OPERATIC SOCIETY.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 December 1915, Page 6

OPERATIC SOCIETY.

PROFIT FROM " THE MIKADO." £2O FOR WOUNDED SOLDIERS; The following report on the financial results of the recent performances of ''The Mikado" by the New Plymouth Operatic Society was drawn up by the committee yesterday: "In presenting the balance sheet for 'The Mikado,' which was the New Plymouth Operatic Society's special effort to assist the patirotic funds, the committee wish to express their very sincere appreciation for the free services rendered by the orchestra stage manager, conductor and secretary, together with the loyal support and co-operation of all the society members. Before definitely deciding to stage 'The Mikado,' the committee very fully considered the position from all sides, and after .being assured that expenses would be reduced to a minimum, firstly by utilising the society's old scenery, and thus saving about £IOO, and secondly by the orchestra, stage manager, conductor and secretary giving their services free, the committee felt assured that the patriotic funds would be considerably augmented by their efforts. That this conclusion ivas a reasonable one, and that the committee's action was justified can be gathered from the figures taken as a | guide. 'The Country Girl,' when staged in 1913. received the support of the public to the extent of .£97 9s 6d for season tickets and £341 5s lid at the box .office and doors, and the net profit was over £230, including scenery. For 'San Toy,-' which was staged in i 914, the sale of season tickets amounted to £46 3s and box office and doors £253 8s 6d. It must he borne in mind that even apart from these figures the committee was reiving on the patriotic spirit of the public in general, but this was not forthcoming. That nobody can bo blamed but the public themselves is clearly evidencedbv the fact that for three productions in New Plymouth only the meagre total of £l7l 10s fld was taken. Naturally the committee feel very disappointed at the very poor response for the patriotic ■funds, but our efforts were wholehearted."

The statement of receipts and expenditure shows that the receipts amounted to £ISQ 10s 3d. and the expenditure to £169 4s Id. leaving a balance of £-20 10s 2d for the Wounded Soldiers' Fund.