COMPETITIONS SOCIETY

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28370, 31 August 1957, Page 4

COMPETITIONS SOCIETY

Concern At Lack Of Finance

The biggest problem facing the Christchurch Competitions Society was the raising of finance, said the society's president (Mr B. L. Win) at a meeting of the executive committee. The society had still "a long way to go” before it was in a satisfactory financial position, he said. There would also have to be a vigorous drive for membership to strengthen the society’s position. Among suggestions considered by the committee for raising funds were an approach to business houses for donations, an approach to the Civic Music Council for a grant, the sale of recording rights at the society’s 1958 festival, the staging of a radio show on one night at the festival, circular letters to musical bodies and dancing associations seeking membership and donations, and functions which might be held by the society’s ladies’ auxiliary, including raffles, fancy dress parades, and sales of produce. Prize Money

The possibility of business firms sponsoring the prize money 1 for festival classes, as is done in other centres, was also considered. It was decided that in the meantime a circular letter and membership forms would be sent to musical bodies and teachers of music and dancing seeking financial support and increased membership. The secretary -(Mr M. G. Teague) reported that efforts were being made to hire halls at reduced rentals for the 1958 festival, to be held from May 13 to May 17, in order to help the society re-establish itself financially. Charles Begg and Company, Ltd., had agreed to hire its concert hall for that week at a rental of £l2 12s, instead of the usual charge of £lB 18s. It was hoped that the Christchurch City Council might fix a similar reduced rental for the Civic Theatre, said Mr Teague. Reports from the competitions sub-committee were received. Although it was recommended that there be some merging of classes in some sections, it would still be possible to run a complete dancing syllabus if required, the subcommittee said.

The sub-committee is also to consider a suggestion that one night’s programme of the 1958 festival be devoted to classical vocal and instrumental music only.