SOCIETY OF ARTS. PRESENTATION OF PRIZES. Auckland, May 9.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 367, 11 May 1889, Page 5

SOCIETY OF ARTS. PRESENTATION OF PRIZES. Auckl and, May 9.

This Society of Arts Exhibition at the Choral Half was well patronised last evening, when prizes won in the various competitions, as already enumerated in previous issues, were presented by the Presi- ; dent, Mr E. A. Mackechnie. The President opened tho proceedings by saying: It appears I am to have the pleasure this year, as last, of presenting the prizes to tho successful competitors. Everybody connected with art, or who takes an interest in it, must feel gratified in noting the progress rnado annually by our students and amateurs. The judges of these competition works are the leading artists here, and I can testify, if need be, to the trouble they take, and the time they devote, to the conscientious discharge of their important duties. But theie is no need for any such testimony, for atter the prizes are awarded the successful and unsuccessful works are hung on the walls, and the public can then judge for themselves. If they do so in a fair and impartial spirit, it will be conceded, I think, that the prizes have been awarded to tho most deserving or meritorious works in each class. That this is not always an easy matter to decide will readily be seen by an examination ot Miss Stoddart's study of a native tree, or her study of a head from life, with the fern study of Mr Robert Pneney, and the study of a head sent in by Miss Dora Meeson. Many of the works competing for Mrs Clarks special prize show also the difficulties the judges had to encountex-. But besides obtaining the opinion of competent artists on our students' works of the year (no small matter in itself) the prizes oflered have had the effectof drawing outand making known much of the artistic talent that is among us. Without referring to former exhibitions, I will direct your attention to the exhibits of Mr Robert Pheney. Among ! our students his name appears for the first ! time this year, and I think it will be allowed on the examination of his works that he gives fair promi&e of future excellence. The press has so fully described all the exhibits in each cla&s that I can add nothing to the particulars it has furnished. But I have dwelt a little on the good the Society is doing, for it cannot be too widely known and it may lead, and I hope will, to a more liberal support than it has as yet received. The President then proceeded to carry out the awards of the judges, making a few complimentary remarks to each of the recipients, who were loudly applauded on receiving their prizes. In referring to Miss Stewarts exhibits, he said that MiFrith, the English artist, would have had less cause to regret the gradual decline of miniature painting, owing to improvements in photography, could he have seen her beautifully coloured portrait. And in concluding, he expressed his sympathy with those who were not successful, reminding them that nothing was denied to steady industry, and hoping next year to see them successful and prize winners. This terminated the proceedings.