MASTERTON AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCIETY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5014, 1 May 1895, Page 3

MASTERTON AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCIETY.

ANNUAL REPORT. The first annual report of the above Society, adopted at the meeting, as reported in another column, reads as follows: ' " Committee beg to submittheir first report, in doinq so they have pleasure in presenting one which they consider fairly satisfactory for a first year's proceedings. The Society was formed o*j Hay 3rd, 180-1, and the first practice took place on sth June, the number of

performing members enrolled was 20 ladies and 19 gentlemen, Your Committee decided to produce the opera of tire Sorcerer, and after 32 practices it was performed on the 22nd and 23rd Iwrerabcr, and passed off successfully,' The attendance of members at practico was on the whole good, Mr George Gray was appointed conductor, he was supported by 13 instruments, and he deserves special mention for the care and attention ho displayed in the onerous

position of conductor of ayoung Society, fcfcc result of Ms labour was shown by jFXk performances given. Credit is also . due to Mr Wm, Simms who filled the position of stage manager and director, Iris knowledge of the work rcpircd, and general direction were much appreciated by the members. Taking it altogether, your Committee are satisfied that the Society is quite capable of producing other operas in a most satisfactory manner, and that they belieyc, with an increased number of active members and capable management, the second season will show even better results. The balance sheet herewith attached, shows the Society just about made the receipts cover the expenditure, but your Committee consider they erred in judgment, by not giving another representation of the opera, which would undoubtedly have been successful, and would have relieved the Society of any anxiety as to its financial position. Yov: • Committee cannot close this report, without bearing testimony to the indefatigable labours of your Hon. Secretary, Mr E.A. Davys j they consider the success of the Society is, in a great measure, due to his efforts and zenlous attention to the duties of his office, The balance-shoot for the past year shows the Society's total refceipts to hare been £92185, and the expenditure £92.5s sd. Thoproceeds of the. performances given totalled £63 Ms 6d, books of the opera sold fetching £2 2s, and the mile of programmes realizing £lßs 6d.