CORRESPONDENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10132, 15 May 1896, Page 6

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE SOCIETY OF ARTS. TO THh EDITOR.

Sir.—Kindly allow mo to assure "Protinus thst, during the many years I have been a member of the Art Society, 1 hive never known the public to be excluded from its annual meeting; but, of course, it would be absurd for subscribers to be governed by non-subscribers. The subscriptions required are most moderate—los honorary, os working members—and if persons will not expend so small an amount annually to aid the Society their interest in the advancement of art must be faint indeed. The procuring a permanent home for art has engaged the astention of the Society for many years past. The Government would doubtless assist by giving u site, if any suitable piece of ground held by it could be discovered, in or about the city; for such & free gift has been made to other art societies in the colony. That being obtained there would be no difficulty, for a fitting building might then be erected atonce, either through a building society, by raising money on mortgage for the purpose, or in some other way. Can " Protinas point out any such piece of land, or will he assist in purchasing a site, by a money contribution? 1 have always been of opinion that artists should manage their own affairs, and during the many years in which I acted as President of the Society, I strenuously endeavoured to induce an artist to occupy the position; and I took occasion to congratulate the Society most heartily on this being brought about. All honorary offices should likewise be filled by artists; and, so far as I can judge, the present committee is sufficiently large for the proper administration of the Society's affairs. The president aqd other officers are, I would remind " Protmus," elected annually, and it any change in the governing body is desired by members, it can readily be effected. The suggestions made by "Prothus" are no doubt well inteutloned, but I cannot adopt his desponding views, or discover any grounds for thorn. The Society is not dead, or likely to be so; indeed, this year I understand it has reecived more than it* usual support.—l am, etc., E. A. Maokeohkib.