Amateur Operatic Society

Manawatu Times, Volume LIX, Issue 7471, 23 May 1934, Page 8

Amateur Operatic Society

ENTHUSIASTIC ANNUAL MEETING

LIFE MEMBERS ELECTED There was a large attendance of members at the annual meeting of tho Palmerston North Amateur Operatic Society' which was held in the Opera House last evening. Mr. J. P. MeDavit t was in the chair. Annual Report The report submitted by the retiring president (Mr. B. J. Jacobs) was as follows: “It is of course, natural that the major portion of the annual report of such a society as ours should deal with the work of the year which is its primary object, namely, its production of musical and dramatic works. On the dramatic side of the society we undertook the presentation of “The Best People.” A very even and well selected cast under the able direction of Mr. F. A. Cousins as producer and stage manager, achieved another notable success in the history of the society. There is a large quantity of undoubted talent available from our members and with the large field for selection of production, not only can this be developed but tho popularity of the society will be much enhanced with our public which will be reflected in our. membership. The society’s thanks are indeed duo to Mr. Cousins for his continued interest in this direction and it is to be hoped his services will again be available to the society during the next year. We offer him too, our congratulations on the success achieved and thank all those who assisted him.

“On the operatic, side, (ho production chosen was “A Country Girl.” While it is considered that the presentation of the opera was well up to the standard of previous efforts, it must be admitted that financially, it was a disappointment. Possibly, the economic conditions affected the takings—possibly, the fact that, wc had undertaken this opera before had some effect. To the persone! of the society can, in no way, be attributed the result for we can I feel sure, say that at. no stage of our history has it been better. 'flic selection of production is, however, very limited owing to so many operas being withdrawn from the list of those available. In addition to this, the cost of producing a musical work is still as high as ever. The first considerations for your new committee will be to take all these elements into consideration when deciding upon its operatic production in the new year. Nevertheless, most excellent results were achieved from the point of 'lew of our being an operatic society which is our chief aim. Unfortunately, the preservation of our now diminishing funds has to be considered. The numbers of those who helped in the production itself were large and while it is sometimes invidious to pick special ones out I think when paying thanks to all of them, some special mention should be me.de of Mrs. Palmer, Mr. Cousins and Mr. McGrath. Mrs. Hansel, in the joint, position of secretary and treasurer, has proved her sterling worth to the society. All requirements of the two position were carefully and cheerfully attended to. It is indeed a loss to the society that she finds herself unable to accept cither of the positions again this year. No thanks could be too great to extend to Mrs. Hansel for her excellent services. Our thanks are due, too, to Mr. E. Grant Sim for his continued services as lion, auditor, to the members of the orchestra who helped us, to Mr. Mcl.eod and the Opera House staff who extended so many courtesies, and to all those ladies and gentlemen and business firms who contributed so much to our productions.

“Lastly and specially, wc should express to Mr. A. ,T. Graham end Airs. Clift our deep thanks for the time and patience expended bv them in our operatic selection; to Mr. Graham undoubtedly belongs all the credit of the continued and regular activities of the society, white in Mrs. Clift he has an enthusiastic and capable first assistant. “I offer my personal thanks to the members of the society for their assistance in the control of the, society’s affairs. In this regard it is with regret that we have to record the death

of Mr. Freeman, an indefatigable worker for years on your committee." Election of Officers Patron: Mr. C. Louisson. President: Mr. A. J. Graham. Yivc-prcsidculs: Mrs. It. Palmer, Messrs. J. P. McDavitt, C. McGrath, A. McKegg, E. G. Seeker, and Major R. U. liardie Committee: Messrs. A. J. Eising, 11. Palmer, E. G. Spraggoii, M. 11. Oram, B. Clift, C. Eabone, J. W. Jones, ana Miss Ulu Hancock. lion. Auditor: Mr. E. Grant Sim. Secretary, pro tern: Air, A, J. Eising. Treasurer, pro tcm: Mr, J. J, McDavitt. Life Members Proposing that Air. B. J. Jacobs be elected a life member of the society, the chairman voiced the opinion of members when he said that Air. Jacobs’ intimation that he did not seek reelection to the executive, had come in the nature of a bombshell. The speaker added that it would be extremely hard to replace Air. Jacobs and that it was essential that record cf the members’ appreciation of his lung and magnificent work on behalf of the society' be made.

Mr. Cousins, who seconded (lie motion, said: “Perhaps few realise the time Air. Jacobs has devote 1 to the affairs of the society and tin work he has done in its behalf. I am quite sure that when it becomes known that Air. Jacobs has relinquished office, the news will be eceived with general re-gret,-particularly' by the older members of the society, which, under Ills uGle guidance, lias become one of the best in the Dominion." The motion was carried by acclamation.

Returning thanks for tlic honour, Air. Jacobs explained that he had not required such an expression of goodwill from the members and lie assured them that'lie was punishing himself by the stand he had been compelled -ike.

Another valued member who did not seek appointment to the executive was Mrs. A. E. Ilauscl, and she, also, was elected a life member, the chairman making eulogistic reference to her association with the society, remarking that she had undertaken difficult work but that she had come through with credit to herself and the society. (Applause.) Air. Seeker, endorsing the chairman’s remarks, added that he could think of no more fitting tribute to Airs. Hansel’s work than (he one proposed by Air. AlcDavitt.

The proposal was enthusiastically adopted. Mrs. Hansel, feelingly returning thanks, said her association with tho society, which dated back to 1020, hud been a very happy' one.

Votes of thanks were accorded Mrs. Clift, for Her work in connection with the orchestra, and to Mr. F. A. Cousins, the society’s able producer and stage manager.

Speaking of Mr. Cousins’ work, Air. Jacobs said, if there is one man to whom wo owe the deepest thanks and appreciation, it is Mr. Cousins. Ho aded that few really knew the amount of work and responsibility that had fallen on his willing shoulders and few believed, when lie set out, that, he would achieve the success that he lias with the various productions. Air. Cousins had never failed to give of his best and no one was more responsible than lie for the continued success of tlie society. (Applause.)