"Dred"

Feilding Star, Volume XIV, Issue 21, 6 August 1892, Page 2

"Dred"

The Palmerston Amateur Dramatic Society performed the above drama in the Feilding Assembly Booms last night on behalf of the funds of the Palmerston North Hospital. Messrs Parker, Kitchen, Haybittle, aad Bilderbeck constituted the orchestra and opened the procnedings with an overtute entitled "Defence." The plot of the play has already been published. The piece was well put on, the swamp scene in particular was very good. Mr G. Hitchcock sustained the title role and acquitted himself well, especially in the final scene. Mr J. B. Stanton was good as the unprincipled ' slave owner, and played his part very well indeed, and Mr W. G. Stanton as " Harry Gordon," Tom's half brother, also acted his part well. Mr J. C. Marter, as "Uncle Tiff" was excellent. Undoubtedly Mr W. Stanton as "Jim" a pet slave of " Gordon's " was one of the best amongst the male characters, his acting being better than one usually sees amongst amateurs. Mrs Meek, as " Katy " showed a good perception # of her part, a keen sense of humour, and acted very well. Little Miss Nellie Marter, as " Fanny " astonished us, and exhibited powers not often seen in one so young. The other members of the company played their respective parts carefully and well. We congratulate our Palmerston friends on their performance and wish them success in any further plays which they may put on the stage. Unfortuntunately the sum taken at the doors will not clear expenses, and we fear a small deficiency will be the result of the entertainment, which fact is to be greatly regretted. The Feilding Band rendered several selections of music in front of the hall before the play commenced. The evening's amusement was brought to a close wich a ball, at which some twenty couples were present. Dancing was kept up with spirit till between one and two a.m., when the gathering dispersed. The music for the ball was supplied by Mr Haybittle's String Band.