OPERATIC SOCIETY

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19884, 13 May 1936, Page 8

OPERATIC SOCIETY

DESIRE TO REVIVE.

GENERAL MEETING AT HAMILTO.\IL'C.II ENTHUSIASM SHO‘NX, A meeting or members and others interested in the Hamilton Operatic Society \\‘ll.~' held in Tnot'ak Chambers last night. .\lmul 2:) were present. Ind much enthusiasm was displayed. The president. Mr .\. i-Z. Sandrord. explained that through a combination of rireumstunves the society was in debt to the mlont or about £2OO. Despite this ho would be sorry to see it cease to tum-lion. for it had played a llislint-t. [l.qu in the tire of the community. and he lwlir‘u‘d that with the loyal ru—npnmli. n of members and the support ur the townspeople it would rmzain its uid p‘Tllld position. It had had lips ”"11 du‘VnS in previous years. and ”lose Ilml been surmounted. and there was no reas‘on why the present difficulties should not he removed. He was partir‘ulnrly anxious that the debt should be wiped out. Success in anything was always due to enthustssm and intense loyalty. The last production had been economically run. end the debts had been honestly incurred. but untortunately public support he not been forthcoming. An Open Society was required in the town. s d was worthy of support. He suggested that perhaps it might be wise to let the present society lie dormant for I while. and form a new organisation. not incorporated, which would mu money. by means of an operatic production or otherwise. to liqutdete the debts. He thought that. such a movement would have the sympathy and support of residents. He welcomed suggestions. Desire to Carry On.

A general discussion followed. in which the feeling was strongly ssunst letting the society cease to function. members expressing the conviction that if something light and popular in the way 0! a musical comedy was produced it would receive public support. Mr H. Piper suggested “No. No. Nanette." as a suitable production: he thought. it would be available at very reasonable royalties.

Messrs “1 Powell. 1". Catalan and R. Powell spoke in favour of continuing the society it It. could possibly be financed. It would be a great pity It a society that had gained a reputution throughout New Zealand for the oxcellence of Its productions was allowed to die.

in response to a question. the secretary. Mr C. Shakeshait. explained the flnanrial position. Mr J. Bateson said thesociety had. in the past. got over greater obstacles than the one facing it now. The opposition of the taikies and other attractions had been: met in' other towns: why not in Hamilton? In England there had been a great revival In amateur operatic societies. Dlecovery of New Tllont. Mr G. Kingston and Mr J. Reidy said there was treat need. in the aotivitiel of the society. to endeavour to find new talent; there was plenty of it In the district. and it only wanted finding and developing. This might be acconmlished by holding social evenings periodically. when items could be given by members. Mr Bateson said that it was neces-‘ sary to get back into the society thou who had worked for its success in the past. and he moved that a committee be set up. with the object of approaching these and other supporters. in an endeavour to get, the society into or eration again. The committee will report to a general meeting very shortly. __

It was decided that the committee consist of Messrs A. E. Sandford. H. Piper. Leo. Fosker. J. Bateson and R. Powell.

.\lr Sandrnrd expressed pleasure at the enthusiasm shown and the tone of the discussion. and‘sald it wan obvious that everyone was eager to place the society. which had done such ex-

Jiéile'n't'Xx-ér‘k In the past. on ’a’ lou'ud footing. He was very hopeful of the result.

A meeting of the committee was held afterwards. and plans formulated {or getting In touch with the many people who are believed to be interested in the welfare or the society In Hamilton.