SHAKESPEARE

Hokitika Guardian, 29 April 1932, Page 8

SHAKESPEARE

TRIBUTE BY CHIEF JUSTICE

WELLINGTON, April 26

“If it took the combination of a Virgil and a Homer to make a Milton, one' is inclined to wonder how many of the ancient poets and dramatists of the world and of England itself would ever have to be combined to produce a Shakespeare,” said the Bit. Hon. Sir Michael Myers, Chief Justice, in paying a noteworthy tribute to the memory of Shakespeare at the memorial commemoration festival in the Town Hall oil •Saturday evening. •.■..The hall was crowded, and several NJinndr'-ds had to be turned away. Before delivering his address Sir Michael apologised for the unavoidable absence of his Excellency the GovernoriGeneral, who was attending an important function in Auckland, and begged leave to read an address which his Excellency had intended originally to deliver in person. ‘“The day which you are celebrating is not only Shakespeare’s birthday ; it is St. George’s Day—the day of England's patron saint,” wrote h'is Excellency. ‘■‘lt may seem difficult in this riod of Economic gloom to acclaim ‘the day, as of yore, with the joyful shout of ‘St,. George and Merry •England,’ 'but it is worth the effort . J o do so, for there is still plenty of cause for joy and thankfulness both in the Old Land and this England of yours across the seas ; and in the plays of the (Immortal Bard may be found and treasured countless passages which will •stimulate and perpetuate this happy outlook upon life’s kaloklescopic experiences. Let us all cultivate a greater knowledge of 'England’s greatest poet. Such knowledge js .110 small .solace and .inspiration to the human mind.”

A NOTABLE EULOGY. Having read :his . Excellency’s message, Sir Michael delivered a notable eulogy to the memory of Shakespeare. ’ “It i>s sometimes said," continued .Sir Michael, “that a prophet has no honour in his own country. Probably true' ; but of Shakespeare, as a poet and dramatist. it may be said that his greatness is recognised not only in hi.s own country but by all nations. A month ago there was celebrated in England the centenary of Goethe, who has been called the Shakespeare of Germany, and to whom Sir Jorn Simon, the Foreign •Secretary, referred as “That Olympian figure, who belongs, not only to Germany, but stands for all time as a citizen of the world.’ But Boethe himself was a great student and admirer of Shakespeare, whose influence is found j throughout his works. And in Germany | Shakespeare has ever been much studied, is aa much admired as in his own country. If then what Sir John •Simon salid of Goethe is correct, how much more does it apply to our own •Shakespeare? America, France, and other coun'tides, the same. This is evidenced by the fact that the French and American Ambassadors are to attend and speak at one of the functions in connection with the opening of the Memorial Theatre.” Sir Michael concluded his remarks bv thanking Mr May for organising the •entertainment, and for. devoting the proceeds to that most excellent object, th- • Mayor's relief fund.