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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 11, No. 5. April 28th, 1948

"The Modern Era"

"The Modern Era"

By 1914, the persistent Part 1 has been interred forever, and the Capping Book appears with its first art cover, a two-colour cover in fact. Extravaganza seems to be an established word for capping shows.

At the end of World War I, the formalized cover returns. A full-length show is presented in the Town Hall, "Der Tag" or "The Path of Progress," with a distinguished cast including the following:
Sgt.-Major Cheetah P. Martin Smith
Lord Liverpool A. J. Mazengarb
Japhetrow Wilson H. Miller

Now we come to the modern era. 1920 marked the first show held in the Opera House, with all the present accessories, orchestra, props, stage manager, business manager and the rest. This was called "The Dogs." featuring such well-known players as P. Martin-Smith. S. A. Wiren, and many others. This auspicious move was celebrated by another return to the art cover in colour.

Now, on to the thirties. "GG" in 1929. "Willum the Conk" in 1930. Of the early examples of the "modern" type of script, Redmond Phillips deserves mention. He wrote some excellent shows such as "Coax and Hoax" (1932) "Murder in the Common Room" (1934) and probably his best "Medea and Soda" (1932). The latter contains the song "Karitane Blues" which is still sometimes heard in Extrav, dressing rooms after the show. The Phillips shows were ably presented by people such as Dorothea Tossman, H. C. Middlebrook, A. H. Scotney and the late Kingi Tahiwi.

The late nineteen thirties produced another set of brilliant and prolific script writers—the Seven Pillars of Wisdom and Ron Meek. Of the Pillars' efforts the best are probably "Hell's Bells" 1936. "The Book of Bob" 1937 and "Adam in Wonderland" 1939, starring "The Voice." Mr. W. S. Austin.

Then come John Carrad's delightful variety shows with their inconsequential nonsense and their catchy songs. "Daze Bay Nights." "Port Nick Iniquity" and "The Dinkum Oil."

Last, but by no means least, the great series of Ron Meek shows commencing with "Brave New Zealand" in 1936, and reaching its highlight with "Peter in Blunderland" 1945 when the whole cast travelled to Palmerston for a two-night stand—but what nights they were!

Other outstanding shows were "Olympian Nights" 1938 and "Centennial Scandals" 1940. Script writters of the calibre of Ron Meek are difficult to find, but don't let this deter you from attempting a script. And always participate in this, the greatest social event of the College year.