AMATEUR OPERA

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 155, 27 March 1939, Page 8

AMATEUR OPERA

Dominion Organization Formed At a conference of amateur operatic societies, held in Wellington on Saturday, it was decided to form a federation to be known as the National Operatic and Dramatic Association of New Zealand. Twenty delegates were present, representing societies from Auckland to Christchurch. Favourable replies were received from societies unable to be represented. The amateur societies producing opera in New Zealand have lor many years been embarrassed by the expense of staging shows, the increased cost of hiring halls and the difficulty of obtaining scores, properties and costumes. This has led to some societies going into recess. Others are Struggling against adverse conditions aud have found it difficult to continue. Leaders in the art have for a long time been considering methods to improve conditions, aud recently Napier and Wellington enthusiasts submitted a scheme whereby, as the result of cooperation, gome of the 'difficulties might be overcome.

Mr. H. W. Dowling, Napier, one of the promoters, presided at the conference. He briefly outlined the objects of the movement, the disabilities under which societies bad laboured and the suggested means of overcoming difficulties. The questions discussed were royalties, lists of operas available, and all particulars concerning them, advance publicity, (distribution of literature dealing with staging, make-up, lists of producers aud their capabilities. It was decided to form the national association, with headquarters in Wellington. The following sub-committee was set up to make arrangements: Messrs. J. Harris (Napier), W. Jameson (Wellington), T. M. N. Rodgers (Palmerston North), R. J. Young (Masterloli), with Mr. G. D. Alexander (secretary, pro tern). The question of finance was discussed and the proposal to have a levy on active members aud a fee of £2/2/- was favoured.

The conference was continued tn the evening, w lien proposals about insurance, a'dvertising costs, sale of programmes, ushers and other officials, amusement tax, and membership were approved.