OPERATIC SOCIETY

Gisborne Times, Volume LX, Issue 9797, 6 May 1924, Page 4

OPERATIC SOCIETY

STRANGE RESULT OF COMMITTEE ELECTION.

MOST VALUED MEMBER NOT R E-E jl EOT E D.

ANNUAL MICEHSG

The first annual general neeting oi the newly-formed Gisbor: Amateur Operatic- Society .was i.eiu in Redstone’s Hall last evening, when Mr J. Nice], the chairman, presided over a small attendance.

Tlie annual report stated: “Yout committee have much pleasure in submitting to members the first annual report and balance-sheet-. The work produced during the first season was the ever-popular “Toreador” which proved an artistic as well as a financial success, due to the splendid loyalty of the performers, and the solid support of the public. The statement of receipts and expenditure shows a credit balance, and it- is the intention of your executive to create a reserve fund for the Society. The sum of £IOO has accordingly been placed in the Post Office Savings Bank. The splendid success of “The Toreador” produced by your society is the more gratifying when it is known that the same production failed with two other societies. The executive desires te thank all members who worked so zealously and loyally for the success of the production, and would extend the same thanks to the members of the orchestra, sceneshifters, staff, and other workers. The tragic note was the sudden death of Air- Harry Jones so soon after the finish of the season. Your executive have details for the 1924 season in hand to pass over to the incoming officials.”

The lepert and balance-sheet were confirmed.

Messrs V. D. Lysnar and K. S. \s idioms, . IT.'sP., and Ur Fred Hall were re-elected patrons of the Society for the ensuing year. Messrs. W. F. Cederwa 11, Vi . it. Barker F - H WaHis, H. Kenway. E. H. Mann aiiu C. Levvev, S.3L, tiie retiring vice-presidents, were re-elected. Mr J. S. Wauchop was re-elected pren- , dent, the chairman’s motion io that A effect being carried by acclamation. _\ir M. L. tester was re-appointed to the position of musical director, j-he chairman attributed much of the success of the recent- opera to the good work of Mr Foster, and the least they could do was to pass a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Fester. * This was carried unanimously. Mr A. Zachariah was re-appointed to the position of stage manager: Mr C. G. Bayliss was re-elected treasurer; Mr W. Samson was re-elected secretary; Mr P. Hockley, hon auditor; and Mrs M. L. Foster, hon. pianist. The appointment of the committee for the ensuing year was then proceeded \\ ith. Xine nominations were received for seven seats, and an election was necessary. The voting was as follows: C. Adair 17, I. MirfieTd 17. C. \. Earre 16, .J. Sinclair 15, IV. Bignell 12, IV. Mitchell 12, J. Chrisp 11, G. Broome 9, J. Xicol 9. The first seven were declared dulv elected. .Mr Bayliss: "I do not think it ! right that wo should let Mr Xicol slip i from the committee like this. He has done more work than any other com-mittee-man, ar.d lias been our mostvaluable member. It is most unfortunate that the voting has gone this "-a.y. 11 e owe Mr Xicol some reeog- , nit-ion lor his valuable services. I I move a vote of thanks to Mr Xicol. | for his work during the past year.” * Mr A. Zacharah: “Mr." Chairman, have you a copy of the rules here?” ! The Chairman: “Xo.” i Mr Zachariah : “Does any memlier here know the rules? Can't this • committee add to their number if i necessary. 1 think Mr Xicol should go on. There has been a bit of byplay, and our most useful member has been put off.'’ Mr Mitchell: “I’ll resign to make room for Mr Xicol.” ' - i Mr Xicol: “As chairman of this meeting, I can’t take your resignation, llr Mitchell. It.' would mean an election. I must accept the decision of the meeting. Several gentlemen who actually know the amount of work entailed in staging an opera have expressed appreciation of my services, and for that- I thank them. It is best to drop the matter. Is there any general business before 1 declare the meeting closed?” i No. reply was forthcoming, and the meeting was closed amidst murmurs of dissent at Mr Xicol not being returned to the committee. A meeting was then held of the new committee. Work for the coming year was discussed. Various suggestions were made for tlu. opera to b& staged this year. “Our Miss Gibbs” met with general approval, hut nothing definite was decided on. It was reported there is plenty of talent offering this year for the production, and it is expected that the season will he highly successful. f It was announced that Mr Mam- r laud Foster, the musical director, v.culd leave on a holiday tour shortn and would therefore be unable to iat--’ up his important work in the production. Mr Foster ’'s to pay a visit J America, leaving hero about the middle of July, and he will not return until about October. The committee expressed regret in hearing that Mr ioste* would not bo ablo again to undc .' take personal supervision of the mu *- cal portion of the prodution.