ART IN AUCKLAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 214, 10 September 1928, Page 3

ART IN AUCKLAND.

EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN STANDARD. . CRITICISM OF POLICY. The fact that the consistent policy of the council of the Auckland Society of Arts to endeavour to maintain a fair standard of work resulted in quite a number of pictures having to be turned down when offered for display at the recent exhibition held at Dilworth Buildings, is commented upon in the report of the president of the society (Mr. A. S. Boyd), which is to be presented to the annual meeting on September 25. "This has caused a good deal of criticism," adds the report, "and some artists have resigned from the society. While this is to be regretted, members must understand that membership does not imply acceptance of work irrespective of merit. While there were very few outstanding pictures exhibited, the general standard was well up to that of recent years. The Blake pictures were a special feature and the thanks of the society are due to the Martin family for the loan of them. The matter of providing a permanent home for the society has been kept in view, and it is hoped •to be able to give members some information on this point at the meeting." Mr. Boyd further explains that interest in the sketch club has been well maintained ?nd the exhibition was a decided advance on any yet held. The report places on record appreciation of the services of Mr. W. Page Rowe, the founder and chairman of the club, who recently returned to England with his family. There liad been a loss on the year's working of £174, but this sum included £80 paid for rent for exhibition purposes, and for a room for the sketch club. There had been an increase in the property fund, which now stood at £9163. At the annual meeting it will be necessary to elect officers for the year, including four members of the council, I the retiring members being: Mrs. A. S. Boyd (president) and Messrs. A. J Brown, C. Trevithick and Gerald E. Jones: Dr. E. B. Gunson has been nominated for the position of president in the place of Mr. Boyd, who does not seek re-election.