COMPETITIONS SOCIETY

Otago Witness, Issue 4029, 2 June 1931, Page 75

COMPETITIONS SOCIETY

ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the Dunedin Competitions Society was held on Thursday evening in Mr E. S. Wilson’s board room. The president (Mr J. C. H. Somerville) was chairman. CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS. In moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet, the chairman congratulated the executive on completing a successful year at the close of last season. The executive was greatly perturbed at the position the society found itself in. It was thought at the time that the society would have to close down, but after a great deal of discussion and thought a proposal was put'forward which i enabled the society to carry on. Their I decision had been rewarded, and instead j of finishing up the year with a deficit the executive managed to come through without any loss. This was due to the wholehearted support of the executive and friends, and cutting down expenses to a minimum. The executive, however, lacked ; the full support of teachers and of the public. When the value of the work done , by the society from an educational point : of view was considered, it. would rcsonably be hoped to secure the help of all sections of the community. Many of the leading artists had been competitors, and it was the only way in which pupils of the various teachers could be brought before the public and tried out. The society was not a money-making concern, but required money to carry out its functions. The society wanted more subscribers, more entries, better attendances, and more enthusiasm. The questions to be ; answered were: Was the society obtain- • ing the support of the teachers, firms, debating 6 ocieties. choirs, and the public? They had a right to expect it, and how could they invoke their interest in. the society? He felt sure that old competitors i and friends would be delighted to. assist by giving a concert to assist the society. The executive must make a personal endeavour to secure new subscribers, obtain additional entries, interview teachers, and show the advantages that accrue, through assisting the society, and also interview debating societies and choirs. Take the case of a competitor from the country visiting Dunedin. The only person known to them was the secretary. The conditions for country competitors could be improved by providing afternoon tea for all, even the teachers. The date of holding the competitions might be changed to the spring school vacations. There was every reason to face the future with confidence, even in these depressing times. The education of the young must not be neglected, and every endeavour should be made, and would be made, to carry On the good work of the society. The days were difficult, but difficulties were made to be overcome, and he had enough faith in the citizens of > Dunedin to believe that the splendid educative work of the society for the past 29 years would not fail, but would be enabled to carry on through these difficult times and emerge safely. This could only be achieved by the enthusiasm and team work of the executive, the wholehearted co-operation of teachers, competitors and the public. Mr E. C. Reynolds said that all things considered, the society had every reason to be satisfied with the result of last year’s operations. There was every prospect of the society having another successful year. If they all put their shoulder to the wheel, the committee would be able to wipe out the present small deficit. 'With a little more support from the public the society would be placed on its feet. The committee -was not there for personal gain. The society w’as an educational institution, and it did valuable work. It gave children every opportunity to show their ability. Mr J. Rennie said that although the prospect which faced the society last year was not bright, it was very satisfactory for the committee to know that it had come out on the right side. The society served a good purpose, and there was every indication that it would have a successful season this year. Mr J. L. Salmond said that the society

did not suffer because of lack of entries, but it did suffer because of the lack of public support. The committee must cultivate the interest of the schools and the teachers and secure increased support from that direction. He hoped -that the interest would be stimulated and that the society would enjoy a successful year. Mr J. H. Walker said he was not going to sound an optimistic note, because they had to realise that they were working in face of a depression which had been brought about principally by the pessimistic reports which had been circulated. t ln regard to the work of the society, the public admitted that the festivals were carried out on good lines. The committee should make every endeavour to get the annual donations increased considerably. He thought there were many who were in a position to give who would, if approached, increase their donations. The competitions had been a success, and all the society wanted was the support of the public. If the society received that support, then it would prosper and show a balance at the end of the year. The committee was greatly indebted to Messrs John Fuller and Sons, through the medium of Mr J. Hamer, for the generosity shown in regard to the charge made for the use of His Majesty’s Theatre Mr E. J. Smith said that in these days of wireless and gramophones there was a danger of the young people becoming merely listeners and not performers. It would be a shame if children who were musical w’ere not encouraged to bring out their talents. He believed that the society should receive more support from school teachers, who. could do a great deal to assist the society. Messrs W. H. M’Kenzie, G. H. Elliffe. E. T. Moller, Miss Thomson, and Mrs E. T. Moller also congratulated the society on the past year’s operations. The following members of the committee were re-elected: —Messrs J. Rennie, W. H. M*Kenzie, J. L. Salmond, and JCT H. Somerville.