Extrav Plays in Napier for Childrens' Appeal

For the second time in the history of V.U.C., Extrav will go on tour. Last time it was in 1945 to Palmerston North for Patriotic funds. This time '48 Extrav will hit Napier to raise funds for the United Nations Childrens' Appeal.

A request was received from the Wanganui Amusement Trust for Extrav to go up there. A meeting was called and it was decided to go if the funds raised were given to U.N.C.A. The Wanganui people went into action—even to the extent of having their secretary interview Kerridge in Auckland about the rates for the theatre. You have probably read the reports in the papers about the extraordinary attitude taken up by this organization in so far as the hire rates of the theatre were concerned. So we did not go to Wanganui.

The Napier U.N.C.A. Committee apparently gets up early in the morning and reads the "Dominion" because on the day the report appeared these people rang Wellington.

A sub-committee, consisting of Huddy Williamson, Jean Melling and Jeff Stewart enlisted the aid of Stan Campbell (a well-known figure to the older students) who deserves our hearty thanks for the important part he has played in "jacking things up."

Some slight alterations to the script will have to be made to include some local (Napier) notorieties.

The Napier man with whom we have been dealing, Mr. Rhodes, is himself enthusiastic and assures us that Napier will welcome us.

Admittedly, Napier has never before encountered a V.U.C. Extrav invasion, but Palmerston was not noticeably upset—in fact we did have a repeat invitation.

We reprint a photo of Palmerston's Mayor (Gus Mansford) who, as you can see, really entered into the spirit of things.

Huddy will go up possibly this weekend to have a look at the stage, etc., at the Municipal Theatre. The props will go up on the Friday and the general convoy will leave early, very early, on the Saturday morning. The cast is enthusiastic and after a good run here is looking forward to capacity houses in the "Bay."

Dave Cohen, with Jean Melling as assistant, will be in charge of the trip except while the show is on the stage when, of course, Huddy Williamson is the boss.

On going to press we have no actual details of entertainment up there, but for those who are interested, representative rugby matches and the races will be on.

With Mr. Rhodes's assurance of the enthusiasm of his confreres and the keenness of the cast very evident we are confident that the trip will be a success and, just as important, that the U.N. Children's Appeal will benefit by our work.