DRAMA LEAGUE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 April 1938, Page 10

DRAMA LEAGUE

ACTIVITIES IN WAIRARAPA. NORTH ISLAND FESTIVAL GIVEN TO MASTERTON. A general meeting of those interested in Drama League activities was held last night. The Mayor, Mr T. Jordan, presided. Those present included not only representatives of affiliated clubs but of other drama and play-reading circles as well. A report on the N.Z. Council meeting held in Wellington last Saturday was given by Mrs Cleghorn, Miss O. R. Sutherland and Mr V. Joseph. Referring to the question of royalties, Mrs Cleghorn outlined the position as it stood at the present time. A firm of Dunedin solicitors, acting for Messrs Samuel French and Co., were claiming royalties on all play-readings, 7/6 for one-act plays and one guinea for three-act plays. It was realised that these claims would result in many of the smaller play-reading groups being placed in a very serious position. The New Zealand Council, it was stated, was instructing a London firm of solicitors to interview the principals. It was hoped that concessions would be secured for all clubs affiliated with the British Drama League if that were done, it would enable clubs to carry on. All groups in the Wairarapa interested in this matter are being asked for a donation of 5/- to defray the legal expenses involved. A financial statement was presented by Mr Joseph. It was decided to make a donation of £lO from the local area to the headquarters fund. On the motion of Mr C. C. Marsack it was agreed to make the Wairarapa area an incorporated society. jt was announced that the final festival for this year would be held at Hastings at the end of October. One South Island elimination festival would be held in Dunedin and the New Zealand Council was asking the Wairarapa area to hold the North Island festival in Masterton in the second week in October. On the motion of Mr J. A. Kennedy it was agreed to accede to the latter request and the meeting expressed considerable pleasure and enthusiasm at the prospects of having a festival of this nature in Masterton. The dates of the Wairarapa area festival are July 20 and 21.