LACK OF SUPPORT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26637, 6 December 1947, Page 9

LACK OF SUPPORT

DRAMA LEAGUE’S FESTIVALS

"* think you will agree that it presents a sorry story,” said the president. Mrs J. Sutherland Ross, commenting upon the annual report and balance sheet of the British Drama League (Otago Area) last night. “There will have to be much more personal effort if our future, festivals are to be successful.” Mrs Ross paid a tribute to the perseverance of the Otago Area in continuing its festivals throughout the war years when dramatic activity in most other parts of New Zealand had been halted. Its efforts had been reasonably successful, although the standard had suffered a little. She appealed for more co-operation in view ol the approaching centenary, adding the warning that unless there was an improvement, the area would have to be disbanded. . Seconding the motion for the adoption of the report and balance sheet, Mrs Wakefield Holmes agreed with Mrs Rosss remarks. The area’s position was perhaps -just a sign df the times. Most societies were feeling a backward rather than a forward move. Mrs Holmes ventured the opinion that the earlier holding of the festival would be an advantage. A recommendation was made to the incoming committee that sub-committees be appointed for the purpose of increasing membership and subscriptions and generally furthering the interests of the league. Mr J. S. D. More also moved a recommendation that negotiations be entered into with community centres with the object of encouraging local dramatic work. The election of office-bearers resulted: Patrons: The Mayor, Mr Cameron, the Hon. W. Downie Stewart, and Professor T. D. Adams: president, Mrs .1. Sutherland Ross; vice-presidents—Messrs E. Griffin, A. C. Stephens, J. S. D. More, C. R. Allen and W. Russell-Wood. Mesdames Wakefield Holmes, E. T. Moller, and John Moffett; secretary. Mr G. A. Douglas; treasurer, Mrs M. Freeman; committee —Messrs R. Kennedy and A. Graham, Mrs I. Arthur. Misses M. Barron, M. Jolly, and K. Falconer.