Sir, - We must be heartily grateful, in these days of anxiety, to any man who can lighten our troubles -- who can make us temporarily forget our difficulties in the relaxation of pure amusement. "With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come;" and no Australian writer has provoked more abundant mirth than the veteran humourist, Steele Rudd. The Fellowship of Australian Writers gives us all an opportunity to acknowledge practically our goodwill to our cheerful friend. This month it presents, as a testimonial to Steele Rudd, a performance of five brief Australian plays, written respectively by Vance Palmer, Louis Esson, Basil Garstang, Carrie Tennant, and Nora McAuliffe. His Excellency, Sir Philip Game, and Lady Game, recognise the significance of the occasion, and extend their patronage. It Is to be hoped that all who desire to recognise the worth of Steele Rudd will make an attempt to be present on August 21 and 22, especially as, in view of the financial stress, the prices of admission are only two shillings and one shilling. The tickets may be obtained at Paling's, where seats may be booked. Let us encourage the fellowship in its good work by turning up to demonstrate our appreciation of the author of "On Our Selection."
I am, etc.,
J. LE GAY BRERETON.
First published in The Sydney Morning Herald, 4 August 1931
[Thanks to the National Library of Australia's newspaper digitisation project for this piece.]
