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A Hand-Clap for "The Ship."

Dear "Smad,"

Miss Webber, in her criticism of "The Ship," supports the claims of comedy as against more serious dramatic effort. Apparently she believes that comedy would help to alleviate the atmosphere of depression which has engulfed us by making people laugh. Now, without denying, comedy its undoubted place in our lives I would suggest to Miss Webber that a far more worthy and a far more difficult objective to attain is to make people think. Of course it is possible we may laugh our way out of this disastrous depression—and doubtless find ourselves in exactly the same position when a similar catastrophe surprises the world once again. I submit, sir, that if people give more time to thinking and less to laughing a permanent solution to our problems might be a little nearer.

I do not, of course, suggest that "The Ship" offers a solution to our present difficulties; but it is undeniably a thought-provoking play. Here I again, perhaps, differ from Miss Webber in that I believe a University should lead, encourage and inspire the community in serious and progressive thought.

The fact that "The Ship" did not prove a great "draw" with the public is, probably, rather a compliment than the reverse—a reflection not on the play, but on those that stayed away—the best rarely draws a crowd. Low comedy would doubtless have produced bumper houses—so why not low comedy. Miss Webber?

Perhaps Miss Webber is thinking of the box-office receipts; but I wonder does she appreciate or even understand fully the significance of these words which, I trust, are no strangers to her—Sapietia magis auro desideranda.

Finally, Miss Webber ventures into actual dramatic criticism. Apart from the fact that she is here quite at. variance with the greatest recognised authorities on the drama in regard to suitability or choice of plays for amateur production. I should like to ask what claims Miss Webber has which justify her launching forth as dramatic critic. Is it her erudition, her wide knowledge of play-reading, experience as an actress, ability as producer, or—well, what it it?

I should suggest to Miss Webber that she might find much that would help her future criticisms in Pope's "Essay on Criticism," where, amongst other things, she may read:

"In Poets as true genius is but rare,"

True taste as seldom is the Critic's share."

Sir. I should like to congratulate the Dramatic Club on its production of "The Ship," for which, with this isolated exception, I have heard nothing but praise and appreciation.