AUCKLAND SOCIETY OF ARTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 290, 6 December 1900, Page 3

AUCKLAND SOCIETY OF ARTS.

The annual meeting of the Auckland Society of Arts was held last evening in the Society's room, Palmerston Buildings, Mr E. W. Payton (President) in the chair. There was only a moderate attendance.

The annual report, read by the secretary (Mr S. Stuart) stated, inter alia,

"The membership now consists of f.l honorary and C 7 working- members, financially good upon the Society's books. Tiie annual competitions during the current year were not well supported as regards numbers of entries. The works sent in were submitted to the Council of the Canterbury Society of Arts, who, as last year, had kindly consented to make the awards, which they did in a most painstaking manner. The Society's silver medal for the best work in colour was awarded to Miss M. Waters, and the bronze medal for the second best to Miss A. Young. The silver medal for the best in monochrome was awarded to Miss A. Young, while of two bronze medals awarded, because the Canterbury Society's Council found two of the entries of equal merit, one fell to Miss Ethel B. Caulier, the other to Mr E. Spencer Macky. The 20th annual exhibition was held from October 17th to October 31st. The whole of the exhibits were paintings and drawings, there being none in photography or other branches of art that have made no inconsiderable proportion of former exhibitions. A special feature was made of a number of rough sketches from nature, which attracted much attention and added greatly to the general success. The committee wish to thank all those who provided and assisted with afternoon tea and refreshments during the exhibition. Although the date for holding the annual exhibition was placed in October, instead of November, as last year, in order to avoid possible Interruption by the Holding of concerts on the part of the Choral Society during- the exhibition, and this involved so much inclement weather, yet the nett proceeds of the exhibition this year, after deducting all expenses, show that the Society carries forward a credit balance, as usual, and is In an excellent financial position. On August 6th the committee had to give up the room in the Municipal Buildings, it being required by the City Council for municipal purposes. In its stead a room has been taken In the Palmerston Buildings (No. 36), where the Society's art library and other property is now In order, and keys can be obtained upon application by members to the secretary."

Balance-sheet—The annual balancesheet showed a credit balance of £198 2/6, or some £2 more' than that of last year. The exhibition admissions amounted to £53 14/.

On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr Gregory, the report and balancesheet was adopted.

Mr David Goldie referred to the mistake that had been made in connection with the award for the recent competitions. He detailed the history of the matter, and said he was of opinion that some explanation was due to the members. They should, in fairness to their competitors, take precautions that such a mistake did not occur again.

Mr Stuart said the matter was" a pure mistake, and he was quite prepared to take all the blame. He attached the medal to the name first on the list, which happened to be Miss Caulier. Everyone was busy at the time, and there was no opportunity of referring the matter to a committee. The report was furnished to the Press, but it appeared "hashed up." At the exhibition he and Mr Payton went round and saw that the works were correctly labelled.

Mr Payton explained that before writing the letter to the "Star" drawing attention to the fact that his pupil had been first in the competition in question, when in reality Mr Spencer Macky had been bracketed equal with his pupil, he consulted the Society's official catalogue. The whole affair was a pure error.

Mr Stuart explained that at the last committee meeting steps were taken to prevent such an occurrence in the future.

Mr Goldie then stated he was perfectly satisfied an(} the matter dropped.

When the election of officers was considered. Mr'Payton stated that he had been President for several years, and he would be pleased to welcome a successor. He would, however, leave it to the members.

Mr E. Earle Vaile suggested that they should elect a non-working member aa President. He would propose Mr A. E. Devore for the position.

Officers were elected for the ensuing year as follows:—Patrons, His Excellency the Governor and the Countess of Ranfurly; president, Mr Devore; vice-presi-dents, Messrs D. Goldie (Mayor of Auckland), H. Brett. W. Aitken, E. Withy, E. A. Mackechnie, J. H. Upton, T. H. Smith, and E. W. Payton, and the Rev. Dr. Purchas; committee, Messrs F. "Wright, E. Earle Vaile, Teedham, Trenwith, C. F. Goldie, E. W. Payton, and Pheney; treasurer, Mr E. Bartley; auditor, Mr J. O. Webster; secretary. Mr S. Stuart.