The Dramatic Club.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 3, Issue 66, 10 February 1883, Page 2

The Dramatic Club.

©- — The adjourned meeting fa connection with tho formation of a projected dramatic club took place last night m the Commercial Hotel. There was a considerable attpndance of those interested, and- fch'e-iproceedings* were productive of much amusement. Mr FT. McNeil first occupied the chair, which was subse* qaentlv filled by Mr T. R. Walton. Mr Haultain undertook to take the minutes. He stated that he believed that certain ladies and gentlemen, whose names he gave, would join the Club, .; . A.\prdpOsal was here mado for "a shilling m." Canied by acclamation. Several present were asked lo state their qualifications. One claimed the heavy tragedy busineps, anether excelled m low comedy, another believed m the original drama, whileV a third volunteered to act the jealous Moor, and 1 others to dance a hornpipe or a nigger breakdown. It was evident there was any amount of latent talent. It was proposed to appoint Mr Haultain stage-manager, but he said he felt scarcely up to it. Mr McNeil was proposed as patron or president, &nd Mr Bait as vicepresident. Another shilling m. Mr King was then asked to preside, but declined. A rule was passed, to which all members were expected to subscribe, that at future meetings each one present must either sing, recite, shout, or go out. Mr Haultain was asked to play the Maiden's Pr yer on a Jews' harp, and loud culls were given for any gentlemau who could whistle " Tha Heart Bowed Down," with a comb accompaniment. ■ .- ■■ Another individual now appeared, who said be had leased the Foresters' Hall, an I w 'Hi ld be very happy to sup* port-auy Dramatic Club, to which he would contribute one guinea, straight off the reel. (Great applause.) The chairman ask- d him to give the meeting his experiences m the dramatic or. ecclesiastical line. , ' The recifor'was interrupted by a shilling m, and was concluded within the time allowed for probationary sermous. The meeting then became humorouilv disposed, and the fun was lively. Finally all present becamo a committee, with power to add to their number, to promote the legitimise drama m Palnjerston by every means m their power. Another tune on the Jews' harp, a final shilling m, followed by a benediction being pronounced; and the meeting dispersed, singing, "What jolly boys are we."