ARTS AND CRAFTS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXI, Issue 303, 7 December 1931, Page 4

ARTS AND CRAFTS

THE NAPIER SOCIETY. WORK OF THE PAST YEAR. The activities of the Napier Society of Arts and Crafts during the past year is set out in the following annual report:— “The records of the society were destroyed by fire on February 3, and unfortunately the society’s collection of pictures housed in Mr A. B. Hurst’s building, were also burned. This represents a loss of nearly £250. Two of the artists represented, Messrs Nugent Welch and Roland Hipkins have, however, generously offered to replace their pictures which were lost. "A meeting of the council was held on May 20, when a discussion took place as to the society’s future activities. Members of the council wore unanimous in the opinion that the work of the society should be carried on as fur as possible, and that there was scope at the present time. The council realised how seriously many members have suffered as a result of the earthquake and desires to extend to them its sincere sympathy. “The council is anxious to retain as members all those who are at present on the roll, and the matter of subscriptions was discussed. It was resolved: ‘That the rates of subscription of the society be the same as previously, but that for the next year (1831-32) payment of subscription be optional and that all present members shall bo retained on the society’s roll irrespective of payment.’ “It is hoped that those members who feel able to do so will pay their subscriptions to the secretary as usual, and so assist the society, but all those on the roll will remain members whether it is paid or not. “The society has a balance of £lO2 2s 5d in the Post Office Savings Bank and £34 Ils 6d in the Commercial Bank of Australia, Ltd. Included in the latter amount is a sum of £lO 10s received as a donation from the Auckland Society of Arts towards the loss suffered in the earthquake. Owing to the complete destruction of our books, referred to above, it is not possible to furnish a detailed balance sheet or statement of accounts, “A committee from the council was appointed to confer with the local branch of the Institute of Architects, with a view to obtaining some cohesion of design in the rebuilding of the business area of Napier, and as a result of a meeting with the Napier members of the institute a committee from the society was appointed to confer with the architects whenever called upon. “It has not been considered necessary to summon an annual general meeting this year and it is proposed, if members are agreeable to allow the present officers to continue in office However, should members consider it desirable a meeting will be called and in any event one will be held should any matters of importance arise. The council has in view the holding of an

exhibition in the early part of 1932. They feel that in spite of the severe losses suffered by the district and by the members individually every effort should be made to continue the society’s work.’*