Arts And Crafts Society Formed In Levin

Chronicle (Levin), 1 June 1949, Page 4

Arts And Crafts Society Formed In Levin

Thirty Levin citizens last night. formed the nucleus of an arts, and crafts society for the town and district. The. meeting was held in the Horowhenua College library, Dr. S. J. Thompson being the convener and Mr. D. P. Todd recording the first minutes. After all aspects of the question were discussed, it was unanimously decided that a club of the nature suggested was warranted in the' town and a, provisional committee was set up to go into the details of future plans, and 'draw up a constitution and rules for consideration by the next meeting. . The meeting . was originally advertised as one to consider the formation of a fine arts society, but it was considered by the meeting that the sphere of such a club would be too large and would possibly conflict with other separate organisations un'der that classification, such as the music club, film society and little theatre society, whereas all that would be necessary at the moment would be a society to fill in the gaps between. Dr. Thompson, in opening the meeting, expressed p.easure .at such a mrge autendance and mentioned that he had received apologies from a large number of others who had not been able to attend that night. The meeting had been sponsored by the Levin Rotary Club, which feit i-nat there was -a need in the town for a society of fine arts, and aiso that it should be centred around the college- so that the younger generation could benefit I lrom the exhibitions • staged from time to time. The scope of the society comd be very broad and 1 cater for each taste. He suggested that two disp-ays of pamtings couxd be arranged for this year and, perhaps, displays by iwo local artists. He understood that there was also a dispiay of Canadian art available and others courd be arranged. Historical plays comd a so be enacted taking various periods of history fncorporating perhaps costume dances.

The scope could be as wide as members desired, continued Dr. Thompson. For their subscriptions memoers would get a great deal more out of .the society than they put into it, and also the satisfacoion of knowing that they would be benefiting the younger generation. Musical evenings, displays oi photography and many other suggestions for accivities were also made by the speaker. He said that he would a:so like to see many country members and, perhaps, in time other neighbouring towns would join in. He emphasised, however, that the formation of the society did not mean that there was an intention of taking over other groups who were doing very wei., but merely working in with them. During the discussion which followed, Mr. H. B. Tomlinson expressed the opinion that such a movement would have to be supported by the townspeople rather than the college. The future depended on the interest that could be stimulated.

Mr. H. B. Burdekin said he thought a community centre might be a better answer to the situation. . It would include an even greater , number of activities and would fulfil a useful object in the town. The fact that . the name was a little less I highbrow would make it more popular with the younger genera- ; tion than sa.y a fine arts society, and yei, it cou 'd incorporate all that. He quoted an instance where another country town had . been successful in the formation of a centre of that nature. Mr. J. Todd said that Mr. Burdekin had put into words an idea which had been simmering in his mind during the evening. , He thought that a fine arts society might be double-banking on other groups. A combined society providing for all acti vines would probably be the best for all.

Before a community centre couM be started it must have a centre and from his experience such centres. of activity did not flourish in a school building, said Mr. N. A. Byrne. It would a'so require a full time organiser. She thought that' the meeting should go to the other extreme and form an arts and crafts society only, said Mrs. C. Ralhbone. The society could then borrow exhibitions of pictures from all over New Zealand. Mrs. Rathbone aiso suggested that pictures could be hired for a period. This system was in operation now in New Zealand and eventually a society cou'd buy the works of art and the hiring fee previously paid was deducted. Speaking to this, Rev. G. B. StoteBlandy said that it was the most fruitful suggestion. There seemed no chance of having a community centre at the moment, but when the time came he would be in favour of it. After further discussion it was moved by Mr. Stote-Blandy and seconded by Mrs. Rathbone That Ihe meeting form an arts and crafts society. Speaking to the motion, Mr. Byrne said h'e thought that- it would certainly fill the greatest need. In any case, nothing could prevent the society from doing what a Wellington society had done and that was holding afternoons , of music in the galleries .and extending invitations to oth'ef appr'opriate societies to assist. The -motion was accordingly passed and the following committee set up to draft the new society's rules and constitution: Mesdames S. J. Thompson, N. A. Byrne and H. Hall and Messrs M. R. Smith, J. Todd, H. B. Tomlinson, Rev. G. B. Stote-Blandy and D^. S. J, Thompson. ' 1 '