DRAMA SOCIETY FOR TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 35, 10 September 1952, Page 3

DRAMA SOCIETY FOR TAUPO

ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING MATTERS IN TRAIN A public meeting was convened by Mr J. D. iSwan, Organiser for the Memorial Hall Association, m Rickit's Hall, on Thursday, September 4th, was attended by 52 residents. In opening the meeting Mr Swan stated that the R.S.A. had thought of building a Memorial Hall, and because the people of Taupo supported that project so very generously the R.S.A. had decided to vest the Hall in the Local Body for the benefit of Tbupo as a whole, and thus obtain a £ for £ subsidy; instead of " building the Hall for the use of one local Association only. It was for fhis reason that the meeting was called to discuss the formation of a Dramatic Society, because a Dramatic Society could not properly function unless there was ari adequate stage and Hall; "So" he said "let us give thanks to the Committee and members of the R.S.A. of 1949/50, to the people of Taupo who gave so generously, and to the many visitors who wholeheartedly helped with donations.

"The Memorial Hall", he said, "is fast approaching the time when it will be an established fact. The Minister of Internal Affairs has approved the plans for a £ for £ subsidy, -the Building Controller has passed the plans, tenders have been called, and it is hoped to start the foundations with voluntary labour within the next two weeks. Donations are starting to roll in, our Rusinessmen's Association have in sight their target of £250 for campaign expenses- — mere than half of which has alroady been banked. The Ratepayers Association is about to start a dcor-tt '-d'iOi collection 1'or donations, and most societies and organisations in Taupo are working to raise funds. "As most of us know, it is hoped ■to run two weeks entertainment and carnival between December 18th. and January 3rd. to collect the final amount required to furnish the Hall and adequately outfit the stage. It has been suggested that during these two weeks a full-length play and three one-act plays should be presented by local talent for the benefit of the Hall funds" and he had been requested to call fhis public meeting to endeavour to form a Dramatic Society, which would be responsible for the production of the above mentioned plays. He felt confident that if the Dramatic Society afhliated with the British Drama C'ouncil that body would pay 2/3 of a producer's salary, plus travelling expenses. Society Formed. It was put to the meeting that a Dramatic Society be formed, to be called the Taupo Drama Society, and this was carried unanimously. It was then carried that the Taupo Drama Soc'tly affiliate with the New Zealand Drama Council, and apply for Mr Arnold Goodwin as Producer under the Producer Subsidy Ccneme. Sub&criptions: — It was decided that the annual subscription should be £1 1/-, which subscription sliould eniitle members to free admission to

all performances during the years and also entitled them to priority booking. Election of Officers: — The following officers were- elected: President, Colonel Barton. Vice-President, Miss Cohen. Secretary, Mr A. M. McKean. Treasurer, Mr H. R. Gibson. Stage Manager, Mr Fulford. Committee: — It was previously decided that the Committee should be four, plus the officers abovementioned. Eight were nominated and the following were successful, after a secret ballot, and declared elected: — Mrs Sherley, * Mrs Booth, Mrs Taylor, Mr C. Leslie. After the election it was moved and seconded that the Committee would have power to add to their number. Mr Swan was nominted for the position of President and Stage Manager, but declined nomination, pointing out that his time would be fully occupied organising all branches of the Memorial Hall Association's activities, but stated that he would give as much of his time and advice as was avaiiable to the Drama Society.

Honorary Producers: Mrs Sherley, Mrs Sutherland and Mr Swan offered their services as Honorary Producers. , The committee is to draw up rules and submit them to a general meeting to be hcld in Rickit's Hall at 8 p.m. on THURSDAY, SEPTBMBER 11th. It was also carried bhat the three act play should be Noel Coward's ^Blythe Spirit," an^ that the British Drama Gouncil be advised accordingly. Mr Swan suggested that the three one-act plays should be "The Old Lady Shows her Medals," "The Weltremembered (Voice,f and "The Maid." These one-act plays were outlined by him. The following gave their names in as members who desired to act: — !Mrs J . Birnie, Mrs Kennedy, Mr R. Beale, Miss J. Thompson, Miss D. Balmforth, Miss Cath Scott, Mr C. Leslie, Miss Yvonne Sharp, Mrs N. Sutherland, Mrs J. Dickson, Mrs Koa Sharp, Mrs Jean Dickson, Mr Hanton, Miss Cohen, Miss J. Fleming, IMrs K. Reid, Mrs Colbeck, Mr A. M. McKean, Mr Bill Rogers, Mr G. Fraser, Mrs A. Acres, Miss Land, Mrs J. Booth, Miss McClymont, Mrs G. Taylor, Mr H. R. Gibson, Mr Laurent, Mrs Sherley, Miss Joy Smith, Mrs J. Laughton, Mrs M. Knight, 'Mr Bert Sinclair, Mrs S. Kent. Foundation Financial Members: — The following gave their names as Foundation Financial Members: Miss K. O. Lewis, iMiss Wehringo, Colonel J. D. Swan, Miss Barlass, Mrs Christiansen, Mrs T. Price, Mrs W. H. Kent, Mrs Peart, Mrs J. D. Swan, Mr Kennedy, Mr G. A. Acres, Mr T. Price, Mrs J. Armstrong (also willing to help with any costuming etc,, and Mr J. Armstrong is willing to help with stage scenery etc.). FIRST COMMITTEE MEETING: The first Committee Meeting is to •be held at the home of Mrs M. Sherley, Lake Terrace Road, on Tuesday, September 9th., at 8 p.m. The meeting closed with a vote cf thanks to the Chairman and convenor of the meeting. Attention is drawn to a Meeting advertised elsewhere in this paper for Thursd&y, September 11th. at Rickit's Hall, at 8 p.m.