OPERATIC SOCIETY

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 114, 10 April 1930, Page 2

OPERATIC SOCIETY

ANNUAL REPORT. The anhual feport of the president (Mr B. J. Jacobs) of the Palmerston North Amateur Operatic Society states:— Bet me preface my comments upon the year s activities by making a general statement th t the report is the most' gratifying and satisfactory one that it has been my privilege to place before' the society for a number of years past. In so doing I am not merely referring to the. satisfactory financial result of the society’s efforts (which by the way I will leave to the hon. treasurer to deal with), but what I do want to emphasise are two most important and salient features of the year that in my humble opinion dominate any review of the activities ot the society during the period we are considering. . , “First, is the fact that we were seriously threatened with the possibility of being unable to enter upon an operatic production for lack of the active support of performing members. However, a special effort was made by the committee and the result of this effort was to say the least most remarkable. During my long association with the society I cannot remember ever having in any one season the active assistance of a moro enthusiastic company —a more regular and attentive band of active members, or indeed a company who acquitted themselves better than did the society of “High Jinks,” as this year will be called in our history. Both men and women (or should I say boys and girls) proved beyond doubt that _the future of our amateurs is indeed bright. Each individual worked well and hard in order to co-ordinate into an excellent production. More than that I cannot say except to hope that those promising artists of, Hie future will be available for the 'society again. , . “Second, the 1929-1930 season marks the first of tho years (Which I hope will bo the forerunner of many more to. come) during which we have been able in sp te of definite intentions to present to the public a dramatic work. I will not say very much about that. I could not, however, pass it without tho. comment that the effort of the society in the delightful comedy, “Como Out of tho Kitchen,” not only called for the highest compliments to those who comprised the cast, but I venture to say caused a pleasant surprise to those who witnescsd tho performance. SATISFACTORY CREDIT BALANCE. “Financially tho year ended with a very satisfactory (though not large) credit balance which materially helped to offset the losses of recent years. For this to a largo extent we have to thank tho loyal patronage of our honorary members who. continue to assist us. Tho profit mentioned, howover; was entirely due to the financial success of the operatic production, there being actually a loss on the dramatic performance. However, with tho asset of throe chamber settings for our future efforts in drama, it. can confidently bo hoped that this loss will quickly be changed into-a profit from this avenuo of our activities. Tho popular comedy, “A Pair of Silk Stockings,” is now in. active rehearsal and will be produced in tho near future when most probably the expressed hope will be realised. The question of operatic production in tho coming season cannot bo decided at present as this naturally depends upon the naturo and extent of active support that will be available to tho society. Here, again, .however the augury of tho past year is indeed a happy omen and I confidently foretell a' brilliant production outshining all its predecessors. r “As is usual in societies similar to this one our thanks are due and are extended to all those who helped us ■ (ajid they are many). For that reason if any are omitted I ask pardon. Fjirst and foremost in this category comes our vice-president and hon. conductor, Mr A. J. Graham, who in the midst of his numerous activities and duties gave so much of his valuable time and to such good purpose as. to achieve the signal success ho did in “High Jinks.” Our debt to him grows annually and can never be adequately discharged. Then we were indeed fortunate to enjoy tho assistance of two excellent orchestras (one under Mr Greening) for the two productions, the individual members in an honorary capacity giving of'their best in talent iand time. To the many gentlemen and ladies who helped us on and off the stage; too, wo expross our sincere thanks. I think I am justified in saying that never before have the members of the committee co-operatcd in every effort as they did this year to cause a minimum amount of anxiety and ending in such an harmonious result. I feel it is not fair to mention specially any of them, but Mrs Palmer in charge of the dresses and dressing; Mr Cousins in charge of the stage and scenery effects (both construction and setting) and Mr Con McGrath in charge of the general properties are worthy of the society’s best appreciation. Last but not least by any means comes the merry band of girls ana boys wlio are the backDono of the society. They Helped more than anybody or anything by their keenness. and good spirits; by their enthusiastic attention, and finally by the trouble and expense they cheerfully went to to . ensure a pretty and successful production.' “Miss Beryl Pringle again filled the position of lion, secretary most efficiently. We are fortunate to Have her services available to us as she understands all the tecnnicahiiei and the many details of stage production. I feel that an expression ot 6incore appreciation to her of her excellent seiv.ces to the society form a fitting close to a report of one Of the best years we have ever enjoyed during, my 18 .years’ connection with the society.”