OPERATIC SOCIETY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 114, 12 April 1940, Page 8

OPERATIC SOCIETY

ANNUAL MEETING. There was a. fair attendance at the annual general meeting of the Palmerston North Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society on Wednesday, Mr J. A. Nash (president) occupying the chair. Prior to entering upon the business, tlie meeting passed a motion of sympathy with the widow and family oj the late Mr C. D. Fraser, who had been the society’s lion, auditor, placing on record appreciation of his serTlie financial statement presented by the treasurer (Mr A. Vernon) showed an excess of expenditure over income to the extent of £lO5 8s lid. Cash at the bank totalled £lls 13s 2d, bringing, with interest, the assets up to £llß 12s 2d. . , . Mr Nash referred to the society s misfortune in the death of Airs xiPalmer, who had in the past been a great help as an ardent worker, particularly as wardrobe mistress. A meeting had been attended m Wellington in connection with the proposed federation of societies, the chairman proceeded. Consideration had been given to the production of a revue by the society, but on the recommendation of the■ musical director (Mr C. L. Mowlem) it had been decided not to proceed with the project. At the first two rehearsals for an opera there had been good attendances, but- later Air Alowlem found that, though the ladies kept up their attendances excellently, there were insufficient men for the cast, requiring the abandonment of the opera. Subsequently endeavours were made to produce “Florodora, but a producer could not be obtained tor some time. When it was likely that Air Harison Cook would be available production had to be dropped because of poor attendances. The war had since intervened, and it was for the meeting to decide whether to produce an entertainment lor war purposes or go into recess. The society would have to be certain that anything attempted would be completed. Officers elected are: —Patron, the Alayor (Air A. E. Alansford); president, Air Nash; vice-presidents, Alessrs D. AI. Alitchell, T. Al. N. Dodgers, L. Wood, A. It AlcKegg, G. P. Clapcott and Alowlem; committee, Alessrs C. AtcGrath, F. Cousins, L. Paddv, H. E. Bennett, V. Contour, Alien P. AlcKain, Aliss N. Brackenridge, and one to be elected; secretary, Air F. G. Alurphy; treasurer, Air Vernon; lion, auditor, Mr T. K. Fraser; lion, musical director, Mr Alowlem; lion, pianist. Airs Al. Clift; lion, wardrobe mistress, Airs F. G. Alurphy; lion, wardrobe master, Air McGrath. High tributes were paid by Air Nash to the services rendered in their respective spheres by Alessrs Alowlem, Vernon and Alurphy, who were accorded votes of thanks.

A motion of which lie had given notice was moved by Air Cousins to the effect that in future nominations for officers be received seven clear days before the annual meeting in writing. The motion was carried. FUTURE PRODUCTION. Air AYood suggested that an endeavour be made to again produce “The Belle of New Ytyk," the proceeds to be devoted to patriotic purposes. A good orchestra was available and, if there was a shortage of men’s voices, more women singers could be employed. Air Wood moved that it be a recommendation to the committee that the production be attempted, Air Contour moving an amendment that “The Chocolate Soldier” be produced. Air Cousins suggested that the society follow the example 6et in the Great War, when musical comedy excerpts were staged in conjunction with other organisations. A suggestion that the production “Sunny” be attempted was made by Air Alurphy, who said it was intended to produce it at Dunedin. Air Alowlem said lie was willing to be made the “culprit” for the decision not to proceed with productions last year. When a play was produced at the Opera House' it should be as near perfect as possible, as an obligation to the public who paid to witness the performance. It had been quite impossible to produce “Florodora” because of the noor attendances at rehearsals. He was quite willing to do all he could to help the society, but the production must have a reasonable chance of success. He had no use for slipshod methods ir. connection with any production for presentation at the Opera House. Airs H. Cameron expressed agreement with Air Alowlcm’s contention. Air Contour withdrew his amendment and Airs Murphy moved that the committee be recommended that “Sunny” be produced in the first week of August. Air AVood’s motion was withdrawn, Airs Alurpny’s amendment being carried with a few dissentient voices.

Mr Rodgers reported that arrangements had been in ’•rain to form a federation of societies, but the provisional executive had recommended that in the meantime the constitution remain in abeyance. Among the objects was the arranging of better terms for scores and the avoidance of clashing of dates. By an overwhelming majority it was decided that no straight play be produced thi6 year. A letter of. appreciation is to be forwarded to Mr T. K. Fraser for liis services.