SOCIETY OF ARTS.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17631, 7 December 1922, Page 3

SOCIETY OF ARTS.

~. ■'/ — : » — : ANNUAL REPORT. The annual meeting of members 'of tho Canterbury Society of Arts will be held on Tuesday, December 19th. TJie f olio-wing report will' be submitted:— The annual exhibition was held during March and April, and the works exhibited showed marked improvement, j especially among the younger artists. The Council docided, that on- account of the large number of pictures sent in for exhibition, it was necessary to use the permanent gallery, as well as the exhibition' room. The permanent pictures were, taken down and stored s in r tho small room. The result * roved a great success, and was commented on very favourably by those who visited the exhibition. The sales were more satisfactory than those of last year, and, considering the financial position of the country r were very good. The attendance. was extremely satisfactory. Owing to tho Government enforcing the amusement tax on admissions of Is and upwards, the Council decided to reduce the amount to: a very satisfactory result. More than twice the number paid for admission as compared with last year. The lettings for the year were below last year, but were very satisfactory. During the year a bequest of £SOO was received from the estate of the late, Mr H. L. Bowker. J This money has been set aside for a nucleus of a building fund, and is deposited at call. The Council was pleased to be able to report that they were fortunate enough to be able to pay off £SOO of the debenture money, making £IOSO paid off in three years. It is hoped that the remaining £SOO will be paid off next year. Dr. W. Irving had been made a life member in recognition of'his gift of a painting by the -late John Gibb. The Council recorded with regret the death of Mr James Balfour, one of the .oldest working members of the Society. In accordance with the articles of association the . following officers retired:— President, Dr. G.M. L. Lester,- vicepresidents, Messrs E. C. Hme and N. L Macbeth; Council, Messrs A. E. Baxter B Bell, W. Menzies Gibb, and S. E. McCarthy; hon. treasurer, W. J. j Moore; hon. auditor, H. Bicknell. All were eligible, if nominated, for reelection Nominations for officers will close at the Art Gallery at 4 p.m. on Tuesdav, December 12th. Tho statement of receipts and expenditure shows a balance of £2lO 18s 6d. ■