THE MODERN STAGE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 163, 19 October 1910, Page 8

THE MODERN STAGE

A CLERGYMAN'S VIEWS. x Auckland. October 18. Preaching to a large congregation in Beresford Street Congregational ChurcV last evening the Rev. Henry Steel Craik said that the stage was now a fixed f»o----tor in modern civilisation. The problem was not that of abolishing it. but thai, of purifying it—a problem wholly in the hands of the public. The serious play-, wrights of to-day, he was glad to say, were out to make the theatre a factor in the education and uplifting of the people, and real problems were put be- 1 fore the public eye. "The Passing of the Third Floor Bade," now being presented in Auckland, was a serious play, seriously and sympathetically played. It was a source of great satisfaction to hint personally, and it must be to all those who had the public welfare at heart, to/ realise that two young New Zealanders came before the public, supported by an ; altogether excellent company, in a play of that type. Success in such a venture was somewhat problematical. Speaking as a mere layman, he thought that this particular company could most creditably produce a more popular kind of play, but the management was to be congratulated on putting before the public something that would cause them to think seriously; that would, if the public allowed it to do so, preach an eloquent sermon, and which would stir' men and women to the nobility of life. =====