do their best to make tlieir effort memorable.

Mr. J. Oulford Bell, the convener of tho meeting., said that his idea was to have a number of performances, which would consist of character sketches, duologues, .and possibly one or two big scenes Shakespeare's plays. If all students in Wellington assisted, good results should be obtained. He moved that an entertainment be held on April 24, or other approximate date or dates, to cclebrate Shakespeare's death. The motion was carried.

Mr. Byron Brown considered that doing honour to the greatest Englishman and the greatest man who ever lived should be taken up enthusiastically by the whole community.

Oil the motion of Mr. H. G. Shakes it was decided to appoint a casting committee to arrange programmes and dates, and to secure a suitable place in which to hold the entertainments. The following were elected to the committeo: —Mr. Byron Brown, Mr. J. C. Bell, Mr. J. M. Clark, Miss HardingeMaltby, Mrs. James Hannah.

In the discussion which took placo some surprise was expressed that tho Wellington Shakespeare Society had not moved in tlie matter, and, moreover, had declined to take part in the movement.. It was stated, however, that the club had had such a poor response to previous efforts of the kind that the members had given the matter' up in despair. Tho chairman, suggested that when the members had been personally communicated . with, many of them would respond. Mr. R. Lyon was appointed The meeting was adjourned till next Thursday, and in the meantime the secretary was instructed to circularise Shakespearean students and prominent citizens concerning the proposed celebrations.