CRITIC OF N.Z.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 November 1931, Page 5

CRITIC OF N.Z.

BAD ART AND WORSE LITERATUHt. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) LONDON, November 2. “Art and literature are . terribly isolated m New Zealand/' said a New Zealander, Mrs Elizabeth Biahe, addressing tne British Urania League, on proposing tnat tne v_.uninnti.ee siiouid study the immediate need ol tne community drama in tne dominions and Crown colonies.

bhe added that New Zealand was in danger of intellectual and ' artistn. starvation. Travelling y.uyers tiecome fewer and poorer, and the scnools and colleges were backward in literature and drama. Many Aew Zjeaiunuers thought it an affectation to speak good English. She recalled tnat wne.ii she attempted to prouuce a Shakespearian play in lNew Inealanu, she was to,d that there was insufficient public for Shakespeare, so she left bnanespeare’s name off the programme and posters with successful results. The resolution was carried unanimously. Miss Elsio Fogarty offered two years’ free training to any New Zealanders the committee nominated. ft was also proposed .tnut gramophone records of thirty variants of British dialects be taken to assist writers and dramatic societies, This wa s unammouWly adbpted,