OPERATIC SOCIETY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 24 February 1931, Page 3

OPERATIC SOCIETY

ANNUAL MEETING HELD report and balance sheet lhe annual meeting of the Nelson Operatic Society was held last evening. Dr. W, I). y. Johnston presided over a large attendance of members. It was resolved that the secretary he instructed to write to Mrs Rowe and family expressing tile Society’s condolences in the death of Mr W. J. Rowe. The annual report and balance sheet were then read bv the secretary. The report stated : Your Commitl.ce have pleasure in submitting their report for the 1930 season, which in some respects was most successful.

Hon. Membership ; The list, of honorary members now stands at 235, an increase of 59 over last year’s figures. It would be of great assistance to the Society to increase the number to 300 or 350, as by so doing the finances would have a steady guarantee. Productions: During the season two productions have been placed before the public—the comedy “Tons of Money” and the musical comedy “The Sunsnine Girl.” The committee have several comedies under consideration. and it will he for the new committee to decide, cast the same and put in hand immediately for production. The question as to whether the Society will produce another comedy towards the end of the year or a musical comedy as is customary will want early consideration.

Financial Position : The finances of the Society are in a bad way. We commenced the season with a credit balance of £4O 14s 7d, and this now stands at £3 6s 3d, while the outstanding debts amount to £lO3 18s 9d. The assets have increased by £23 16s 6d, which leaves a net loss of £ll7 10s 7d on the year’s working This is accounted for by the financial depression of tlie year, as the receipts showed a falling off of £316 4s Bd. The incoming committee will have to study ways and means very carefully in order to make up the deficiency.

FINANCES DISCUSSED A general discussion took place concerning the position of the finances of the Society. The decrease in revenue was attributed to the prevailing depression and the inferior standard of the Society’s latest musical comedy “The Sunshine Girl.” The expenses incurred in the' running of this production were of such a magnitude that the Society had received a heavy setback. The committee had given the question of the rent of the Majestic Theatre due consideration, and had come to the conclusion that they could not use the Theatre at the price which they had to pay while “The Sunshine Girl” was in progress. In regard to this matter, Air A. G. Betts, sem\, said that when various people had subscribed to shares in the Majestic it was understood that every facility would he given to the Society in helping them put on shows for the public, yet the rent of the (lioatre had risen io a prohibitive price, and now was compelling the society to look elsewhere for a place in which to show its productions. Apparently it lias been the Society s experience over a neriod of years that a musical comedy does not benefit the funds nearly as well as a straightout comedy, and “Tons of Money, _ a prominent production put on some time ago, had a marked beneficial reaction on the finances, just as “The Sunshine Girl” had a reverse cfiect. One member was of the opinion that the day of the musical comedy was past, and that l.h© Society should concentrate solely on comedies. A general tightening up of the methods of producing a show was desirable, said one member.

in regard to taking productions to Blenheim it was remarked that the Society this year was £IOO worse off than last year as a result of showing in that- town.

The report and balance sheet were adopted

ELECTION OF OFFICERS The following officers worn elected for l!ie ensuing year: President, Mr A. G. Betts, sunr. Dr. W. ID. S. Joluistou, in intimating that circumstances had compelled him not to stand for the office this year, said that his period of four years as president had been very happy and he would assure them that he would not lose interest in their work. The Society should, however, do more in the line of their own education. They were worthy of tlie keenest support of all in the city. He also was convinced that “The Sunshine. Girl had iallen very much below their goal. Vice-presidents, Drs. Beit, Jamieson, Jeffries, Low and Johnston; Messrs K. S. Booth, E. B. Moore, A. J. Glasgow, C. 1L Fell, T. A. 11. Field. H. CCock, W. Rout, G. F. Dodds, A. Gould, S. C. Levien. F. W. Hamilton, I). h. Edwards, E. T. Porter, N. V. YVotton, A. W. FiLzgibhon, A. ('. Rout and Captain Moncrieff. Committee, Mrs Moynihan, Miss Avdon, .Messrs Bird, E. Stevens, E. Allan, A. R. Kingsford, A. K. Griffith, I). Eckhoff and F. 0. Hamilton. Secretary, Mr A. G. Betts. Auditor, Mr S. G. Levien. Musical director, Mr Julius B. Leminer. Hon. piamste, Mrs P. Vining. Wardrobe mistress, Miss L. Hall. Property master, Mr \V. Beveridge. , t It was resolved that the ollice of piosident be a “rolling” one. Voles of thanks were accorded tlie musical director, the wardrobe mistress, the property master and the press.