AUCKLAND SOCIETY OF ARTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 7000, 24 April 1884, Page 5

AUCKLAND SOCIETY OF ARTS.

The fourth annual exhibition of the Auckland Society of Arts will be formally opened this evening, by His Excellency the Governor, who will deliver an inaugural address. The exhibits are more numerous than those of last year, and the " hanging" committee were busily engaged yesterday in seeing that the exhibits were properly placed. The exhibits from Chrietchurch only arrived yesterday, but that appears to,have been owing to the dilatoriness of the senders. On the other hand those from Wanganui, forwarded on the 7th insfc., only came by the Wairarapa. They seem to Jiave got very bad usage at the hands of somebody. Mr. Fownall's water colours, as well : as those of another Wanganui artist, are simply rained. Mrs. Ballook's portrait sketches for the exhibition have also received rough treatment. The packages have been oarelessly exposed to the weather, and apparently have been treated like ordinary cases of merchandise. This mishap will, r.o doubt, be a source of severe disappointment to those conoerned. To-night the successful competitors will be awarded the prize—Herr Schmitt's silver medal, and the two certificates given by Herr Schnritt for the best musical compositions. Judge Fenton and Professor Tendall, of Ohristchurch University, have been arjpointed the judges, and they are unanimously agreed as to the three pieces entitled to the prizes. Some of the pieces will be played during the evening. Any competitor will be at liberty to play his or her own pieces. His Excellency will present the medals and certificates, also the competitive medals gives, by the society. The doors will be open at half-past seven, and His Excellency will arrive at eight o'clock. The oils and water colours ara all in, and catalogues will be ready for insue this evening. The subscription to th<j society is £1 per annum, half of whioh goes to a chance in the art union,, and two tickets for the conversazione, admitting one person on each to the exhibition while open. Only two tickets can. be issued to each member. Members will be enrolled up ■■ to hour of opening, and so far. the accession to the ranks has been numerous. . ■:•■,.

The Artillery Band, under Bandmaster Hunter, will perform some choice selections, and some vocal music has also been promised. Permission has been given to Mr. Dallen for the sale of refreshments during tho evening. . ■ ; . ■ ■