CORRESPONDENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10131, 14 May 1896, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

SOCIETY Ob ARTS EXHIBITION. TO TUfi EDITOR. Sia,— sixteenth exhibition of this Society is now over, and to lovers of art it can scarcely be said to be satisfactory. Th« absence of so many former exhibitors is i thing to be deplored, and shows that a fueling ot dissatisfaction is abroad. I am not an artist, but from early childhood have been a real lover of pictures, and my object in now writing is to see if I cannot make a few suggestions that may he useful in the interests of art and of our Art Society, for it is to be feared that if something it not done, the present Society will soon cease to exist. I am, of course, writing as things appear to me, and trust it will not be thought that I wish to throw any blame on the present managers, who no doubt hare done their best.

The first tiling required to be done is to greatly enlarge the committee. There are enough, probably too many, artists on it already, and the new men should be all lovers of art, who do not derive any portion of their livelihood by painting or selling pictures. If possible, the president of the society should be an artist who is not engaged in tuition.

The secretary should be a man of proved business capacity and integrity. No exhibitor should be allowed to be en the Hanging Committee. On the exhibition just over, the paintings were so badly hung that dissatisfaction was almost universal.

It seems difficult to imagine that men claiming to be artists could believe they were doing right in hanging such pictures as I could mention "on the line,"— these would really have beer..- improved by being placed right under the cornice,—while works showing considerable fineness of finish were hung as high as possible, and surrounded by colours apparently intended to kill them. Indeed, the whole hauging was painfully suggestive of an effort to sell certain picturej rather than to promote art. All this was probably the result of haste and carelessness, but the result was none the less unfortunate, and it is tolerably certain that some of the best exhibitors will not be represented next year unless the management is altered. If art is ever to make real progress in Auckland it must have a permanent home, a building belonging to the Society. This should contain a hall where members could have their pictures on exhibition and sale all the year round, except while the annual exhibition is open. This building should also contain studios which for a certain period should be placed free of all charge at the disposal of any kuown artist visiting our city, provided, of course, he was prepared to give lessons. If a proper committee could be got together I do not think it would be difficult to secure the necessary funds. With a view to (riving practical effect to these suggestions I would indicate the advisability of throwing the next annual meeting of the Art Society open to the public. If something is not done, it is quite evident the Society will soon cease to exist, —I am, etc., Protiscs. Auckland, May 11, 1896.

OLD AGE PENSIONS. TO THK EDITOR,

Sir,—We are constantly boiug reminded of 1 the desire of the powers that be that the aged ; fathers and mothers of the colony receive pensions. I for one don't believe it. In my opinion it is simply an election cry. But old birds are not caught with chaff. The old age pension pure and simple is charitable aid, and before the aged poor are entitled to that they must prove that they are without friends and entirely destitute. I have no doubt if the present Government hold office many more years there are many worthy people who are bravely fighting the battle of life now, who will unhappily be in the position to claim the promised revard. When aged persons, widows, and fatherless children are interfered with in the prosecution of their legitimate calling through the Shops Act, depriving these persons of onetwelfth of their income, what faith can these people havu in the framers of such an arbitrary law? No, sir. When labour inspectors cease from troubling I will believe the Government are earnestly desiring to benefit the fathers and mothers of the colony, not before.—l am, etc., An Old Colonist.