THE AMATEURS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 November 1938, Page 4

THE AMATEURS

ANNUAL MEETING HELD LAST NIGHT “GAY ROMANCE” SELECTED FOR NEXT SEASON. ENTIRELY NEW PRODUCTION. The annual meeting of the Masterton Amateur Theatrical Society was held in the A. and P. Rooms last evening. Mr R. J. Young presiding in the absence of the president, Mr H. P. Hugo, who sent an apology. “Considering all things,” said Mr Young, "we came out fairly well, although our takings for 'Cingalee' were down.” Mr Young stated that “Cingalee” required a lot of property, which cost money and today costs of everything were up considerably on what they were in other years. “Cingalee” was not known by many people, some of whom had a prejudice against it, which, however, the society was able to dispel very effectively by the performances it gave. The secretary was instructed to write to Mr Hugo expressing the society’s sympathy with him in his recent illness, congratulating him on his excellent recovery and expressing best wishes for his future good health. Mr Young said the society could ill afford to lose a man like Mr Hugo, whose splendid personality made it a pleasure to work with him. Mr Young said he hoped Mr Hugo would long be able to serve as president of the society. Officers were elected as follows: — Patron, Mr T. Jordan; president, Mr H. P. Hugo; vice-presidents, Mrs S. Burling, Messrs D. J. Cameron, D. Cameron, F. G. Maunsell, G. Shaw, 'J. Jameson, C. C. Marsack, J. Robertson, M.P., J. Ninnes; committee, Mrs Z. E. Patterson, Miss M. Cameron, Messrs V. Wilton, R. O. Shaw, J. Claridge, and A. S. McWhinnie; musical director, Mr R. J. Young; business manager, Mr R. Page; property master, Mr H. Byrn; house manager, Mr R. Page; auditor, Mr W. B. Yates; treasurer, Mr L. S. Nicol; secretary, Mr C. E. Rogers. It was suggested that if available, “Gay Romance” should be presented in June. Referring to the selection of “Gay Romance,” Mr Young said that the old operas, to make them palatable for the public today, had to be amended considerably. If the society put on “Gay Romance” there would be no kick of that kind coming from the public. It was an entirely new production, which had not yet been seen in New Zealand. If the music was as good as they thought it would be, he considered the society would be on the right track in presenting it, as it would be a real draw. Mr Rogers indicated the scope of the production, which he considered in every way most suitable for presentation by the society. A recommendation was made to the incoming committee that the season extend from Monday to Saturday only. The appointment of a producer was left to the incoming committee.